Explore Chicago's Historic Prairie Avenue Neighborhood
Jenney, Burnham & Root, Cobb & Frost, Thomas & Rapp . . . Some of Chicago’s most talented architects designed many of the homes in the Prairie Avenue neighborhood.
Pick up a free copy of Prairie Avenue Museums & Gardens Walking Tour Guide at the Glessner House Museum Visitor’s Center, 1800 South Prairie Avenue, or print it from their website.
The guide includes a map and information for 27 significant sites in the Prairie Avenue neighborhood. In addition, the guide provides a summary of the neighborhood’s history, broken down into four periods: Beginnings (1812-1871), Glory Days (1872-1904), Decline (1905-1965), and Rebirth (1966-present). Please note that the Harriet F. Rees House (22 on the map) is being moved from 2110 South Prairie Avenue to 2017 South Prairie Avenue to make room for the new DePaul University basketball arena.
While walking through the neighborhood, think of what it was like to live in the area during these different eras. Imagine the terror of the August 15, 1812, Battle of Fort Dearborn; the elegant homes of the late 1800s; the exodus to the suburbs and the Gold Coast as noise and pollution increased in the early twentieth century; and the renewal of the area beginning in 1966 as preservationists sought to save the remaining homes in the neighborhood.
Need some music while you travel back in time? Here's a song to get you started.
While you're likely to be struck by the beauty and size of the buildings, take a look at the details. You'll see gargoyles, cherubs, terra cotta shields, and more!
For a sneak peak, view this Historic Prairie Avenue Neighborhood slideshow.
Deciding whether to drive, walk, or take the bus to begin an incredible day of exploration? If it’s convenient, consider biking the Lakefront Trail to the Prairie Avenue neighborhood and beginning at Battle of Fort Dearborn Park.
Enjoy!