аÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û

15 Best Crime Tours in Chicago

Chicago has a fascinating history of crime and notorious gangsters that has captivated people’s imaginations for decades. The city became a hotbed of criminal activity during the Prohibition era in the 1920s and 1930s when gangsters like Al Capone and his organized crime syndicate dominated the illegal alcohol trade.

Chicago’s reputation as a hub for crime and gangsters is also tied to events like the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in 1929, where seven members of the North Side Gang were brutally murdered in a mob-related incident. The city was known for its speakeasies, gambling dens, and underground activities during this time.

The infamous gangsters of Chicago, including Al Capone, John Dillinger, and Baby Face Nelson, have become legendary figures in American history. Their exploits and the era of prohibition have been the subject of countless books, movies, and documentaries.

While Chicago has evolved and transformed over the years, its crime-ridden past continues to intrigue and attract visitors interested in exploring the city’s dark side and learning about its notorious gangster history. Therefore, in the article are 15 Best Crime Tours in Chicago

1. Untouchable Tours

Varanasi 52a2 – flying thrisul (23700142668).jpg , , via Wikimedia Commons

Untouchable Tours is a well-known and popular tour company in Chicago that specializes in showcasing the city’s rich gangster history. They offer guided tours that take visitors to various historic sites and locations associated with infamous gangsters, including the notorious St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.

The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, which occurred on February 14, 1929, was a significant event in Chicago’s gangster history. It involved the rivalry between Al Capone’s South Side Italian gang and George “Bugs” Moran’s North Side Irish gang. The tour provided by Untouchable Tours gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the details and aftermath of this notorious event.

During the tour, you can expect to visit key locations related to gangster history, hear fascinating stories, and see landmarks associated with the era, such as former speakeasies, brothels, and other sites linked to organized crime. The knowledgeable guides provide interesting insights and anecdotes, painting a vivid picture of Chicago’s gangster past.

Address: 600 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA
Hours:
Sunday-Friday 9 am–1 pm
Saturday 9 am–3 pm
Phone: +1 773-881-1195
Appointments: gangstertour.com

2. Chicago Crime Tours

John Dillinger mug shot.jpg, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Chicago Crime Tours is a popular tour company in Chicago that offers a range of tours focused on exploring the city’s crime history. They provide an opportunity to visit locations associated with famous criminals such as Al Capone and John Dillinger, among others.

Chicago Crime Tours typically takes participants on guided excursions that delve into the city’s notorious past, highlighting significant crime scenes, historic landmarks, and other relevant sites. The tours often feature narrations by knowledgeable guides who share captivating stories about the criminals and the events that took place.

On these tours, you can expect to visit places connected to Al Capone, one of the most notorious gangsters in American history. This might include locations like his former headquarters or sites where his criminal activities unfolded. John Dillinger, a famous bank robber from the 1930s, is another figure whose history might be explored during the tour. Chicago Crime Tours aims to provide an immersive and educational experience, shedding light on the lives of these criminals and their impact on the city. 

A 3-min walk from 875 North Michigan Avenue
Address: 163 E Pearson St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Hours:
Open ⋅ Closes 9 pm
Phone: +1 312-888-6224
Appointments: bit.ly

Read On 30 Infamous 1920s Gangsters That Everyone Will Remember

3. Gangsters and Ghosts Tour

The Gangsters and Ghosts tour in Chicago offers a unique and intriguing experience by combining tales of gangster history with supernatural elements. This tour takes participants to haunted locations and infamous crime scenes, blending the city’s dark past with supernatural stories.

During the Gangsters and Ghosts tour, you can expect to visit places that have a reputation for being haunted or associated with paranormal activity. These locations often include former speakeasies, hotels, and other sites connected to Chicago’s gangster era. The tour guides share stories about the notorious criminals who once frequented these places, as well as eerie tales of reported ghostly encounters and paranormal phenomena.

This tour offers a fascinating combination of historical crime information and spooky legends, making it an exciting choice for those interested in both Chicago’s criminal history and the supernatural. It’s important to note that the emphasis of this tour is on storytelling and entertainment, rather than being a purely historical or ghost-hunting experience.

Service options: Online appointments · On-site services
A 3-min walk from the Chicago Architecture Foundation
Address: 71 East W Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
Hours:
Sunday-Friday 9 am–10 pm
Saturday 9 am–10 pm
Phone: +1 708-239-8542
Appointments: gangstersandghosts.com

4. Haunted Homicide Tour

Lucchese Crime Family.jpg , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Haunted Homicide Tour in Chicago is an intriguing experience that combines elements of true crime and the paranormal. This tour takes you to locations associated with infamous homicides and reports of ghostly activity.

During the Haunted Homicide Tour, you can expect to visit sites where notorious murders took place throughout Chicago’s history. These locations may include crime scenes, haunted buildings, or areas with a history of mysterious and unsolved crimes. The tour guides provide detailed accounts of the crimes committed at these sites, sharing chilling stories and the historical context surrounding them.

In addition to the true crime aspect, the tour also explores the reported supernatural occurrences and ghostly legends associated with these locations. This creates a unique blend of macabre history and paranormal tales, offering a captivating and spine-tingling experience.

5. Criminals and Mobsters Tour

The Criminals and Mobsters Tour in Chicago is an immersive journey into the city’s notorious history of organized crime. This tour focuses on exploring locations connected to various criminals and mobsters who operated in Chicago.

During the Criminals and Mobsters Tour, you can expect to visit sites that were once hubs of illegal activities, such as speakeasies, gambling dens, and former mobster hangouts. The knowledgeable guides will provide insights into the lives and exploits of famous criminals, including figures like Al Capone, John Dillinger, and other prominent members of organized crime syndicates.

The tour aims to give participants a deeper understanding of Chicago’s criminal underworld, highlighting the impact of organized crime on the city’s history, culture, and development. You’ll hear stories about infamous crimes, power struggles, and law enforcement efforts to bring down these criminal networks.

163 E Pearson St
163 E Pearson St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Open in Google Maps

6. Speakeasies, Bars, and Booze Tour

Descendants of Gambino Crime Family 2014-07-15 20-23.jpg , , via Wikimedia Commons

The Criminals and Mobsters Tour in Chicago is an immersive journey into the city’s notorious history of organized crime. This tour focuses on exploring locations connected to various criminals and mobsters who operated in Chicago.

During the Criminals and Mobsters Tour, you can expect to visit sites that were once hubs of illegal activities, such as speakeasies, gambling dens, and former mobster hangouts. The knowledgeable guides will provide insights into the lives and exploits of famous criminals, including figures like Al Capone, John Dillinger, and other prominent members of organized crime syndicates.

The tour aims to give participants a deeper understanding of Chicago’s criminal underworld, highlighting the impact of organized crime on the city’s history, culture, and development. You’ll hear stories about infamous crimes, power struggles, and law enforcement efforts to bring down these criminal networks.

To ensure accurate and up-to-date information on tour availability, schedules, and any specific guidelines or restrictions, it’s recommended to check the tour company’s website or contact them directly. This will help you plan your visit to experience the intriguing Criminals and Mobsters Tour in Chicago.

7. Dark History and Unsolved Mysteries Tour

The Dark History and Unsolved Mysteries Tour in Chicago offers a fascinating exploration of the city’s enigmatic past, focusing on eerie tales, unsolved crimes, and mysterious events.

During the Dark History and Unsolved Mysteries Tour, you can expect to delve into the lesser-known and more mysterious aspects of Chicago’s history. The tour may take you to locations associated with unsolved crimes, haunted sites, or places with a reputation for paranormal activity. The guides will share captivating stories about the dark events that unfolded in these places, offering insights into the investigations, theories, and lingering mysteries surrounding them.

This tour provides a unique opportunity to learn about Chicago’s lesser-known secrets, uncover intriguing stories, and discuss theories surrounding unsolved cases. It’s an engaging experience for those with an interest in true crime, the paranormal, and historical mysteries.

8. Historic True Crime Tour

Genovese Crime Family.jpg , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Historic True Crime Tour in Chicago offers an engaging exploration of the city’s past through the lens of notorious true crime cases. This tour focuses on visiting historic locations associated with high-profile crimes and sharing the stories behind them.

During the Historic True Crime Tour, you can expect to visit sites connected to significant criminal events that took place in Chicago. These locations might include former crime scenes, courthouses, or landmarks relevant to the cases being discussed. The knowledgeable guides will provide detailed narratives about the crimes, investigations, and the historical context surrounding them.

This tour offers a unique perspective on Chicago’s history by examining real-life criminal events that shaped the city. You’ll gain insights into the motives, methods, and impacts of these crimes, as well as the efforts made by law enforcement to bring the perpetrators to justice.

9. Chicago’s Original Gangster Tour

The Chicago’s Original Gangster Tour is a captivating excursion that takes you back in time to the Prohibition era and explores the city’s notorious gangster history. This tour focuses on the original gangsters who ruled Chicago during that era, such as Al Capone and his contemporaries.

During Chicago’s Original Gangster Tour, you can expect to visit significant locations associated with the city’s original gangsters. This might include sites like former speakeasies, breweries, gambling dens, and other places that were central to the illegal activities of gangsters in the 1920s and 1930s.

Knowledgeable guides provide fascinating insights into the lives of infamous gangsters, their criminal operations, and the impact they had on Chicago’s history. You’ll hear stories of power struggles, rivalries, and the overall atmosphere of the Prohibition era in the city.

The tour aims to transport you back to a time when gangsters held sway over Chicago, offering a glimpse into their extravagant lifestyles and the turbulent times they lived in.

10. Devil in the White City Tour

The Devil in the White City Tour is a tour inspired by Erik Larson’s bestselling book, “The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America.” This tour takes you on a journey to explore the locations and stories associated with the events depicted in the book.

“The Devil in the White City” intertwines the stories of two men: Daniel H. Burnham, the architect behind the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, and H.H. Holmes, a notorious serial killer who took advantage of the fair to carry out his heinous crimes.

During the Devil in the White City Tour, you can expect to visit significant sites related to the World’s Fair and H.H. Holmes’ activities. The tour may take you to locations such as the fairgrounds, where you’ll learn about the impressive architectural achievements and the impact of the fair on Chicago’s history. Additionally, you might explore places associated with H.H. Holmes, including the infamous “Murder Castle” where he lured and killed his victims.

Through expert storytelling, the tour guides provide insights into the historical context, the fascinating characters involved, and the dark underbelly of Chicago during the World’s Fair.

11. Outlawed! Crime Tour

The Outlawed! Crime Tour in Chicago offers an extensive exploration of the city’s crime history, encompassing stories of famous outlaws, mobsters, and unsolved mysteries. This tour aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Chicago’s criminal past.

During the Outlawed! Crime Tour, you can expect to hear captivating tales about a variety of criminal figures and events that shaped Chicago’s history. This might include stories about famous outlaws, such as bank robbers like John Dillinger or infamous gangsters like Al Capone. The tour guides will provide insights into their lives, criminal activities, and the impact they had on the city.

In addition to notorious criminals, the tour may also delve into unsolved mysteries that continue to intrigue investigators and enthusiasts alike. These mysteries might involve unsolved murders, disappearances, or other perplexing criminal cases that have left unanswered questions over the years.

The tour offers participants an opportunity to learn about the darker side of Chicago’s history and the stories that have become legendary in the realm of crime.

12. Vice, Crime, and the Underworld Tour

The Vice, Crime, and the Underworld Tour in Chicago is an immersive experience that delves into the city’s history of vice, crime, and its underworld. This tour provides a glimpse into the darker side of Chicago’s past, exploring topics such as gambling, prostitution, corruption, and illicit activities.

During the Vice, Crime, and the Underworld Tour, you can expect to visit locations with a historical connection to vice and criminal activities. This might include former speakeasies, gambling dens, brothels, or sites associated with corrupt figures in Chicago’s history. Knowledgeable guides will share stories and anecdotes about the city’s notorious underworld and the individuals involved.

The tour aims to provide insights into the social and cultural dynamics that shaped Chicago’s vice-ridden past. It offers a chance to learn about the impact of organized crime, the efforts of law enforcement to combat it, and the overall atmosphere of the city during different periods.

13. The Chicago Crime Experience

Paul Castellano GX.jpg , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Chicago Crime Experience is an interactive and immersive tour that offers participants a firsthand look into Chicago’s criminal history. This experience aims to engage visitors through storytelling, role-playing, and exploration of historic sites related to crime.

During the Chicago Crime Experience, you can expect to visit various locations that played a significant role in the city’s criminal past. These may include former gangster hangouts, sites of notorious crimes, or buildings associated with law enforcement efforts. The tour guides, often actors or reenactors, provide engaging narratives, bringing the stories of Chicago’s criminals and the law enforcement personnel who pursued them to life.

What sets the Chicago Crime Experience apart is its interactive nature. Participants may have opportunities to take on roles, solve puzzles, and make decisions that simulate real-life situations from Chicago’s crime history. This allows for a more immersive and engaging experience, enabling visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by both criminals and law enforcement in the past.

Located in Streeterville
Outside: 163 E. Pearson St, Chicago IL 60611

OPEN: 8 Am-10 PM

14. Prohibition and Gangsters Tour

The Prohibition and Gangsters Tour in Chicago offers a fascinating exploration of the Prohibition era and the notorious gangsters who operated during that time. This tour focuses on the period when the sale and consumption of alcohol were prohibited and the rise of organized crime in Chicago.

During the Prohibition and Gangsters Tour, you can expect to visit significant locations associated with the Prohibition era and the activities of gangsters. These may include former speakeasies, breweries, historic bars, and sites connected to infamous gangsters like Al Capone, John Dillinger, and others.

Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the history of Prohibition, the illicit alcohol trade, and the rise of organized crime syndicates. You’ll learn about the speakeasy culture, the methods used to smuggle and distribute alcohol, and the power struggles that characterized the era.

The tour offers an opportunity to step back in time and understand the impact of Prohibition on Chicago’s social fabric and the lasting legacy of gangster activity in the city.

Read On Top 10 Facts About The Prohibition Era And The Organized Crime

15. Outlawed! Crime Tour

The Outlawed! Crime Tour in Chicago provides a captivating journey into the city’s criminal history, exploring various aspects of organized crime, notorious criminals, and significant events that shaped Chicago’s underworld.

During the Outlawed! Crime Tour, you can expect to visit locations that were central to criminal activities and learn about the individuals involved in them. This might include stops at former gangster hangouts, famous crime scenes, or places associated with infamous criminals like Al Capone, John Dillinger, and others.

Knowledgeable guides will share captivating stories and insights into the rise of organized crime, the prohibition era, the activities of bootleggers, and the impact of these criminal operations on the city.

The tour aims to provide an engaging and educational experience, shedding light on the darker side of Chicago’s history and the individuals who defied the law during their reign.