About
1.5 hrs
1.25 mi.
10 guests
$34.99
Uncover Hollywood's sinister past in Chicago through The Wizard of Oz, cocaine movies, and gangsters
Meet up in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood for Dark Hollywood in Chicago, a 90-minute guided outdoor walking tour on the darker side of the silver screen!
A park inspired by The Wizard of Oz, homes designed by Chicago's leading architect, and a theater built for moving pictures seem friendly enough. But a closer look at these three Chicago locations leads you down a destructive path closely tied to Hollywood.
You'll start the tour in a neighborhood park devoted to The Wizard of Oz. Here, you'll learn about Chicago's connections to the beloved children's story. But also, brace yourself for untold, darker tales behind the iconic 1939 movie that will leave you shocked.
Your adventure with Dark Hollywood in Chicago continues as you stroll down a tree-lined street, surrounded by houses with a rich history that whisper secrets of Hollywood's scandalous silent era. As you explore these architectural gems, your expert tour guide who has a Ph.D. in film, will disclose mind-boggling connections to "cocaine comedies."
From there, you'll follow a narrow brick road. It's not yellow, alas. But look carefully as you walk, and you'll find written remnants of Chicago's past.
On the final stretch, your tour takes a thrilling turn into the heart of Chicago's notorious gangster history, seamlessly interwoven with the glamour of Hollywood's golden era.
Along your Dark Hollywood in Chicago journey, film clips, screenshots, newspaper clippings, and vintage movie magazines will transport you back in time, offering glimpses into the scandalous happenings of yesteryears.
Don't miss your chance to be part of this adventure in Chicago. Book your spot!
Movies/TV Highlighted
Public Enemies (2009)
High Fidelity (2000)
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Get Out and Get Under (1920)
The Mystery of the Leaping Fish (1916)
For His Son (1912)
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1910)
Tour Specifics
Start/End Points
The tour starts at Oz Park, 2021 N Burling St. next to the Tin Man sculpture (W. Webster/N. Larrabee). The tour ends at 2433 N Lincoln Ave.
Waivers
Guests must initial a digital general waiver of liability with Chicago Movie Tours when they book.
Parking/Transportation
If available, free parking spots run along the residential streets near Oz Park. Public transit: take the Brown Line or Purple Line to Armitage, or take the Brown, Purple, or Red Line to Fullerton. Our starting point is a 0.4 mile-walk from the Armitage 'L' station and a 0.5-mile walk from the Fullerton 'L' station.
Accessibility
All of our stops on the walking tour have sidewalks and crosswalks. We will travel down an original brick-paved road.
What to Bring
Please wear weather-appropriate clothing. Tours run rain or shine.
Restrooms
A Target store with a public restroom is near the start of our tour route.
Children
While this tour explores the children's story The Wizard of Oz, some content may not be appropriate for guests under age 13.
Photography/Video
No video or audio recording of the tour, but take as many pictures as you'd like!
Cancellations and Refunds
You may cancel or amend your reservation 48 hours or more before the tour departs. Read more Tour Terms and Conditions.
Private Tours
Yes, you may book this tour as a private or group tour!
The private tour price listed below is a flat fee for up to 9 guests. If you have more than 9 in your party, please contact us so we can accommodate you.
What's Included
Guided 90-min. outdoor walking tour in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, including buildings with National Historic and Chicago Landmark status
Expert tour guide commentary featuring obscure stories about Chicago's rich history and ties to Hollywood's scandalous past
Small-group experience (up to 10 guests) to generate engagement and foster a more personalized tour
Visual and audio media to enhance your experience
Plenty of Instagram opportunities
Mini goodie bags!
Reviews
Todd Miller
Dark Hollywood in Chicago
November 11, 2023
Sarah
Dark Hollywood in Chicago
November 1, 2023
Kathy
Dark Hollywood in Chicago
October 29, 2023