Private Walking tour of Historic Pullman Town

Join me on a tour of the historic town of Pullman and learn about the town and company created by George Pullman

Take a train ride* with me to the town of Pullman, home of the company town created by George Pullman in 1880 and now recognized as a National Park.

Did you know that initially, George Pullman did not want to build the town near Chicago?

This is a story of the American dream, a social experiment in company-owned towns, and the birth of the trade union and the civil rights movements in the USA.

On this tour, we will walk around the streets of Pullman together and learn why the town was created, its struggle to survive, its importance to the history of the trade union movement, and its impact on the civil rights movement.

We'll grab some lunch at a local eatery and discuss the lifestyle of George Pullman.

On the train ride back to Chicago we'll talk about what happened to the Pullman company and the subsequent struggles for the town.

*(Tour also available by car for an additional fee)

Join me!

ITINERARY

  • Meet at the north entrance to Chicago Cultural Center and take the train down to Pullman.
  • We can also meet at your hotel and walk/take a cab to the train station.
  • After arriving in Pullman we will spend approximately 1. 5 hours walking around the town. I will discuss the history of the various buildings and show you pictures of the original structures.
  • We will also go to the Visitor Center where you can use the restrooms and make a gift shop purchase if you desire.
  • After the walking tour, we will stop for lunch (optional/seasonal) at one of the local restaurants.
  • Over lunch, I will discuss the lifestyle of George Pullman and his family plus the impact of the strike of 1894 and how Pullman impacted the civil rights movement.
  • Once lunch is over we will take the train back to downtown Chicago.
  • **If you decide you would prefer to travel to Pullman in my car, there will be an additional fee, so please contact me to create a customized tour.

MEETING POINT + TOUR DURATION

Meeting Point Options: Rail or Bus Station, Hotel, Address or Intersection, Monument/Building, Suggested by Guide: The Chicago Cultural Center at 77 E. Randolph Street (https://goo.gl/maps/noQ9NY2A7QMQxV28A) Alternatively we can meet at your hotel and either walk or take a cab to the train station.

Duration: 4 hours

Weather/train schedules may impact the exact timings of the tour. Please build in some flexibility – I will do my best to make sure we stick as close as possible to posted itinerary.

TRANSPORTATION

We will travel to Pullman by train. If you prefer to travel by car – either your car or mine (BMW X4) – this option is available for a small surcharge.

WHAT’S EXTRA

  • Personal Expenses
  • Souvenirs
  • Food, Drinks, Snacks
  • Gratuities

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Guiding Services
  • Public Transportation Tickets

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