Viator Rating : 5 (115 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 7.4/10 (Solid Experience)
Chicago
Chicago Gangster Bus Tour: Crime History & Sites
105
Overview
Chicago's Original Gangster Tour by Bus takes you back to the roaring 20s and 30s, when gangsters ruled the city. This bus tour isn't just a history lesson; it's an entertaining ride through Chicago's dark past, led by guides who are also actors playing the part of real gangsters.
Expect to hear true stories of infamous figures like Al Capone, Bugs Moran, and John Dillinger. The tour visits the sites of their most notorious deeds, including the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. You'll also see the Biograph Theater, where Dillinger met his end, and Holy Name Cathedral, forever marked by a shootout outside Schofield's Flower Shop.
This experience includes raffles and prizes to make the tour even more interesting. It doesn't include food or drinks so make sure to bring your own! Reservations are strongly recommended to secure your spot on this unforgettable journey into Chicago's gangster era. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Safety (8 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Upsell Risk (8 - Transparent) : No upsells or hidden costs
Mobility (8 - Easy / Accessible) : Comfortable for most people
Guide Quality (9 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (8 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Crowd Density (6 - Standard) : Normal crowd, some waiting or tight spots
Logistics (7 - Friction) : Issues but experience continued
Pacing (7 - Uneven) : Inconsistent or mixed pacing
Instagram Factor (6 - Scenic) : Some good photo moments
Highlights
Relive Chicago's Roaring 20s: Hear true tales of Al Capone, Bugs Moran, and John Dillinger.
Visit Notorious Gangster Sites: See the St. Valentine's Day Massacre site, Biograph Theater, and Holy Name Cathedral.
Entertaining Gangster Guides: Guides are actors who bring the gangster era to life.
Fun Raffles and Prizes: Participate in raffles and win prizes during the tour.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers loved the guides! They say the guides are funny and do a good job acting like gangsters.
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Many people thought the tour was very fun and interesting.
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The tour gives a good picture of the gangsters' lives.
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Raffles and Prizes were a hit!
Some people said it was hard to see the sites from the bus.
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A few people felt the tour could have been longer.
The Journey
Biograph Theater (Dillinger Shooting Site)
Stand on the very spot where John Dillinger, Public Enemy Number One, met his demise outside the Biograph Theater. Though the original Biograph has been repurposed, the location on Lincoln Avenue remains a potent reminder of Chicago's turbulent past and the relentless pursuit of notorious criminals. Imagine the scene: the flashing lights, the swarm of agents, and the hail of bullets that ended Dillinger's reign of terror. It's a chilling but captivating glimpse into a bygone era of gangsters and G-men.
Holy Name Cathedral & Former Schofield's Flower Shop Site
Visit Holy Name Cathedral, where a young Dean O'Banion once sang in the choir, a stark contrast to his future life as the ruthless leader of the North Side Gang. Across the street, imagine Schofield's Flowers, O'Banion's legitimate business and a front for mob activities. This flower shop supplied the elaborate arrangements for many mob funerals. It was also the site of O'Banion's assassination in 1924, a pivotal event in Chicago's gangland history. The cathedral and its surroundings offer a fascinating juxtaposition of piety and violence, a testament to the complex layers of Chicago's past.
Know Before You Go
This experience includes raffles and prizes. It excludes food and drinks. Reservations are highly recommended to guarantee a spot on the tour.
Hot Tip
Bring a snack or drink since this experience doesn't include any food or refreshments. Wear comfortable shoes because you will be walking a little bit. Keep an open mind and be ready to have some fun with your actor-guide!
Review Summary
Customers find this tour engaging and entertaining, appreciating the theatrical costumed guides who bring Chicago's Prohibition Era history to life with dramatic flair and knowledgeable commentary.[1] The tour is highly rated for its blend of education and entertainment, with visitors particularly enjoying the visits to iconic crime sites like the St. Valentine's Day Massacre and the Biograph Theater.[1] The small group size (maximum 10 travelers) and accessible climate-controlled minibus transportation are frequently praised features that make the experience comfortable and immersive for most participants.
Frequently Asked Questions
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