Saturday November 7, 2009
10:00 am - 12:00 noon

The Discovery of Chicago Tour 

Friends of the Chicago Portage would like to announce their final 2009 tour of the Chicago Portage National Historic Site. This tour will be lead by veteran tour guide Gary Mechanic. We will explore the “Birth Story” of Chicago from the geologic beginnings of the Portage to how it is still functioning in Chicago today. One of only two National Historic Sites in Illinois, the Chicago Portage National Historic Site is the only place where you can stand on the same ground walked upon by all the explorers, early settlers and creators of Chicago. Tours are approximately a 1/2 mile in length on a gravel path through the woods and take about two hours.  Wear long pants and walking shoes or boots.  Tours run rain or shine.  

The late Tribune columnist John Husar, after touring the site called it: “Our sacred ground”.  It is certainly Chicago’s “Plymouth Rock”. 

All tours are free and open to the public. 

Location: The Chicago Portage National Historic Site is at 4800 S. Harlem which is on the west side of Harlem Ave. (7200W) just 2 blocks north of the Stevenson Expressway (I55).  Meet at the monumental statue of Joliet and Marquette and their Native American guide at 10am.

Sponsor: Friends of the Chicago Portage
Contact Gary Mechanic at 773-590-0710 (cell) or visit www.chicagoportage.org