Bucktown and Wicker Park’s 606 Trail: A Walking Tour

The Bloomingdale Trail was built on a former railway line that once served as the industrial backbone of Chicago's north side. On this self-guided audio tour through Bucktown and Wicker Park, you'll hear how the factories, immigrants, and artists who lined these tracks transformed two scrappy neighbourhoods into some of the city's most sought-after real estate. The tour starts at Walsh Park, the eastern terminus of The 606, named with a nod to Chicago's universal zip code prefix. Further along, you'll stop at the Damen Avenue Arts Plaza, where the Flat Iron Arts Building stands as a reminder of how artists were deliberately recruited to revive a struggling neighbourhood. The tour ends at Western Avenue, the longest continuous city street in the world at 24.5 miles, where the trail continues west into Logan Square and Humboldt Park.

1. 1

   Stop 1

   Pass by

   Start at Walsh Park, the eastern terminus of The 606, named with a nod to Chicago's universal zip code prefix. You'll set off along the elevated trail built on this former railway line.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   Pass by

   Pass Churchill Field Park, a green space bordering the trail's route through the neighbourhood. You'll get a breather among trees and open space before continuing west along the tracks.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   Pass by

   Walk alongside North Milwaukee Avenue, once home to a toll road torched by an angry mob in 1881. You'll trace this historic corridor that has anchored Bucktown's commercial life for generations.

4. 4

   Bucktown

   Pass by

   Wander through Bucktown, a neighbourhood whose boundaries mysteriously kept expanding through the 1950s and 70s. You'll uncover how factories, immigrants, and shifting real estate reshaped this scrappy patch of Chicago's north side.

5. 5

   Wicker Park

   Pass by

   Continue into Wicker Park, the neighboring district known for its artistic revival. You'll hear how artists were deliberately recruited here to breathe new life into a struggling area.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   Pass by

   Reach North Western Avenue, the longest continuous city street in the world at 24.5 miles. You'll stand at this sprawling corridor as the trail continues west into Logan Square and Humboldt Park.

7. 7

   Stop 7

   Pass by

   Pass Margie's Candies, a beloved neighbourhood sweet shop with old-school charm. You'll catch a glimpse of this local institution, a favourite stop for generations of Chicagoans.

8. 8

   Stop 8

   Pass by

   Spot Club Lucky, a classic Italian-American supper club steeped in old Chicago atmosphere. You'll take in a slice of the neighbourhood's mid-century character, still thriving today.

9. 9

   Lotties Pub

   Pass by

   Finish near Lottie's Pub, a longstanding neighbourhood watering hole. You'll get a feel for the local nightlife that has kept Bucktown's community spirit alive for decades.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.