Old Town is a charming and historic neighborhood on Chicago’s North Side, known for its Victorian-era architecture, tree-lined streets, and a mix of boutique shops, cozy cafes and classic pubs. It is also the home of the famous comedy club the Second City!

ArtsPass Partners in Old Town

1. The Chicago History Museum [1601 N Clark St] is a museum with the mission of sharing Chicago’s stories to touch the lives of all Chicagoans and help them make meaningful and personal connections to history. They are situated at the southern most end of Lincoln Park and offer $17 admission to student with valid student ID.

2. The Second City [230 W North Ave] offers the best in Chicago comedy every night of the week! Since their modest beginnings on the UChicago campus, the Second City has established itself as a Chicago landmark and a national treasure. They offer 15% off for Level 1 Classes and show tickets to students. They are definitely a must see spot in Chicago!

3. International Museum of Surgical Science [1524 N Lakeshore Dr.] , a division of the International College of Surgeons (ICS), maintains over 10,000 square feet of public galleries committed to the history of surgery, and a magnificent permanent collection of art and artifacts from the history of medicine. They offer a special student discount to UChicago students of $15 admission (only available at the front admission desk with a UChicago student ID). They also offer free admission the first Tuesday of every month from 5pm to 8pm.

To learn more about the latest shows and training opportunities at the Second City click here, to learn more about visiting the Chicago History Museum click here, and to learn more about visiting the International Museum of Surgical Science click here.

Easiest Ways to Get There:

With UPass:

1. Catch the 6 Bus at one of the multiple stops along Stony Island Ave [The closest stops to campus are: Stony Island Ave & 60th St, Stony Island Ave & 59th St, 5800 S Stony Island, and Stony Island Ave & 57th St] until the Michigan & Randolph stop. Then catch the 151 bus from Michigan & Randolph to Stockton & LaSalle, and walk to your chosen destination.

2. On weekday mornings and afternoons you can catch the 2 Bus at any of the stops along E 60th St [There is a stop in front of BJ/South, as well as one in front of Logan Center!], then get off at the Michigan & Grand stop. Then exit the bus and catch the 151 bus at the same bus stop to Stockton & LaSalle and walk to your chosen destination.

3. Take the 59 bus, 55 bus or UGo Red Line/Arts Block Route Shuttle to the Garfield Red Line stop. Then board the train going in the direction of Howard to Clark/Division. Then exit the train station and walk to your destination. [About 4 blocks]

With Metra:

• Catch the Metra at one of the three Metra Electric stops close that are close to campus [51st, 53rd St/Hyde Park, 55th - 56th - 57th St, and 59th St, University of Chicago] and ride the train until the Millennium Station stop. From there leave the station and catch the 151 bus from Michigan & Randolph to Stockton & LaSalle, and walk the rest of the way.

Other Things to Explore in this Area:

• Take a walk through Lincoln Park

• Visit the Lincoln Park Zoo! [Free admission]

• If you are feeling up for a long walk you can also go north up the park and visit the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum ($10)

• Take a walk through the neighborhoods and discover the house with a duck pond in the front yard

Restaurants for After/During Your Visit

For restaurants in Old Town I suggest you take a walk down N Wells St & W North Ave for good food and nice pubs! Some notable restaurants are:

1. Topo Gigio [1516 N Wells St] for some delicious Italian cuisine

2. Woodie’s Flat [1535 N Wells St] for amazing chicken wings