Chicago Portage National Historic Site Tour August 6, 2011

Friends of the Chicago Portage announce a free public tour of the Chicago Portage National Historic Site. This tour will be lead by veteran tour guide Gary Mechanic who will explore the “Birth Story of Chicago” from the geological 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 by all the early explorers, early settlers, and creators of Chicago. The Tour is approximately ½ mile in length on a gravel path through the woods and will take about 2 hours. Wear long pants and walking shoes or boots. The Tour will 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.

Official Website: http://www.chicagoportage.org