Chicago Portage tour August 7, 2010

Friends of the Chicago Portage would like to announce a free public tour at the Chicago Portage National Historic Site. 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. This tour will be lead by veteran tour guide Jeff Carter who will be assisted by noted Fur Trade author and historian Jake Ilko. They will explore the “Birth Story of Chicago” from the geological beginnings of the Portage to how it is still functioning in Chicago today. The Tour is about a ½ mile in length on a gravel path through the woods and will take about 2 hours.


All tours are free and open to the public.


The Chicago Portage National Historic site is situated at 4800 S. Harlem which is on the west side of Harlem Avenue (7200 W) just 2 blocks north of the Stevenson Expressway (I-55).Meet at the monumental statue of Marquette and Joliet and their native American guide at 10:00 am. Wear long pants and walking shoes or boots. Tour will run rain or shine and will conclude at noon.


(Friends of the Chicago Portage promotes the historic interpretation, ecological restoration and appropriate development of the Chicago Portage National Historic Site through volunteer advocacy, public events and other projects that raise public awareness of the site’s history and significance.)
Sponsor: Friends of the Chicago Portage
Contact: Gary Mechanic at 773-590-0710 or visit www.chicagoportage.org.

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