About
75 min
0.5 mi.
10 guests
$34.99
Join the only walking tour that explores the Midway's 130-year history with movies
Tour resumes Spring 2025!
Journey back in time From Fairground to Film Set as you discover Chicago's movie history in an entirely new way!
Step into the heart of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair as you explore the Midway Plaisance and its fascinating history. As you walk the Midway, you'll retrace the footsteps of millions who experienced a groundbreaking fusion of entertainment, culture, and technological advancement over a century ago!
Your itinerary on this 75-minute guided walking tour includes 5 must-see stops on the Midway and the University of Chicago's campus, each brimming with historic—and cinematic—significance.
Along the tree-lined route (0.5 mi.), your tour guide, a knowledgeable Ph.D., will relay little-known stories about the first cinema screenings, the first female action star, and a murderous cinematographer—yes, you read that right!
As with all of our guided movie tours, your experience on From Fairground to Film Set: Chicago's Midway, Movies, and the 1893 World's Fair will be enhanced with a variety of media: film clips, photos, screenshots, and vintage movie fan magazines. Also, exclusive to this tour, you'll experience firsthand how a 19th-century moving picture device enthralled early audiences.
So, whether you're a seasoned cinephile or simply seeking an unforgettable stroll through Chicago's cinematic past, don't miss your chance to join us for From Fairground to Film Set: Chicago's Midway, Movies, and the 1893 World's Fair!
Note: This limited Chicago movie tour is available on Sunday mornings to give you the most accurate and unobstructed view of the Midway's monumental sculpture Fountain of Time.
Movies/TV Highlighted
Loki (2021– )
Nope (2022)
South Side (2019-2022)
Flatliners (1990)
The Package (1989)
Sunset Boulevard (1950)
Chicago the Beautiful (1948)
Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
Sue (1915)
The Hazards of Helen (1914-1917)
The Horse in Motion (1880)
Private Tours
Book this tour as a private or group tour! The private tour price listed below is a flat fee for up to 8 guests. If you have more than 8 in your party, please contact us so we can accommodate you.
NOTE: This movie tour works best on weekend mornings to give you the most accurate and unobstructed view of the Midway's monumental sculpture Fountain of Time.
Tour Specifics
Start/End Points
The tour starts at 6016 S. Ingleside Ave, Chicago, IL. Please arrive about 10 min. before the tour begins. The tour ends at 6000 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
Waivers
Guests must initial a digital general waiver of liability with Chicago Movie Tours when they book. Guardians must sign waivers for children under the age of 18.
Low Attendance
To ensure we can provide a fun, engaging, and economically feasible public tour, we typically need a minimum of 4 guests. Head over to Tour Terms and Conditions for more on this policy, including reasons behind it and your refund options if, in the rare instance, a tour is cancelled due to low attendance.
Parking/Transportation
If available, free parking spots run along the Midway, Best Drive, and Payne Drive. For public transit: the Green Line runs from Chicago's Loop to S. Cottage Grove. Our starting point is about a 10-minute walk from the Cottage Grove 'L' station.
Accessibility
All 5 locations we visit have sidewalks, crosswalks, and ramps. The road we cross to visit Fountain of Time does not have a crosswalk designated for pedestrians.
What to Bring
Please wear weather-appropriate clothing. This tour runs in mild rain or shine. NOTE: Sheltering options are limited on this all-outdoor tour, so if the weather is too bad, we will reschedule.
Restrooms
A Jewel-Osco grocery store with a public restroom is near the end of our tour route. A restroom may also be available in Logan Center for the Arts, next to Midway Studios.
Children
Guests ages 10 and up can attend.
Photography/Video
No video or audio recording of the tour, but take as many pictures as you'd like!
Cancellations and Refunds
You may cancel or amend your reservation 48 hours or more before the tour departs. Read more Tour Terms and Conditions.
What's Included
5 must-see stops on the Midway and the University of Chicago campus
Expert commentary from a Ph.D. in film
Small groups to enhance engagement and foster a more personalized experience
Clips and vintage photos that enhance the Midway's film history
Demonstration of 19th-century moving picture device
Plenty of Instagram opportunities
Free parking
Mini (movie-themed) goodie bag! 💙
Reviews
Irene
From Fairground to Film Set
September 30, 2024
Halle
From Fairground to Film Set
May 6, 2024
Joseph
From Fairground to Film Set
May 5, 2024
