Hyde Park, Antiquity to the Atomic Age
Where can the mysterious wonders of the Ancient Near East, the height of American art and architecture, and the birthplace of the atomic age all be found in a few short blocks? Chicago’s South Side, of course.
Join Atlas Obscura for a history-intensive walking tour of Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood. In this guided walk, we'll marvel at its treasures and explore its world-changing history. Hyde Park is home to the best of human thought and art, but it is also the birthplace of the atomic bomb. We will see the homes of the bomb’s creators, where their work was done. We'll hear the stories of all that went into the bomb's creation, and visit the site of the first human-made atomic chain reaction as well as one of Chicago’s many disused fallout shelters.
Home to the University of Chicago, Hyde Park is among the most influential and complicated places in the world. A short stroll will take us from the stunning collection of ancient artifacts at the Oriental Institute to the soaring architecture of Rockefeller Chapel. We'll also travel up the Midway Plaisance, home to the seedier side of the 1893 World’s Fair.
Hi. I'm Matt, a member of the Atlas Obscura community.
Both Jack and Master of all trades. I am formerly a carny, commercial fisherman, not very intimidating bouncer, Hyde Park student and resident. I am currently none of those things.
For questions about this experience, please contact me directly through Airbnb.
There are 10 spots available on this experience.
Guests ages 18 and up can attend. Parents may also bring children under 2 years of age.
- Walking shoes, weather appropriate clothing.
Any experience can be canceled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase. See cancellation policy.
