distillery tours in chicago

Share this story

• Where to Find Savory Pastries in Chicago
• The Essential Pizza Restaurants in Chicago
• Where to Find Bagels in Chicago

10 Great Chicago Distilleries to Raise Spirits

From Malört to vodka, these tasting rooms bring the heat

• Share this on Facebook
• Share this on Twitter
• Share All sharing options

Share All sharing options for: 10 Great Chicago Distilleries to Raise Spirits

Seeing how a favorite spirit is made can be a thrill — and it’s even more fun to taste the distiller’s other offerings. Chicago is home to a number of great brands, from CH Distillery and its beloved Jeppson’s Malört to Koval, which, when it opened in 2008, was the city’s first distiller to launch since Prohibition. Here are eight great local distilleries to check out.

For updated information on coronavirus cases, please visit the city of Chicago’s COVID-19 dashboard . Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission . The latest CDC guidance is here ; find a COVID-19 vaccination site here .

North Shore Distillery, LLC

Established in 2004 by husband-and-wife team Derek and Sonja Kassebaum, North Shore Distillery has the distinction of being the first craft distillery in Illinois. Featuring a Tahitian vanilla vodka, multiple whiskies, absinthe, and even a seasonal curacao, their portfolio is impressively broad. Their Green Oaks distillery offers tastings, events, fresh cocktails, and snacks.

• Open in Google Maps

View this post on Instagram A post shared by North Shore Distillery (@nsdistillery)

KOVAL Tasting Room

The Koval campus has it all: tours, classes, a tasting room, and even a store where visitors can pick up bottles to take home. The Ravenswood mainstay is best known for its gin and whiskies: the bourbon is rightly popular, but make sure to check out the more uncommon millet and oat varieties as well. Specialty liqueurs like coffee, rose hip, and ginger mix things up a bit.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by KOVAL Distillery (@kovaldistillery)

Also featured in:

Where to Drink Outdoors in Lincoln Square, Ravenswood, and North Center

Where to Drink Along Ravenswood’s Malt Row

Judson & Moore Distillery

Judson and Moore, which just opened this spring, focuses on Midwestern grain-forward whiskies, and you can sample them at the handsome bar in the Avondale distillery’s tasting room. Tours are also available on weekends.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Judson & Moore Distillery (@judsonandmoore)

Maplewood Brewery & Distillery

Maplewood is best known for its fine beer offerings, but the Logan Square brewery’s spirit game is also strong. Their tasting room’s cocktail list features many of their spirits (though having a fresh pull of Son of Juice or Pulaski Pils on the side never hurts). Sometimes, they will offer beer aged in barrels that once held spirits and vice versa.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Maplewood Brewery & Distillery (@maplewoodbrew)

Chicago's Best Brewery Tasting Rooms

Killer Frozen Cocktails to Beat the Chicago Summer Heat

Chicago Distilling Company

Featuring single malt whiskies, gin, and even an absinthe, Logan Square’s Chicago Distilling Co. is owned by members of the DiPrizio family, who were inspired by their grandfather, a Wisconsin bootlegger who made his own  moonshine. There’s a tasting room as well as classes and special events like ping pong matches.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chicago Distilling Company (@chicagodistilling)

Rhine Hall Distillery

Run by father-daughter duo Charlie and Jenny Solberg, Rhine Hall specializes in eau de vie,  or fruit brandy. In addition to a tasting room, the West Town distillery offers classes, tours, and private events.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rhine Hall Distillery (@rhinehall)

Sign up for the newsletter Eater Chicago

Sign up for our newsletter.

Thanks for signing up!

Check your inbox for a welcome email.

Oops. Something went wrong. Please enter a valid email and try again.

Wolf Point Distilling

Wolf Point is a small-batch distiller that makes bourbon, vodka, and moonshine. While the West Loop space’s tours are appointment-only for now, its tasting room is open on the weekends serving flights and cocktails.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wolf Point Distilling (@wolfpointdistilling)

CH Distillery

In addition to owning beloved — or maybe just notorious — local spirit Jeppson’s Malört, CH Distillery makes Illinois-grain vodka, aquavit, London Dry gin, and more. Visit Jinsei Motto, a sushi bar inside the distillery, for fresh cocktails, or schedule a distillery tour and spirit tasting.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by CH Distillery Bar + Table (@chdistillery)

Marz Community Brewing Company

Though Marz Community Brewing Co. has been a player in the local beer scene since 2013, they’re the new kid on the block with regard to spirits. This summer, they announced their first three (Fellowship of the Gin, Bourbon of the Future, and Society of Vodka), which are starting to make appearances at stores and at Marz’s Iron Street brewery and Bucktown taproom. Canned cocktails are also available.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Marz Community Brewing Co (@marzbrewing)

Where to Find the Best Smash Burgers in Chicago

Where to Find Paczki in Chicago

Quincy Street Distillery

Quincy Street Distillery, a staple in suburban Riverside, is home to a speakeasy with cocktails and spirits, and interested parties can schedule a tour and tasting. Some of Quincy Street’s more unique options include a corn whiskey and Prairie Sunshine, a spirit distilled from mead made from wildflower honey.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Quincy Street Distillery (@qsdistillery)

More in Maps

Related maps, follow eater chicago online:.

• Follow Eater Chicago on Twitter
• Follow Eater Chicago on Facebook
• Follow Eater Chicago on Youtube
• Follow Eater Chicago on Instagram

Site search

• Los Angeles
• New Orleans
• Philadelphia
• Portland, OR
• San Francisco
• Twin Cities
• Washington DC
• Neighborhoods

THE 10 BEST Chicago Distillery Tours

Distillery tours in chicago.

• Private Tours
• Walking Tours
• Distillery Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• Near West Side
• Back of the Yards
• Fulton River District
• Southwest Side
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Chicago Weekend Explorers

2. Chicagoland Brews Cruise

3. Chicago Winery

5. Chicago Foodie Tours

6. Edward Eggleston

7. The Windy City Experience

8. Prestige Rental Cars LLC

9. Wayward Tours

10. 6 WAYS TO TRAVEL LLC

When we say "Made in Chicago" we mean it.

Distilled with Integrity

Our spirits.

Founded in 2013, the name CH refers to the great city of Chicago and the fundamental compounds in alcohol, Carbon and Hydrogen.

CH is Chicago's leading artisan spirits producer with an extensive portfolio including the only vodka hand-made from Illinois grain and a variety of core and specialty spirits. Milled, mashed, and fermented from scratch using only the finest ingredients, CH products speak to our core values: sourcing locally, drinkability, high quality, and value.

Take a tour of CH Distillery in West Loop and experience “The Tradition”.

Enjoy craft cocktails and sushi at our West Loop bar and restaurant.

Tours & Attractions , Food & Beverage Tours

Koval distillery.

Located in Ravenswood

• Share this post:

4241 N. Ravenswood Ave, Chicago IL 60613

Get directions

• www.koval-distillery.com
• (312) 878-7988

Tour and taste your way through Chicago’s first craft distillery since the mid-1800s. Learn about KOVAL’s unique approach to distilling while sampling the full line of award-winning organic spirits. Pre-register for tours online at koval-distillery.com.

Established in 2008, KOVAL has grown into one of the largest fully independent and woman-owned craft distilleries in the US, producing a full line of organic whiskey, gin, liqueurs and specialty spirits. Founders Robert and Sonat Birnecker chose to leave their academic careers to bring the distilling traditions of Robert’s Austrian family to America. In making this decision, they vowed to devote their distillery to locally-sourced spirits made from scratch (avoiding the common industry practice of purchasing and bottling pre-made spirits). KOVAL has since made a name for itself as a creative force in the distilling world, in part through its unique mash bills, but also due to its “heart cut” approach to distilling, which allows for the best expression of each spirit.

Embracing the grain-to-bottle mentality, each step of the spirit-making process is thoughtfully monitored: beginning with contracting local farmers to grow the grain, to on-site milling and mashing, to finally distilling, bottling, and packaging. KOVAL is available throughout all 50 states and in 55+ export markets, yet crafts absolutely everything on-site in their Ravenswood distillery.

Explore all things to do

More Images

Featured in

Food & drink , Nightlife

Chicago distilleries and tours.

Food & drink , Tours & attractions

Chicago craft brewery itineraries: ravenswood corridor.

Bucket list

The ultimate chicago bucket list.

Articles , Tours & attractions

The best things to do in chicago, chicago breweries, distilleries, and wineries your guests will love.

What’s New for 2022

Shopping and fashion

Shop chicago souvenirs and gifts.

12 Chicago team building ideas

Post-event edutainment

Explore hotels, flights, deals, and more

Plan your trip.

Chicago Newsletter

Stay in the know.

Visitors Guide

Start planning today.

Get the guide

Your Favorites

Quick access links.

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Six of the best artisan distilleries in Chicago

Chicago’s distillery scene has come a long way since the days of Al Capone, with a new generation of producers showcasing innovative spirits and cocktails on fun tasting tours

C hicago has got history when it comes to spirits. The city was a vocal centre of the temperance movement that led to Prohibition between 1920 and 1933, which in turn fuelled the illegal and widespread production of moonshine and rise of Al Capone’s speakeasies. Today the city boasts a booming artisan distillery scene, the new generation producing small batch bourbon and rye whiskey, botanical gin and vodka, and even mezcal, kirsch and absinthe. Many have their own cocktail bars for those who want to make a night of it after a spirit-tasting tour. Tours and cocktails are generally priced at $10 – here are six of the best to check out.

Maplewood Brewery & Distillery

The red-brick Maplewood Lounge has become a hot venue since it opened a few months ago – unsurprisingly given that it is run by Chicago’s only microbrewery-meets-distillery. The Lounge is the front room of a bigger production space filled with oak barrels ageing whisky and a hybrid pot and column still, alongside towering beer fermentation tanks. The young owners are experimenting with half a dozen single malt varieties, all influenced by their beers, plus a clear non-oaked rum that is perfect in their retro, but lethal, frozen pina colada, as well as a malty Brewers Gin. The whiskies are rich and caramelised, sometimes even chocolatey when using stout barley. Master distiller Ari Megalis says: “I learnt my distilling the same way we learnt our beer brewing – at home in the garage,” and while the whisky is excellent neat, it is difficult to resist the Lounge’s dozen creative cocktails, especially the old fashioned, which mixes clear “white” whiskey with homemade bitters and a syrup made from their Fat Pug stout. Tours begin in 2019, cocktails $10, 2717 North Maplewood Avenue , maplewoodbrew.com

Koval Distillery

A pioneer of Chicago’s reborn distilling scene, Koval was founded by Robert and Sonat Birnecker, fourth-generation Austrian distillers who have made an international name for themselves with their signature range of bourbon and rye. In the chic Ravenswood suburb by Lake Michigan, this is a grain-to-bottle operation: it deals directly with local organic farmers; carries out on-site milling and mashing; then small-batch distilling. Koval’s popular tours take place in the original distillery, now used for barrel-ageing, along with a tasting bar and alembics. You can pop in and taste any time, but the organised tour is the thing – guests are quickly enthralled by entertaining guide Emily Williams. After an explanation of the distilling system, the atmosphere gets lively as she starts serving everyone a good selection of the Koval range, using a giant plastic syringe to add a dash of theatre. There are cocktail classes too. Tour and tasting $10, tours Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, 5121 North Ravenswood Road , koval-distillery.com

CH Distillery

A popular downtown venue in the West Loop, CH has a lively after-work cocktail bar with a glass wall looking into the distillery, a menu of Cajun cuisine and regular tours. CH does not stand for Chicago but rather carbon and hydroxyl, the two fundamental compounds in alcohol, and its Science of Alcohol Tour goes into the alchemy of distillation, including tasting the deadly top and tail alcohol of the process (which is so strong that bubbly guide Myra insists is can be used as a cleaning disinfectant). After this, you’ll understand why pure distilled alcohol needs to be watered down to make it drinkable. CH made its name with unique craft vodkas distilled from organic Illinois grain, and five are tasted in iced shot glasses accompanied by rye bread topped with pickled gherkin. But the distillery’s founder, Tremaine Atkinson, loves experimenting, so it is difficult to resist trying the rest of the CH range: gin, mezcal and aquavit, bourbon and gin, plus offbeat takes on amaro and Fernet-Branca. Tour and tasting $15, Saturdays only, 564 West Randolph Street , chdistillery.com

A tour of Rhine Hall’s distillery is the chance to discover Chicago’s latest hotspot, Fulton Street, a 19th-century covered market converted into hip diners, bars, delis and cocktail lounges. The father and daughter team behind Rhine Hall, Charlie and Jennifer Solberg, specialise in fruit brandies, distilling pear, plum, and cherry (known as eau-de-vie and schnapps), plus an oaked calvados-style apple brandy. (Charlie got a taste for amateur schnapps distilling when he was a professional hockey player in Austria – Rhine Hall is the name of his team’s arena – and set up a wobbly moonshine still in his garden when he got back to Chicago.) Guests walk into a roomy saloon bar where there is a creative selection of cocktails made with fruit brandies, while the distillery is right behind the bar, where rock’n’roll master-distiller Pete mixes exotic concoctions like pineapple and mango brandy. Distilling is very much seasonal here, with most of the fruits coming from the Great Lakes region, though Rhine has just launched a beer schnapps, distilling beer from a local Chicago craft brewer. Tour and tasting $10, tours Wednesday-Saturday, 2010 West Fulton Street , rhinehall.com

Chicago Distilling Company

The sign outside this funky place says it all – Drink Local Booze. Right in the heart of Logan Square, Chicago’s nightlife neighbourhood, this place opened as a small garage distillery, and really took off when the distiller converted the front space into a huge cocktail bar. Local mixologist Noah Roberts creates a stellar drinks list featuring only the distillery’s spirits; gin, vodka, bourbon, whiskey and absinthe. The tasting takes place inside the distillery, where everything is done by hand, right down to sticking the labels and numbering the bottles, with owner Jay DiPrizio narrating: “My wife’s family is from northern Wisconsin, where everyone still makes their own moonshine. We got the taste for this and decided to start our own project in Chicago. We went back to school, got our licence as distillers, and opened up in our local neighbourhood.” Star of the show is their barrel-aged Finns Gin, made from 11 botanicals including cardamom, hibiscus and Szechuan pepper – a world away from standard juniper gins. G&T is served on-tap – and tastes much better than that sounds – and locals love the canned cocktails (more of an acquired taste) for Lake Michigan beach picnics. Tour and tasting $10, tours run most days , 2359 North Milwaukee Avenue, chicagodistilling.com

Few Distillery

• Chicago holidays
• Bars, pubs and clubs
• Food and drink
• United States holidays
• North and Central America holidays
• City breaks

Comments (…)

Most viewed.

• Organic Grain to Bottle
• Kothe Still
• Limited Editions
• Barreled Gin
• Cranberry Gin Liqueur
• Chrysanthemum & Honey
• Tours & Events
• Distillery Store
• Tasting Room
• Accessibility

Important Notice

I am i am not.

If you have confirmed your age and still keep seeing this message, please reset your cookie preferences.

Allow Cookies & Confirm

We use cookies on our website. Some of them are essential for the operation of the site, while others help us to improve this site and the user experience (tracking cookies). You can decide for yourself whether you want to allow cookies or not. Please note that if you reject them, you may not be able to use all the functionalities of the site.

North Shore Distillery

We are the original craft distillery in Illinois, established in 2004. We use great ingredients, creativity and skill to make amazingly delicious spirits with fresh, original flavors. Our mission is to inspire and empower you to drink better and reward yourself with the finest handmade spirits. We can host events up to 160 in our Tasting Room. It has a cool speakeasy vibe. It comes complete with a kitchen for your caterer’s needs. We can also offer Distillery tours, tastings and cocktail classes.

We can't wait to welcome the DNC to Chicago and the Midwest in 2024!

Stay tuned for additional information.

The 9 Chicago Distilleries: Where to Find the Best Cocktails and Spirits

Jan 22, 2022 | Chicago , city guides , cocktails , Illinois , ingredient travel

Some posts here on Cocktails Away contain affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you click one of these links – at no extra expense to you. Read more about this in my Privacy Policy .

If you visit cocktail bars in the United States, you have likely had a spirit from Chicago. However, because Chicago is known as the food and drink capital of the world , the spirits produced there may be less top of mind. People know about deep dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs, but are typically less versed on the craft gin scene. I visited the Chicago distilleries in August of 2020 and the Spring of 2021 to try some of the liquors of the Windy City. I also enjoyed a few cocktails featuring local spirits. One really fascinating thing I found was the variety of spirits these distilleries produce. With something for everyone, here’s my virtual and in-person tour of the nine distilleries in Chicago.

Original post from September 2020. Last updated in January 2022.

1. ch Distillery

Address: 564 West Randolph Street Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 4-10pm | Closed Sunday, Monday Distills: Vodka, Peppercorn Vodka, London Dry Gin, Key Gin (Lime), Rum, Aquavit, Amaro, Fernet-Dogma, Dogma Amargo de Chile, Dogma Bitter-Dog, Dogma-Rubin, Bourbon, Jeppson’s Malört Separate Bar: Yes Food: Yes Tours : Saturdays, 5:30pm-6:15pm

The visit to ch was a lot of fun. One of my favorite things about it was the complete access to the full line of the ch Distillery products. They have so many amazing things going on from their core offerings to their specialty line of spirits. In 2018, they purchased the company that makes Jeppson’s Malört, which is a local spirit made from wormwood. They also make the only organic vodka made from Illinois grains. I enjoyed the Butterfly Effect made with CH Key Gin, lavender, lime, mint, butterfly pea water extract, and egg.

2. Koval Distillery

Address: 5121 North Ravenswood Avenue Tasting Room Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 5-10pm | Saturday, 12-10pm | Sunday, 12-8pm | Closed Mondays Distills: Single Barrel Whiskey (Millet, Oat, and Rye), White Rye Whiskey, Bourbon, Four Grain Whiskey, Barreled Gin, Dry Gin, Cranberry Gin, Peach Brandy, Prune Brandy, Vodka, , Rye Vodka, Rose Hip Liqueur, Chrysanthemum Honey Liqueur, Coffee Liqueur, Ginger Liqueur Separate Bar: Yes Food: No Tours: Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday

As the first distillery to open in Chicago since the mid-1800s, Koval has made quite a name for itself. From their absolutely gorgeous label designs to the wide range of spirit offerings, it’s easy to see why. Among my personal favorites are their trio of gins and bourbon. I would love to get my hands on a bottle of Chrysanthemum Honey Liqueur! They have really led the way for the rest of the distillers in the city. You can read more about their story here .

3. Maplewood Brewery & Distillery

Address: 2717 North Maplewood Avenue Hours: Monday-Thursday: 2-9pm | Friday: 1-11pm | Saturday: noon-11pm | Sunday: noon-9pm Distills: Spruce Gin, Hellish (Rye Malt Whiskey), Sour Mash Pils (American Malt Whiskey), Rye to Perdition (Rye Malt Whiskey), Oaty Otter (American Malt Whiskey), Fat Pug (American Malt Whiskey), and Chocolate, Bitter Orange, and Pistachio Liqueurs Separate Bar: Yes Food: Not at this time Tours: No

What’s not to love about a brewery that is also a distillery and a cocktail bar? Maplewood brings all three together under one roof, and a patio. Located in Logan Square, the patio and Lounge are currently open for guests. The laid-back vibe is perfect for a sunny afternoon. If you aren’t quick enough to grab a table, they have plenty of items to go including a cocktail kit, bottles of their spirits, and cold beers. Fun fact, Maplewood is currently the only place of its kind offering brews and spirits in Illinois.

4. Letherbee

Address: 4200 West Diversey Avenue Hours: not open to the public Distills: Original Label Gin, Barrel­-Aged Absinthe, Autumnal & Vernal Gins, Bësk, and Fernet Separate Bar: No Food: No Tours: No

While you won’t be able to see inside the distillery, you can imagine the craftsmanship going on behind brick walls. With a unique line-up of spirits, Letherbee is growing in popularity. The company started from Founder Brent Engel’s hobby as a moonshiner and is now distributing to Europe. I love the creativity around their two seasonal gins that come out annually. They also have some uncommon spirits on offer. Letherbee’s Bësk, a Swedish liquor dominated by wormwood flavors, is bitter and perfect in the right craft cocktail. (There’s a great bar in Kansas City that uses it well.)

5. Rhine Hall Distillery

Address: 2010 West Fulton Street Hours: Thursday-Friday, 4-8pm | Saturday-Sunday, 2-8pm | Monday-Wednesday: Closed Distills: Apple Brandy (and Reserve), Plum Brandy (and Reserve), Pear Brandy (and Reserve), Cherry Brandy, Apricot Brandy, Peach Brandy, Grappa (and Reserve), Bierschnaps, Mango Brandy, Pineapple Brandy (and Reserve), Banana Brandy, Coffee Liqueur, La Normande, Fernet Lola Separate Bar: Yes Food: Snack boxes Tours: Yes

I think it’s fair to say that all of the Chicago distilleries are pretty unique. Rhine Hall Distillery is certainly no exception to this rule. With a focus on fruit brandies, you’ll find a lot of fruit-based items here that you won’t find anywhere else. Their cocktail menu features classic cocktails with their brandies as the base liquor. I had the Mango Daiquiri made with their Mango Brandy, jalapeño, lime, and tajin. The flavor was light and bright. They offer flights of their spirits as well, which is probably the easiest way to experience their offerings.

6. Apologue Spirited Liqueurs

Address/Hours: not listed or open to the public Distills: Aronia (berry), Persimmon, Celery Root, and Saffron Liqueurs Separate Bar: No Food: No Tours: No

The flavors of Apologue’s liqueurs remind me of SOM, non-alcoholic sipping vinegars made in Portland, OR. Apologue is working to bring more natural flavors and ingredients to liqueurs, which are traditionally high in artificial colors and flavors. With a delicious line-up of four flavors, the offerings are all non-GMO and unique. Using all locally sourced and produced ingredients, if you see Apologue on a menu or in a liquor store, grab some!

Chicago Distilleries Outside City Limits

If you’re visiting the city to tour the distilleries, there are three other distilleries just outside the proper city limits. But, if it’s anything like Kansas City , we claim the suburbs and their attractions as our own as well.

7. FEW Spirits Distillery

FEW Spirits Distillery is located in Evanston, Illinois, just north of the city. With a line-up of three products, I have definitely started to notice their distribution growing across the United States. They produce six whiskies and three gins. My favorite thing about their square bottles are the labels. Each of the bottles include iconography from the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. They are not currently open to the public, but normally have a tasting room where they also offer cocktails. FEW does offer tours normally as well. Visit their website for updates and more info.

8. Quincy Street Distillery

Quincy Street Distillery is situated slightly southwest of the city in Riverside, IL. They have a speakeasy (currently closed) as well as a retail shop, which is open Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Check their website for hours and updates. Quincy Street distills 16 different spirits ranging from bourbon to genever to moonshine. They offer tours and focus on historically inspired spirits based on classic and original recipes. I definitely look forward to learning a lot on a tour here in the future.

9. Skeptic Distillery

Skeptic Distillery is located in Melrose Park, IL, which is about 12 miles from Chicago’s city center. They make three spirits (shown above) and will have a whiskey on the market soon. Their unique cold vacuum distillation process is used for their vodka and gin and a unique product called GinQuila. Karl, the founder of Skeptic, told me that the latter product is definitely more complex than just mixing gin and tequila together. They describe their distillery as the intersection between craft and science. I am definitely looking forward to checking this Chicago distillery out during my next visit.

And there you have the nine Chicago distilleries. Looking for distilleries in other places? I have guides for Kansas City , Duluth , Charleston , and Oahu as well. Cheers!

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

No filler, just good stuff.

Thank you for subscribing, we'll be in touch soon!

Upcoming adventures.

Phoenix, AZ Oaxaca, Mexico Managua, Nicaragua Accra, Ghana Portland, ME Casablanca, Morocco

Recent Posts

• The 19 Best Cocktail Bars in Greater Kansas City
• 2023 on Rewind and 2024 Travel Ahead
• 3 Beautiful Blue Cocktails to Wow Your Party Guests
• The 51 Most Creative Gifts for Mixologists and Cocktail Lovers
• 13 Amazing Cocktail Bars in Singapore to Visit as Soon as Possible
• 10 of the Best Bars in Bali, Indonesia for Delicious Cocktails

Pin It on Pinterest

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

The 12 Best Things to Do in Chicago

Famously known as “the Second City” (meaning second in population to New York), I feel like Chicago is often overlooked by travelers. It sees a fraction of the visitors LA and NYC receive, which is a shame, as it’s one of my favorite cities in the world .

Chicago is chock-full of world-class institutions, Michelin-starred restaurants, awe-inducing architecture, and verdant parks. There is a lot to do here and the city has a really rich history. I think more people should visit.

Sure, the winters are brutal. But, come spring, Chicago blossoms into a dynamic urban landscape of street life, outdoor cafés, and sunny parks when locals take over the outdoors to enjoy the few months of nice weather. (I don’t think you can really beat Chicago in the summer.)

To help you plan your visit, here’s my list of the best things to do in Chicago:

Table of Contents

1. Take a Walking Tour

2. relax in grant and millennium parks, 3. take in some art at the art institute of chicago, 4. admire amazing architecture on a river cruise, 5. stroll down the magnificent mile, 6. visit the shedd aquarium, 7. take in some natural history at the field museum, 8. get a stunning view at 360 chicago observation deck, 9. feast on deep-dish pizza, 10. stroll the chicago riverwalk, 11. eat your way through the mexican eateries in pilsen, 12. watch an improv show, 13. have fun at navy pier, 14. catch a game at wrigley field, 15. feast in chinatown, 16. experience st. patrick’s day, 17. explore oz park.

One of the first things I do when I arrive in a city is take a walking tour. They’re a great way to see the main sights, get the lay of the land, and connect with an expert local guide who can answer all my questions. Free Chicago Walking Tours hosts regular free tours that can introduce you to the city. You’ll get to see many of the coolest buildings in the city while also learning about the history of Chicago. The tour lasts a few hours. Be sure to tip the guide at the end!

For a more unique tour, try the Gangsters and Ghosts Tour . You’ll learn all about Chicago’s dark side and creepy past as you explore the Chicago Loop. The tour lasts two hours and really talks about one of the pivotal times in Chicago’s history. Even if you’re not a history buff like me, you’ll get a lot out of it.  

Located downtown, these gigantic parks provide a great place to hang out, have a picnic, or go for a run. People play chess here when the weather is nice and, during the summer, there are a lot of free concerts and events here. The larger Grant Park stretches along Chicago’s waterfront, while Millennium Park is the subsection where the famous “Chicago Bean” sculpture is located. This iconic work of public art is a must-see. And, starting at noon on the first and third Saturdays from April through November, the Chicago Cultural Center hosts walking tours focusing on the art of Millennium Park. It’s really interesting. I love strolling through the park or just chilling here with a good book on a nice day.  

To beat the crowds, skip a weekend visit as the place gets packed. Instead, go on a Monday or Thursday evening (they’re open late on Thursdays). You’ll have the place virtually to yourself.

111 S Michigan Ave, (312) 443-3600, artic.edu. Open Thursday-Monday 11am-5pm (8pm on Thursdays). Admission is $32 USD ( $40 USD for advance skip-the-line entry ). Daily tours (included in the price of your ticket) are offered at 1pm and 3pm.  

Chicago is an architecture lover’s dream. The very best way to take in its famed buildings is via a river cruise . This way, you can sit back and cruise down the canals while an expert guide provides context for what you’re looking at. The guides will give you a detailed history of the architecture. Some of the buildings you’ll see on the boat ride include the Tribune Tower, 333 West Wacker, Navy Pier, the Willis Tower, the Wrigley Building, and Marina City, among others. All in all, there are about 50 structures to see on this fascinating tour, and I promise, it’s much more interesting than it sounds!  

Often nicknamed “Mag Mile,” this stretch along Michigan Avenue from the Chicago River to Oak Street is known for its upscale designer boutiques. In fact, rent here is the third highest in the US (after Fifth Avenue in New York City and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills). Even if you don’t want to blow your budget shopping, it’s still an experience to stroll along the avenue and take in the sights and the people, and enjoy the view of the Chicago River. There are several landmarks and attractions along the way too, including the 360 Chicago Observation Deck for expansive views over the city (more on this below).  

If you’re visiting the city with kids (or you’re a kid at heart), head to the massive Shedd Aquarium. It’s the third-largest aquarium in the Western hemisphere and home to over 32,000 animals. They have turtles, penguins, sea otters, snakes, sharks, and more. They really emphasize education here so you’ll learn a ton while you roam the different exhibitions. You can even pay extra to do things like feed penguins and sharks, and they also host all kinds of fun evening events (such as live music after hours). I absolutely love coming here. Just make sure to book your ticket in advance as they do get busy and sell out!

To beat the crowds, skip the weekend and visit during the week instead. Also, try and visit right when it opens (especially Wednesday-Friday). It’s usually quieter then.

1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, (312) 939-2438, sheddaquarium.org. Open 9am-5pm Monday-Friday (9pm on Tuesdays), 9am-6pm Saturday, and 11am-6pm on Sundays. Tickets start at $37 USD. Admission can also be included with the Chicago CityPASS .  

One of the biggest museums in the world, the Field houses extensive collections spanning anthropology, geology, botany, and zoology. Some important collections include the displays of taxidermied animals, a wing dedicated to astronomy, and fascinating artifacts from ancient Egypt. I recommend planning to spend at least 3-4 hours to really take it all in.

1400 S. Dusable Lake Shore Drive, (312) 922-9410, fieldmuseum.org. Open daily 9am-5pm (last admission is at 4pm). Basic admission is $30 USD . Special exhibitions are an additional charge (which varies), though you can get an all-access pass for $43 USD.  

Chicago is a skyscraper city, including a few rather iconic towers. Located atop what was formerly known as the John Hancock Building and now (uninspiringly) called 875 N. Michigan, the 360-degree viewing deck a thousand feet up and allows visitors to get the best view of the Windy City and Lake Michigan. You can even grab a pint at the Cloud Bar, which serves beer from Moody Tongue, a local brewery.

If you’re a thrill seeker and want more than just the view, sign up for Tilt. This part of the observation deck is where you can stand in front of a glass window, which then tilts forward, until it appears you’re looking directly down at the street, 94 floors below.

Just make sure to check the weather before you go so you will actually have a view to enjoy. Additionally, if you want to beat the crowds, come early (before 10am).

875 N Michigan Ave, (888) 875-8439, 360chicago.com. Open daily 9am-11pm (the last entry is at 10pm). Admission starts at $30 USD ( get your tickets in advance for skip-the-line access ).

If you really want to indulge, hop on a Chicago Pizza Tour , on which you’ll get to sample all the varieties on offer in town. Tours start at $49 USD.  

Stretching from Lake Michigan to Lake Street, the 1.25-mile Riverwalk along the Chicago River makes for a fun stroll. Along the way, you’ll not only get fantastic views of the river and city, but you’ll encounter a legion of waterfront restaurants, cafés, and bars. There’s a ton of public art and green space too (great for picnicking and people-watching). It’s the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the moment in this Midwestern metropolis, but if you prefer a more active experience, there are also lots of aquatic activities here too (such as kayaking or taking a river cruise).  

The neighborhood of Pilsen was founded in 1878 by Czech immigrants, who named the area after the fourth-largest city in the Czech Republic, where pilsner beer was born. The Czechs may be gone now, but today Pilsen is Chicago’s main Latino neighborhood, particularly Mexicans from the Michoacán region. Today you can wander the area, eating some of the best tacos while taking in the vibrant street art.  

The Second City is one of the most popular and well-known improv troupes in the country. It’s where greats like Bill Murray, John Candy, Catherine O’Hara, Steve Carell, Tina Fey, and Amy Poehler all cut their teeth. They put on regular performances and also host all kinds of special events. They even host workshops and classes if you want to give improv a try yourself. Just be sure to get your tickets in advance as the most popular shows sell out fast.

230 W North Ave, (312) 337-3992, secondcity.com. Performances are held daily so check the website for what’s on. Tickets start at $35 USD.  

600 E Grand Ave, (312) 595-7437, navypier.org. Open Sunday-Thursday 11am-8pm and Friday-Saturday 11am-9pm (individual attractions and restaurants may have separate hours). Admission to the pier is free, though attractions charge their own fees ( the Centennial wheel is $21.30 USD , for example).  

Home of the Cubs, Wrigley Field, on Chicago’s North Side, is smack in the middle of town. It also happens to be one of the oldest baseball stadiums in the United States (it opened in 1914). If you’re in Chicago during the baseball seasons (April to October) and the Cubs are in town, do yourself a favor and go to a game. It’s one of the most intimate and atmospheric baseball stadiums in the country. If the Cubs are not in town, you can also take a 90-minute behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium.

1060 W Addison St, (773) 404-2827, mlb.com/cubs/ballpark. Tour dates and times vary depending on the season (check the website for availability). Tour admission is $30 USD. Tickets to see a game vary greatly but start at just $10 USD (for better seats at a popular game, expect to spend closer to $80-125 USD).  

Bring your appetite to Chinatown, where you can feast on cheap dim dum, do karaoke, or relax at one of the many tea houses. One of the oldest Chinatown’s in the country, over a third of Chicago’s Chinese population lives in Chinatown, making it one of the largest concentrations of Chinese-Americans in the USA. Don’t miss Ping Tom Memorial Park, and keep an eye out for colorful murals around the neighborhood. Some of my favorite places here are Hing Kee, MCCB Chicago, and Phoenix. &nbsp

The tradition began in 1843, when Chicago’s first Irish parade was held, but it wasn’t until 1962 that the dyeing of the river started, at the suggestion of a plumber’s union, which is still responsible for the green river each year, though it won’t divulge its secrets about what’s used (it’s environmentally friendly, though). Take a river cruise on the emerald waters or snap a pic from the sidelines and enjoy. This is one of the biggest days of the year here!  

This whimsical little park, located in the Lincoln Park area, was created to honor L. Frank Baum, the author of The Wizard of Oz . He lived in the area at the end of the 19th century, and when the city wanted to renovate the park they decided to do so in a way that honored Baum’s popular book.

There’s a playground named after Dorothy, a green space called the “Emerald Gardens,” and numerous life-size statues of popular characters from the musical adaptation, including the Dorothy, Toto, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and the Scarecrow.

Open daily 6am-11pm. Admission to the park is free.

Chicago doesn’t get the attention it deserves. I think it’s fun and perfect for a weekend getaway. And you really can’t beat the summers here either. With lots of interesting museums, plenty of green space, and some great eats, Chicago should be on every traveler’s list!

Book Your Trip to Chicago: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Chicago? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Chicago for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

Related Posts

Get my best stuff sent straight to you!

Pin it on pinterest.

Augusta Distillery

People also searched for

hotels & travel

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

207 Seminary Ave

Augusta, KY 41002

Amenities and More

12 More Attributes

About the Business

Situated in Historic Augusta, KY, we are open for group tours and tastings, as well as larger private events. Stop by and tour our 44,000 sq. ft. distillery as well as experience a hands on barrel thieving & filling presentation. We invite you to join us for this unique barrel tasting featuring our distillery exclusive - River Proof Series. This offering is only available at our distillery and updated annually. We are working hard to create a Bourbon - centric ecosystem and atmosphere within our walls and extending throughout the community, and hope you will join us in the early stages of our renovations. …

Ask the Community

Ask a question

Yelp users haven’t asked any questions yet about Augusta Distillery .

Recommended Reviews

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Overall rating

The other people who were supposed to be in the group opted out of the tasting part of the tour, so my husband and I got a private tasting and tour. We got to pop the barrell and pour our 3 shot sized samples and pour a bottle to purchase. The bottle we purchased is only available at the distillary and won't be in stores for another 8 years. The tour consisted of a short movie and walking through the old factory and hearing about the future plans. Thanks to the local news for getting this story out there.

See all photos from Brenda H. for Augusta Distillery

We traveled to KY on a last minute. We Decided to try a couple tours. We booked with Augusta Distillery at the end of the day. We had a wonderful tasting & tour with our tour girl, Tracie. Just my husband & I got to pop 3 barrels and taste. We also got to meet one of the founders. We loved the history of the town & building as well as the bourbon. We will be back! We're excited to see when the construction is complete. Perfect day to be in Augusta(KY) the week of the Masters.

We even purchased 2 barrels to put in our golf shop. Mcgolf Custom Clubs.

Hands down, this was the most entertaining distillery visit I've had. If you haven't heard, Augusta Distillery, located in beautiful Augusta, KY, took home Best Bourbon in the World honors at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition for their Buckner's 13-year single barrel bourbon. That spurred us to plan a day trip to Augusta where we had a great lunch at Beehive Augusta Tavern followed by the distillery tour. You must book your tour since the big win has led to a massive influx of people like us eager to visit the distillery. Much of August Distillery is under construction and we got a chance to see the vision for a destination distillery that will be complete in about three years' time. Since there's not much to see yet, the owners are focused on the bourbon, giving us an unparalleled experience to tap three different barrels of bourbon as part of our tasting. There's a rye heavy bourbon, a middle of the line smooth and easy drinker and one that's a bit more posh. The presentation is great and volunteers from the tasting pop the bungs on each barrel and use a bourbon thief to pour their tastes and, if they want, ultimately pour a bottle to take home. The joy that radiates from the employees is palpable -- these are some happy people doing something they love -- and we caught the bug. Totally awesome, fun experience. There's a free trolley that runs every 15 minutes from Augusta's Main Street to the distillery. If you don't take it, it's a .6 mile riverside walk back to town. Recommended!

See all photos from Nanette B. for Augusta Distillery

We've been on a lot of distillery tours, but Augusta is one of our favorites! We've been twice so far. The tasting and tour are very interactive and so much fun! They let you thieve bourbon from the barrel and taste the unfiltered, barrel-strength product! The distillery is under construction, but it will really be something when it's completed. The history of the building and Augusta are very interesting. It's a gorgeous little town and well worth the visit!

Visited from Austin, Texas - was in the area for thanksgiving and made a special trip here because I'd heard great things. It didn't disappoint! Fantastic bourbon, great service, and a beautiful setting. I'm super excited for their future plans. I'll visit again! Thanks Augusta team.

It was a total ripoff. There was no "tour". Some employee just showed us some drawings of how the distillery will look in the future. No food available. I'm not even sure they had a bathroom to use because they had a blue portable one in front of the building. That should have been a clue..... I'm not much of a liquor drinker, so I don't have an opinion of their product. Didn't see much of a discount offered, if that's what you're looking for. Only reason we went there was because the other reputable distilleries were closed.

My husband and I did the tour today and it was an amazing experience. Anthony and Tracy did our tour, they were both very knowledgeable and extremely personable. The place is still under construction but they still did an exceptional job explaining the entire bourbon making process. When the construction is complete the place will be amazing. This should be on everyone's short list of bourbon tours! Plus the bar offerings were amazing.

People Also Viewed

Stone Brook Winery

Indian Spring Winery

Harmony Hill Vineyards & Estate Winery

Kinkead Ridge Winery

Camp Springs Winery

Augusta Irish Pub

Baker Bird Winery

Old Pogue Distillery

Camp Springs Tavern

O’rourke’s Pub

Best of Augusta

Things to do in Augusta

Browse Nearby

Things to Do

Other Places Nearby

Find more Distilleries near Augusta Distillery

Find more Walking Tours near Augusta Distillery

Find more Whiskey Bars near Augusta Distillery

Related Cost Guides

Town Car Service