Grave Robbing 101
Folk historian Adam Selzer knows (somehow) the tricks of the tomb-robbing trade. He’ll give you a crash course in the techniques of the 19th-century “resurrection men” who dug up bodies (for med schools) from Lincoln Park, once the city’s main graveyard. mysteriouschicago.com
Price:$20
When:Various dates or by appointment
Where:Lincoln Park
Pedway Tour
Chicago’s network of elevated, enclosed paths offers a new perspective on the city’s architecture. Second City alum Margaret Hicks leads groups along the labyrinth, everywhere from City Hall to Macy’s. chicagoelevated.com
Price:$20
When:Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
Where:Loop
Fossils in Skyscrapers
Move over, Sue: There’s a new fossil in town. In fact, there are hundreds—embedded in the stone that makes up some of the city’s tallest buildings. Paleontologist Asa Kaplan brings relics to life, such as Mesozoic sea lilies in Millennium Park. (Magnifying glasses are complimentary.) dabble.co
Price:$15
When:Monthly
Where:Loop
Sexual History of Chicago
Dennis Rodkin wants to talk about sex. Purely for educational purposes, of course. His two-hour Loop walkabout covers erotic pioneers ranging from Hugh Hefner (natch) to Alfred Kinsey to Ella Flagg Young. sexualhistoryofchicago.com
Price:$20
When:Saturdays from April to October
Where:Loop
Historic Bars
During stops at the Billy Goat Tavern and a speakeasy-turned-steakhouse, among other sites, you can peruse historical photographs while enjoying drinks and complimentary appetizers. (The leaders promise you won’t have to walk—or stumble—far.) chicagodetours.com
Price:$34
When:Thursdays through Saturdays from May to November
Where:River North