Workers Cottages of Oldtown Triangle Walking Tour

Ronnie Frey is a great, knowledgeable, and personable quide. This is the 4th tour I have done with Doorways of Chicago and I have enjoyed every one and learned new things about my favorite city from Ronnie.

Ronnie is an absolute gem of a tour guide! If you want to experience Chicago history without even a hint of dry textbook boredom, Doorways of Chicago is an absolute must-book. We have done a few of his neighborhood walks now, including Old Town, and every single one is genuinely amazing. Ronnie brings so much life, wit, and vibrant energy to the history of the streets. He has this wonderful gift for making you look past the modern facades and see the neighborhood through a completely different, much more beautiful lens. He really captures the electric pulse and character of these historic blocks, weaving storytelling with architectural appreciation in a way that feels utterly effortless and fun. You walk away not just deeply entertained, but completely inspired to get involved and advocate for protecting these incredible historic homes. If Ronnie is leading a tour, clear your schedule and just go. Five stars does not even cover it, and as a true cherry on top, I also highly recommend picking up his book Doorways of Chicago to keep the magic going at home!

I loved this tour with Ronnie Frey. We saw a side of Chicago new to me. These buildings began as worker's cottages in the 1800's. Now they are charming, elegant private homes and gardens. Ronnie knows his architecture, pointing out specific period details. He fills in historic details too, connecting the past to the present. I am looking forward to checking out his other tours.

Ronnie Frey’s Doorways of Chicago tour through Old Town was a fantastic way to spend an afternoon. The tour was a great reminder to slow down and really look at the details of Chicago’s world-class vernacular architecture, from humble workers’ cottages to the city’s hidden corners that are easy to miss at street level. Seeing the homes of Frederick and Charles Wacker standing next to one another was wild. Ronnie knows his stuff, keeps the history lively, and somehow makes you look at every doorway in Old Town a little differently.

Ronnie was a knowledgeable, energetic, and very entertaining guide. Loved seeing Old Town through his eyes and learning the history of my hometown. This tour was a perfect way to reconnect with my beloved Chicago after many years away, and to share the city with my partner and my friend. Cant wait to do another tour with Ronnie.

Thoroughly enjoyed this tour of the beautiful and historic Old Town Triangle! We learned a lot about the architecture, history, and personalities of the neighborhood. Ronnie is a friendly, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic guide. Highly recommended for both Chicagoans and visitors!

Excellent information, beautiful day, engaging tour guide. Overall excellent day in the city! Thanks 😊

Ronnie gave such a great tour during the Old Town Workers Cottage walking tour! Having lived in the area for several years, he shared so much fascinating history in addition to pointing out all the different architectural elements found amongst the various historic buildings and homes. I would encourage anyone to take this tour — locals or tourists. Such a great afternoon spent outside learning more about our city!

My husband and I lucked into a private tour of Old Town’s workers cottages. Ronnie is so knowledgable and engaging! Even though we’ve lived here for 20 years, it was fun to see the city through new eyes. We’re really looking forward to taking another of his tours next week!

This tour is fabulous! Ronnie is incredibly knowledgable and points out so many wonderful details about Old Town. 10 out of 10 recommend! So unique!