How long does it take to walk through Andersonville?

The main historic stretch of Andersonville is about six blocks long. A thorough self-guided adventure usually takes 90 to 120 minutes, depending on how much time you spend shopping or stopping for a 'fika' break.

Is Andersonville worth visiting?

Yes, it is one of Chicago's most unique neighborhoods. It offers a distinct blend of Swedish heritage, a thriving LGBTQ+ community, and a world-class dining scene that you won't find in the more touristy downtown areas.

Can I do this walk in the evening?

While the bars like Simon's and Hopleaf are great at night, most of the retail shops and the museum close between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM. For the full experience, an afternoon stroll is recommended.

How do I get to Andersonville from downtown Chicago?

The easiest way is to take the #22 Clark Street bus north, which drops you off right in the heart of the district. Alternatively, you can take the Red Line train to the Berwyn or Bryn Mawr stations and walk a few blocks west.

Is Andersonville a safe neighborhood for solo travelers?

Andersonville is considered one of the safest and most welcoming neighborhoods in Chicago. It is very pedestrian-friendly and busy with locals throughout the day and evening.

What should I buy in Andersonville?

Look for traditional Swedish items like Dala horses at the museum, local artisan jewelry at the Galleria, or a loaf of sourdough from Lost Larson. The neighborhood is famous for its lack of chain stores, so almost everything you buy is unique.

Are there public restrooms along the walking route?

Public facilities are limited, but restrooms are available for customers at the Swedish American Museum, bakeries like Lost Larson, and the various bars and restaurants along Clark Street.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Discover the unique blend of Nordic heritage and modern Chicago spirit on this self-guided walk through Andersonville. Originally a sleepy enclave for Swedish immigrants fleeing the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, this North Side neighborhood has evolved into one of the city’s most vibrant, inclusive, and independent-minded districts. As you begin your self-guided adventure on North Clark Street, you will notice the Swedish flags and the iconic blue-and-yellow water tower that still pays homage to the area’s roots. This route is designed to immerse you in a neighborhood that famously resisted the influx of big-box chains, opting instead for a 'shop local' ethos that supports family-owned bakeries, artisan markets, and historic taverns. Throughout this neighborhood stroll, you will explore the layers of history that make Andersonville special. From the Swedish American Museum, which anchors the community's cultural identity, to the legendary Simon’s Tavern, where the scent of spiced glogg has filled the air for decades, the past is always present. But this walking route also highlights Andersonville’s role as a progressive hub. You will visit Women & Children First, one of the nation's most influential feminist bookstores, and the Andersonville Galleria, a multi-level showcase for hundreds of local makers. This variety is what makes a walking tour Chicago experience so rewarding; you can transition from a traditional Scandinavian pastry shop to a world-class Belgian beer bar in just a few blocks. Whether you are a local looking to rediscover a favorite haunt or a visitor seeking a travel experience off the beaten path, this audio walk offers the flexibility to explore at your own pace. You can linger over a cardamom bun at Lost Larson or spend extra time browsing the curated stalls of the Galleria without the pressure of a group schedule. By the time you reach the final stop, you will understand why Andersonville is consistently ranked as one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world—a place where history is celebrated, and the local community is the heart of everything. **Note:** This area is known for its ever-changing character. Street art, pop-up venues, and temporary exhibitions may differ from what's described. That's part of the adventure - you might discover something entirely new!

Highlights

The iconic Swedish American Museum and its historic water tower

Simon’s Tavern, a legendary former speakeasy famous for its glogg

Women & Children First, one of the country's leading feminist bookstores

Andersonville Galleria’s three floors of local artisan goods

Scandinavian-inspired pastries and modern baking at Lost Larson

The extensive Belgian beer list at the historic Hopleaf bar

Tour Stops (6)

Swedish American Museum

Start your self-guided walk at the Swedish American Museum, the cultural heart of Andersonville since 1976. This museum serves as a gateway to the neighborhood's past, chronicling the journey of Swedish immigrants who settled here in the late 19th century. Take a look at the facade; the museum is easily identified by the massive water tower painted with the Swedish flag, a symbol of community pride. Inside, exhibits often range from traditional folk art to the stories of the families who built the businesses along Clark Street. Even if you don't enter the galleries, the museum store is a treasure trove of Scandinavian design and 'Dala' horses, providing a perfect introduction to the Nordic influence you will see throughout the day.

Simon's Tavern

Just a few doors down, you’ll find Simon’s Tavern, a neighborhood institution that has been serving locals since the 1930s. Originally a basement speakeasy during Prohibition, it was opened by Simon Lundberg once the laws changed. The neon sign outside is a Chicago landmark in its own right. Inside, the dim lighting and wood-paneled walls evoke a bygone era. Simon’s is most famous for its 'glogg'—a traditional Swedish mulled wine. While the recipe is a closely guarded secret, the smell of cinnamon and spices is unmistakable. It’s a place where the history of the neighborhood is etched into the bar top, and a great spot to imagine the lively conversations of Swedish workmen from decades ago.

Women & Children First

As you continue north, stop at Women & Children First, one of the largest feminist bookstores in the United States. Founded in 1979, this shop moved to Andersonville in 1990 and became a cornerstone of the neighborhood's progressive and LGBTQ+-friendly identity. The store houses over 30,000 volumes by and about women, as well as an extensive children's section and a deep collection of LGBTQ+ literature. It is more than just a retail space; it’s a community hub that hosts frequent readings and activist meetings. The curated staff picks and inclusive atmosphere make it an essential stop for anyone looking to understand the modern, intellectual soul of Andersonville.

Andersonville Galleria

Across the street, step into the Andersonville Galleria. This massive space is the ultimate expression of the neighborhood’s commitment to independent business. Rather than one single store, the Galleria houses over 100 individual vendors across several floors. You’ll find everything here from handmade jewelry and local apparel to gourmet food items and vintage photography. It is a revolving door of Chicago’s creative talent, and because the inventory changes so frequently, there is always something new to discover. It’s the perfect place to pick up a truly unique souvenir that directly supports a local artist, reflecting the neighborhood's long-standing 'Shop Andersonville' movement.

Lost Larson (Andersonville)

For a taste of modern Scandinavia, pause at Lost Larson. Named after the owner’s grandfather, this bakery and cafe blends traditional Swedish techniques with high-end pastry artistry. The interior is bright and minimalist, mirroring the aesthetic of Stockholm or Copenhagen. While they offer a full range of breads and sweets, the cardamom buns—or 'kardemummabullar'—are the standout. These twisted, aromatic pastries are a staple of Swedish 'fika' culture, the practice of taking a break for coffee and a treat. Whether you grab a seat in the back or take your pastry to go, Lost Larson represents the new generation of Swedish influence in the neighborhood.

Hopleaf

Your neighborhood stroll concludes at Hopleaf, a bar that helped spark the North Side’s craft beer revolution. Since 1992, Hopleaf has been famous for its massive selection of Belgian ales and its strictly 'no kids, no TVs' policy, which encourages conversation and slow sipping. The bar’s success was a major catalyst for the revitalization of the northern end of Clark Street. If you’re hungry, their steamed mussels and frites are legendary. It’s the perfect place to sit back and reflect on the history you’ve walked through, from 19th-century immigration to the modern-day artisans who keep this neighborhood one of Chicago's most beloved destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk along North Clark Street is the best way to see the neighborhood. It allows you to visit the Swedish American Museum, explore the local boutiques like the Galleria, and stop for food at Hopleaf at your own pace.