9 Terrific Hometown Tours
Milwaukee [1]
Historic Milwaukee Inc. Volunteers lead walking tours (and one boat trip), including a daily architecture tour that's a fun way to get fresh air during the work day. From $10. (414) 277-7795; historicmilwaukee.org
Why The architecture is interesting, but I'll remember the people and stories behind the buildings: territory disputes, the first white child (named Milwaukee) and the Polish immigrants who populated Brady Street in the 1800s. -- Manya Kaczkowski
Cleveland [5]
Historic Gateway Neighborhood Corp. Actors dressed as historical figures chat with visitors during free tours downtown through a summertime program called Take a Hike! On weekends, dogs are welcome. (216) 771-1994; historicgateway.org
Why Lighthouse steps (but no lighthouse) and the buried storefront of a 19th-century theater? Throw in a "chance" encounter with John D. Rockefeller, and I'm suddenly hooked on the city's history. -- Sarah Routh
Indianapolis [9]
Crown Hill Cemetery Guide Tom Davis, who leads walking tours on these 550 acres, calls this Indy's "people museum." From $5. (317) 920-2726; crownhillhf.org
Why You'll hear the stories of locals you've never heard of (and a few you have). Near gangster John Dillinger's grave, you'll see the resting place of a World War I soldier who died in the 1918 influenza epidemic. And he's the one who captured my imagination. -- Danny Lee
Crown Hill Cemetery [10]
Detroit [13]
Wheelhouse Detroit Hip guided bicycle rides offer an intimate view of the Motor City, with an eye toward the city's rich history and postrecession bright spots. From $25; bike rentals available. (313) 656-2453; wheelhousedetroit.com
Why On the Farm-to-Fork tour, we saw lush, verdant community vegetable gardens flourishing in the shadow of dilapidated buildings. What a powerful tribute to this city's resiliency. -- Emily Tennyson
Wheelhouse Detroit [14]
Columbus [17]
Columbus Food Adventures Five food-theme van and walking tours include a dessert sampler, a German Village walking tour and a taste of the city's best taco trucks. From $45. (614) 440-3177; columbusfoodadventures.com
Why Ditch your fears of "roach coaches" or language barriers, and learn how to order the amazing red enchiladas from Los Potosinos. -- Cynthia Earhart
Omaha [21]
Durham Museum Chatty, knowledgeable guides hop aboard Omaha's Ollie the Trolley (a local sightseeing staple) for five history tours that start at stunning Union Station (pictured at left). From $15 (402) 444-5071; durhammuseum.org
Why Seeing the stained-glass windows, variegated marble and stately porte cocheres of the city's grand mansions made me daydream about the glamorous events that once led stars and presidents to these doors. -- Tina King
Durham Museum [22]
Chicago [25]
Chicago Architecture Foundation Architectural river cruises (several companies offer them) are a must-do, but if you want to delve deeper, the CAF's diverse tour menu includes Skyscraper Express, Macy's on State Street and Downtown Deco. From $5 (312) 922-3432; architecture.org
Why Chicago is an architectural think tank, and every CAF tour reveals something I didn't know about: a Henry Moore sculpture casually tucked in a lobby or Louis Sullivan stained-glass windows casting colored light on the place where Chicago Gospel was born. -- Kit Bernardi
Saint Paul [29]
Summit Avenue Walking Tour This stroll takes visitors past the 19th-century mansions on a truly spectacular residential street. On Saturdays, a musician plays the vintage pipe organ in the James J. Hill mansion, where tours begin. Reservations recommended. $10. (651) 297-2555; www.mnhs.org/hillhouse
Why F. Scott Fitzgerald grew up around here. Seeing how his neighbors used their massive homes to show off their wealth and power, I understood in a new way his fascination with (and resentment of) affluence. -- Gustave Axelson
Cincinnati [33]
Queen City Underground Evening tours of historic Over-the-Rhine take curiosity seekers through the crypt of St. Francis Church and down a makeshift stairwell to a Gothic cellar that once kept barrels of German beer cool. From $20. (859) 951-8560; queencityunderground.com
Why Great storytelling backed up by extensive research (and the fact that you have to sign a safety waiver) makes it feel like you'll literally step into the colorful world of corrupt politicians, boxing stars, Franciscan monks, strong men and the first commissioner of baseball. -- C.M. Tomlin