Beverly/Morgan Park-based Untouchable Tours is preparing to celebrate its 30th anniversary as one of the top-rated downtown bus tours. With its distinct black bus and cast of theatre-trained guides, the company credits its success to a unique entertainment philosophy.
“The production level of our tour is second-to-none,” said co-owner Craig Alton of the theatre-on-wheels tour. “Our guides are talented actors who have studied Chicago crime chronicles and Prohibition society and conventions. They have truly perfected their personas and offer plenty of laughs while providing a knowledgeable voice on the rise of the Chicago mob.”
This formula has proven a hit since Alton, along with his sister and brother-in-law, Cindy and Don Fielding, first launched the concept.
The live action tour continues to sell out regularly and reflects an unwavering interest in Chicago mob history.
From Dion O’Banion’s flower shop to Holy Name Cathedral, the 18- mile journey takes passengers on a comprehensive and compelling trip back in time to Al Capone’s Chicago. Guides with names like “Johnny Three Knives” and “Matches Malone” provide multi-generational appeal to new and repeat customers. In addition to regular public tours, the company also offers private tours to groups.
“While we do go over some rather unsavory moments in Chicago history, the tone of the tour is still light and fun. We book many private tours including school-aged children as well as seniors,” said Don Fielding. “We felt it was important to reiterate how the ultimate result of crime is prison or worse. This is the reason we embraced the word ‘Untouchable.’ Eliot Ness and his colleagues did incredible work in ridding Chicago of Organized Crime. We wanted to tip our hats to them.”
With a three decade history of delighted customers, Untouchable Tours is now active on social media. “We always knew our passengers enjoyed our tours, but we have been astounded by the overwhelmingly positive and thoughtful comments left on sites like Trip Advisor and Yelp,” said Alton. “So many people have shared how much they love the tour and how eager they are to bring friends and family back to do it again. It means a lot to us.”
To commemorate its 30th year anniversary, Untouchable Tours is offering a $2 discount to Beverly/Morgan Park residents who book any tour online before June 15. Enter the code BEVERLY at www.gangstertour.com
