Chicago Elevated

Hi! I’m Margaret Hicks – tour guide, improviser and lover of all things Chicago.

I grew up in the suburbs, in my book, that counts as “growing up in Chicago.”

I spent my childhood roaming the streets of Chicago with my father who lived in what is now called “The Viagra Triangle.” By the way, this nickname would have rocked my father to the core, it’s a good thing he never had to experience it!

After college I did what most do, I moved to Wrigleyville. An exciting and interesting place, until it isn’t. I mucked around a few years, performing at improv theaters in the city, Second City, The Annoyance, I.O., any bar that had anything resembling a stage – I was on it….dancing…naked. Kidding.

I got the chance in 2000 to move to New York City. And although I was excited, what hit me like a ton of bricks, was just how much I was going to miss my city. And in classic Margaret style, I made this realization the second the plane took off. Brilliance. I gave it my best shot, but after a year I moved home. I kissed Chicago (not literally! Yeesh) and that was when I started working in conjunction with the city I love.

I began the docent program at the Chicago Architecture Foundation, I started giving walking tours and river cruises and I knew I had found a way to pay back the city I loved so much.

In 2008 I lost my job in real estate development….is anyone surprised by that statement? And figured I was a much better tour guide than I was a secretary and I started Chicago Elevated.

Here’s the thing, I love what I do. I’ve been a tour guide now in one way or another for almost 6 years and no matter how I feel, or what’s going on in my life, meeting great people and showing them this fantastic city, makes me feel great. I’ve met the best people, learned the greatest things and I’m so happy I get to share that.

Now Chicago Elevated is dedicated to bringing you fun (and funny, I am a comedian as you might remember), affordable, Chicago walking tours. I also love giving customized tours and private tours of Chicago.

To brag a bit, two of my tours were named the Top Tours in Chicago by Time Out Magazine. You might have seen me on 190 North, or in The Guardian, or WLS with Judy Tsu!

If you’re interested in learning more, come on one of my tours, they’re a riot, I promise. If you’re interested in giving me what for, please come back, this page is under construction.