Life in Chicago is vibrant and bustling, but it’s easy to fall into a pattern of visiting the same museums, parks, and go-to spots. If you’re feeling stuck in a routine and looking for things to do in Chicago that are different, The Barrel Run is here to break the monotony. Experience Chicago like never before through our one-of-a-kind brewery tour, hosted on a prohibition-era-style barrel bus. Trust us, this won’t be just another average day out.
We understand that sometimes plans are spontaneous, which is why our public tours run nearly every day at various times. Whether you’re deciding at the very last minute or planning for the weekend, chances are there’s an opening for you to join. Flexibility is at the core of what we do. Just a few clicks, and you’re all set for an unforgettable tour.
Unlike the standard, surface-level things to do in Chicago that primarily cater to tourists, our tours are equally designed for locals who are hungry for something authentic and refreshing. We’ll take you off the beaten path to visit unique local breweries you might never have considered otherwise. More than just the beer, we unveil the city’s history through the captivating lens of brewing, blending storytelling with expertly crafted beverages.
The Barrel Bus offers more than simple transportation; it’s a fully immersive experience. Styled like a giant barrel with wood staves, copper, and brass accents, it brings the spirit of brewing culture to life. Seating up to 36 passengers, the bus captures the charm of the roaring 1920s while delivering modern comfort. From the speakeasy-style vertical door to lively guides sharing captivating stories, every detail is designed to make your journey unforgettable.
A Barrel Run tour is a headfirst dive into Chicago’s diverse craft brewing scene. Here’s what you can expect from our experience:
Unlike overpriced, short tours, The Barrel Run offers unbeatable value with over three hours of entertainment, education, and indulgence.
There are so many exciting things to do in Chicago; exploring this city shouldn’t feel monotonous. Let The Barrel Run reignite your sense of adventure, proving that there’s so much more to the city you thought you knew. From intimate local breweries to the rich storytelling about prohibition and beer’s role in shaping Chicago’s culture, this tour takes you off the beaten path. Reach out today to book your tour!

The Barrel Run is a great way to sample the Chicago brewing scene. The barrel bus is a great way to travel around town, and the driver was very friendly and knowledgeable. The perfect thing to do with friends…
Our team of 35 had an amazing time on the Barrel Bus! Ted and Denise were very friendly and accommodating throughout the whole process. Highly recommend for corporate team events!
Team was a pleasure to work with, the level of professionalism, responsiveness and attention to detail throughout the project made the entire process seamless. The team enjoyed the event from start to finish, great for team building.
Booked this tour for a bachelorette party for my sister. We had such a fun time! So much great beer was had. It felt like the perfect amount of stops and our driver was fantastic. I would definitely book…
I did a private brewery crawl for my birthday this year and The Barrel Run was amazing! It was super easy to plan with the staff and everything went seamlessly. David was awesome. I’d recommend!
Honestly a fun time. We went this last weekend and the guide had some excellent stories to tell. I would have paid more for a longer tour. The only thing that I would change but likely be the prohibition…
We have done the Barrel Run several times for our company team outing. It is the best way to bring a team /coworkers/friends together in a fun setting outside of work. The entire Barrel Run Team does an amazing…
Honestly a fun time. We went this last weekend and the guide had some excellent stories to tell. I would have paid more for a longer tour. The only thing that I would change but likely be the prohibition…
The bus is an amazing ride! We had plenty of time at each brewery and our tour guides narration added interesting facts and humor. Only suggestion for improvement is dropping the tour at Revolution (their guide was clearly rushing…