Prohibition Travels: Exploring the Speakeasies and Secrets of the Roaring Twenties

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On January 16, 1919, the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, marking the beginning of Prohibition. This nationwide ban on the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages officially went into effect a year later, on January 17, 1920.

Rather than curbing alcohol consumption, Prohibition gave rise to unintended consequences, including a surge in organized crime and the proliferation of speakeasies—hidden establishments where people could purchase alcohol illegally. These secretive bars became a defining symbol of the era, reflecting both the ingenuity and defiance of those who sought to bypass the restrictions.

Today, travelers can explore remnants of this transformative period across the United States. From historic speakeasies and museums to guided tours in cities like Chicago and New York, there are countless opportunities to delve into the fascinating stories of Prohibition and its impact on American culture. The culture still continues today with speakeasies in many cities across America!

 

Discover Chicago’s Prohibition-Era Legacy

During the Prohibition Era, Chicago stood out as one of the nation’s primary hubs for organized crime and speakeasies. From infamous mobsters to secret underground bars, the city was at the center of the action.

Today, Chicago offers some of the most fascinating and immersive Prohibition-inspired experiences. Whether you’re exploring historic speakeasies, learning about the era’s notorious figures, or taking part in themed tours, the city’s rich history makes it the perfect destination to step back in time and uncover the secrets of this captivating period.

Photo: The Barrel Run

Step back in time and explore Chicago’s vibrant craft beer scene aboard a Prohibition-style barrel bus with the Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour! This one-of-a-kind guided experience lasts four hours and takes you to some of the city’s best breweries.

Along the way, you’ll sample a variety of beers, learn about the fascinating science behind the brewing process, and even tour one of the brewing facilities. Combining history, craftsmanship, and delicious drinks, this tour offers a memorable way to experience Chicago’s modern take on an age-old tradition.

Photo: Congress Plaza Hotel

Dive into Chicago’s dark past with the Chicago: Gangsters and Ghosts Walking Tour, a thrilling journey through the city’s Prohibition and Gangster Era. This tour takes you to infamous historical sites tied to figures like Al Capone—some of which are rumored to be haunted!

Stroll through the streets of Chicago (or opt for a bus ride for an additional fee) as expert guides share chilling stories of organized crime, hidden speakeasies, and the supernatural lore that lingers in these iconic locations. It’s a spine-tingling way to experience the city’s history like never before!

Photo: Chicago Crime Tour

Step into the world of Chicago’s notorious Prohibition Era with the Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour. This immersive experience takes you to some of the city’s most infamous crime scenes, including the historic Biograph Theatre and the site of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.

The tour doesn’t stop there—you’ll also visit a mob museum, explore hidden bootlegging tunnels, and delve into Frank Nitti’s vault, all located inside the legendary Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse. It’s a fascinating way to learn about Chicago’s crime-riddled past while standing in the very places where history unfolded.

Photo: Chicago Architecture Center

Combine Chicago’s notorious 1920s history with its famous culinary scene on the Chicago Gangster and Food Walking Tour. This one-of-a-kind experience takes you to some of the city’s most iconic restaurants while uncovering tales of the Prohibition Era.

Enjoy a slice of deep-dish pizza at a pizzeria that once served as a gangster’s mansion, all while learning about the city’s infamous underworld. From delicious bites to riveting stories, this tour offers a flavorful way to step back in time and experience Chicago’s past and present.

 

Uncover the Impact of Prohibition on Organized Crime at Las Vegas’ Mob Museum

Photo: The Mob Museum

Dive into the history of Prohibition and its influence on organized crime at the Mob Museum in Las Vegas. Explore exhibits detailing how cities like Chicago became hotspots for gang activity, including infamous events like the 1929 St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.

Can’t make it in person? Visit their interactive website at prohibition.themobmuseum.org for a virtual look into the era that shaped America’s underworld. It’s a fascinating way to uncover the stories behind one of the nation’s most pivotal periods.

 

Step Back in Time: Explore New York City’s Prohibition-Era History

Photo: The Back Room

New York City is a treasure trove of Prohibition-era history, with countless speakeasies and historic locations waiting to be discovered. These unique tours offer unforgettable ways to immerse yourself in the city’s clandestine past:

• Guided Speakeasy Walking Tour: Visit six historic and modern speakeasies as you uncover the secrets of NYC’s hidden drinking spots.
• Speakeasy Adventure Tour: Focus on three historic speakeasies and bars, each with its own unique story tied to the Prohibition Era.
• Greenwich Village Speakeasy and Ghost Tour: Spend an evening walking through Greenwich Village, learning about Prohibition’s impact on this West Side neighborhood while hearing spine-tingling tales from one of NYC’s most haunted areas.

You don't have to take a tour to gain access into some of the best speakeasies around the city. Sometimes, all you need to do is stay at their hotel like the Moxy. There are also two speakeasies from the Prohibition era that are still in existence today! One, and likely the more well known, is The Back Room. You access the speakeasy by using the same hidden entrance from over 80 years ago! Gangsters from the past along with well known celebrities of today have frequented this location. You never know who you might see!

Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about this intriguing period, these tours provide a captivating glimpse into New York City’s Prohibition past.

 

Explore St. Paul’s Prohibition-Era History: A Day of Gangsters, Speakeasies, and Hidden Gems

Photo: Historic Twin Cities

Step back in time and experience the Prohibition Era like never before with a day in St. Paul, Minnesota, where history comes alive through fascinating tours and iconic locations.

Start your day with a visit to the Wabasha Street Caves, the city’s only restored Gangster and Prohibition Era site. Built into the hillside near downtown St. Paul, these caves once housed a thriving speakeasy with a rich and storied past. Begin with the St Paul Gangster Tour, a two-hour bus tour that takes you through the city’s historic streets while uncovering tales of organized crime during the Prohibition Era.

Once back at the Wabasha Street Caves, join the St Paul Historic Cave tour, a one-hour guided exploration of the caves. Fully handicap accessible, this tour lets you delve into the site’s evolution over the decades, from speakeasy days to its present restoration.

Photo: Neumann’s Bar & Grill

After your tours, head over to Neumann’s Bar & Grill, Minnesota’s oldest bar, established in 1887. During Prohibition, Neumann’s stayed in business by serving “near beer,” a low-alcohol brew, in the downstairs bar, while transforming the upstairs into a secret speakeasy. Be sure to check out the upstairs phone system, once used to alert patrons of approaching authorities. With its rich history and authentic charm, Neumann’s Bar & Grill is a must-visit for anyone exploring St. Paul’s Prohibition past.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just looking for a unique adventure, St. Paul offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of America’s Prohibition Era.

 

Discover Prohibition History at the Anti-Saloon League Museum in Ohio

Photo: Drink Up Columbus

If you’re traveling through Ohio, make a stop at the Westerville Public Library in Westerville to explore a unique piece of Prohibition history. Inside the library, you’ll find the Anti-Saloon League Museum, an exhibit dedicated to one of the key organizations behind the Prohibition movement.

As you stroll through the museum, you’ll uncover the story of the Anti-Saloon League and its pivotal role in shaping public opinion against alcohol. Learn about the individuals who spearheaded the movement, the tactics they used, and the extensive propaganda they created to promote their anti-alcohol views.

Whether you’re big on history or simply intrigued about this fascinating chapter of American history, the Anti-Saloon League Museum offers an engaging and educational experience you won’t want to miss.

 

Go Back in Time: Prohibition-Era Experiences in South Carolina

Photo: U.S. News Travel

Charleston, South Carolina is the perfect destination for anyone eager to explore the southern charm and intrigue of the Prohibition Era. Whether you’re a history buff or a cocktail enthusiast, these unique activities offer something for everyone:

• Cocktail Making at a Speakeasy: Visit an authentic speakeasy and learn how to craft classic Prohibition-era cocktails in a fun, interactive class.
• Historical Walking Tours: Wander through Charleston’s historic streets while uncovering the fascinating stories of the Prohibition Era with an expert guide.
• Prohibition Pub Crawls: Enjoy a lively evening visiting top local bars while learning about the underground drinking culture that defined the 1920s.
• Pirates, Patriots & Prohibition Tour: Combine history and adventure on this unique tour that ties together tales of pirates, patriots, and the Prohibition Era.

From hidden speakeasies to guided tours, these experiences will transport you back to a time of forbidden drinks and secret gatherings.

 

Step Into the Past at Savannah’s American Prohibition Museum

Photo: American Prohibition Museum

Discover the fascinating history of the Prohibition Era at the American Prohibition Museum in Savannah, GA—the only museum of its kind! Located in the heart of Savannah’s City Market, next to Ellis Square, this unique museum offers an immersive experience that brings the 1920s to life. You can even learn how to make cocktails in the Speakeasy at the museum by booking a Cocktail Class in Congress Street Up!

With 20 engaging exhibits, you’ll learn about the rise and fall of Prohibition, the temperance movement, and the impact of organized crime. Take part in a cocktail-making class and perfect your mixology skills, then step into an authentic speakeasy for a taste of the Roaring Twenties.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to explore one of the most pivotal periods in American history by buying your entrance tickets here but beware the speakeasy is not opened on Sundays and the museum closes at 5 pm daily. The American Prohibition Museum is a must-see for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike!

 

Explore Prohibition Era Fun Right Here in Florida

You don’t have to travel far to dive into the intrigue and excitement of the Prohibition Era—Florida offers plenty of unique ways to experience this fascinating period in history! Whether it’s visiting themed bars, attending historical tours, or enjoying interactive experiences, there are countless opportunities to learn about and celebrate the Roaring Twenties right in your own backyard.

Get ready to step back in time and discover the secrets of Florida’s Prohibition past!

Right in our own backyard is a laundromat that is also a Speakeasy! You wander across the bay to St. Pete and you will find a laundromat called Dirty Laundry. This fronts as nothing more than a place where you can wash and dry your clothes (and it actually has working machines!). But once you pay for entry, you can be able to access a swanky cafe by day and a bar with a great patio by night. You are even able to reserve the VIP area on the patio for your bachelorette/bachelor party, birthday and more! What's more fun than getting together with some friends to have some cocktails and check out a speakeasy in St. Pete?!

Don't want to cross the bay? There are plenty of more options in the Tampa area and were well covered by Tampa Magazine's article in December 2022.

Photo: Visit Florida

Discover the hidden gems of West Palm Beach on the Prohibition Dinner & Drinks! This 2.5-hour guided experience combines history, delicious cuisine, and expertly crafted cocktails for an unforgettable evening.

As you sample mouthwatering dishes and sip on amazing drinks, you’ll explore some of the city’s hard-to-find spots while uncovering stories about how the Prohibition Era shaped West Palm Beach. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a night out while diving into the fascinating history of the Roaring Twenties.

Photo: Visit St Augustine

Step into the shadowy past of St. Augustine on the Wicked St. Augustine: Bootleggers, Brothels & Gambling in the Ancient City tour. This immersive experience takes you through the streets of the nation’s oldest city while your expert guide reveals the darker, more scandalous stories from its history.

Learn about bootlegging, underground gambling, and the city’s Prohibition-era secrets as you explore St. Augustine’s hidden corners. Perfect for history enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike, this tour offers a unique and entertaining glimpse into the Ancient City’s intriguing past.

 

Prohibition’s Legacy Lives On

While Prohibition may have been largely unsuccessful in its goals, it left an undeniable mark on American history, shaping the culture and stories we continue to explore today. With the passing of the 21st Amendment on December 5, 1933, the era officially came to an end, but its legacy lives on through the fascinating locations and experiences tied to that time.

Ready to dive into the past? Contact us to plan your next trip and explore one of these incredible Prohibition-era destinations!

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