Storied Places

Nobody knows better than Tracy Weil, who’s been there from the start, how much the River North Art District has grown and changed in the past ten or so years. But most people who now come to RiNo to enjoy its bountiful galleries, restaurants, breweries and watering holes don’t know much about the area’s history, let alone how an art district came to be carved out of a wasteland of industrial warehouses, foundries and railroad tracks.

Sharing that lore will be part of the fun at today’s eighth annual RiNo Art Safari, which invites the public to explore all of RiNo’s charms with tours both guided and self-directed. You’ll get the history part if you opt for the guided version: a VIP RiNo History bus tour, which makes eight stops and will be peppered with commentary on RiNo’s many stories of renovation and redevelopment. “People need to know that history,” Weil enthuses. “On this tour, they’ll be getting all the then-and-now stuff; we’ll try to tell that story.” But if you opt to go your own way, you won’t be disappointed, either, and free shuttles will circle the district to make the touring easier.

Trek through RiNo from noon to 5 p.m.; reserve a spot on the bus tour (admission is $26.40 to go solo or $52.80 for a couple) and find a simple map and list of open locations at rinoart.org. Or navigate using the RiNo Google Maps app at rinoart.io.

Sat., May 17, 12-5 p.m., 2014