Join us for our 2026 Fundraiser

The Austin Landmark Bus Tour

Saturday, September 19, 2026
Discover the rich history and culture of Austin

Get ready for a treat!

This isn’t just any tour. This is a tour of Austin commissioned by The Neighborhood Bridge with Sherman “Dilla” Thomas, the Emmy Award-winning Chicago tour guide and historian.

Dilla will take you on a two-hour tour of Austin’s hidden gems and iconic landmarks, and discuss the history of this important community aboard one of Mahogany Tour’s comfortable coach buses.

Afterward, you will be treated to a catered lunch at the Infant Welfare Society of Oak Park.

Don’t miss this very special event!

Go to ticket order form

Meet Our Tour Guide

Chicago historian Sherman “Dilla” Thomas is an Emmy Award-wining modern historian and brand ambassador. Dilla has become a Chicago influencer, activist, and social media sensation.

Dilla’s history TikTok videos on everything Chicago have been viewed over 40 million times, and he has amassed a following of 300K followers across all social media platforms.

Dilla has been featured on much of Chicago’s media—including NBC 5, ABC 7, WGN, Fox 32, WCIU 26, and WBEZ—and has appeared nationally on both The Today Show and The Kelly Clarkson Show. He is also a freelance writer for the Chicago Defender and for Block Club Chicago. Dilla is a proud lifelong resident of Chicago’s South Side. He lives by the saying that everything dope about America comes from Chicago.

Read more about Dilla here

Reviews of Dilla’s Tours

  • ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

    “I can't recommend [his] tours highly enough. Dilla is entertaining as hell, blending history with personal stories and experiences into a really fun package.”
    — Will T.

  • ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

    “[His] tour was amazing. I could listen to Dilla talk history all day. Didn’t want it to end.”
    —Dan M.

  • ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

    “Dilla really knows his stuff and adds such an amazing perspective to Chicago history. I cannot recommend [his tours] enough.”
    —Rick P.

  • ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

    “Dilla fosters connection and builds bridges through storytelling. 5 stars, no notes. Take the tour!”
    —Megan J.

The Austin Landmark Tour Details

Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026

Tickets: $180/ticket, which includes the tour and luncheon.

Itinerary
10:45 AM: Check in and bus loading, Bridge Center, 38 N. Austin, Oak Park
11:00 AM: Bus departs
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Bus Tour of Austin
1-2:30 PM: Catered lunch at Infant Welfare Society, 28 Madison St. Oak Park (just around the corner from the parking lot)

Lunch
The bus will deliver you to the Infant Welfare Society for a catered lunch. The lunch will include a choice of sandwich or wrap, pasta salad, chips, dessert, and choice of beverage.

Parking
Free parking is available at the St. Catherine-St. Lucy School lot at the southeast corner of Austin and Washington.

I can’t make the tour, but would like to donate to The Neighborhood Bridge.

Donate now

Questions about The Austin Landmark Tour? Contact Dan Doody at dan@doody.com