Although the weather has grown colder and winter with its wind and ice stands threateningly around the corner, there is still time to take a walk outside and enjoy the Chicago’s urban landscape. First on your list of destinations should be the neighborhood of Pullman where the Historic Pullman Foundation leads neighborhood tours.

Before beginning your wanderings, be sure to stop first at the Historic Pullman Foundation’s Visitor Center, located in the Arcade building on the corner of 112th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue. Open on Tuesdays through Sundays from 11am to 3:00pm, the Center has a host of information about Pullman’s history and the efforts to preserve historical buildings and sites. Pullman, which was established in 1880 by railroad industrialist George Pullman as a place of residence for his employees. Dubbed as “the world’s most perfect town” in 1896, Pullman was intended to be the model town with 1000 neat, brick houses complete with a small yard and beautiful public buildings. Today, the Visitor Center houses some keepsakes from the neighborhood’s inception from original furniture, railroad travel souvenirs, and models of Pullman train cars.

Of course, the best way to get a picture of Pullman is to see the buildings themselves. Many of the original homes are still standing and the Historic Pullman Foundation and its volunteers have worked over the years to prevent the destruction and dismantling of various landmarks, such as the Hotel Florence and the Clock Tower and Factory. These preservation efforts make Pullman the perfect haunt for history and architecture buffs, especially those interested in America’s Industrial Revolution.

Currently, there are two types of tours available. Those looking to explore on their own can pick up a map at the Visitor Center, which lists the must-see sites and provide a comprehensive introduction to Pullman. Just in time for the holiday season, the Historic Pullman Foundation is also offering their annual Candlelight Walk. Held on Sunday, December 11th starting at 3:30pm and ending at 7:00pm, visitors will be able to join a guided tour through the neighborhood decorated for the holidays. Advance tickets cost $35 and include the tour, hors d’ouevers, and dessert afterwards. The Candlelight Walk makes a perfect way to enjoy an afternoon complete with history, food, and holiday cheer before the Visitor Center closes for the holidays. With the beauty of both the decorations and the architecture of the buildings themselves, a visit to Pullman is the perfect supplement to any weekend on the town.

Historic Pullman Foundation, 11141 S. Cottage Grove Ave. (773)785-8901. $35 pullmanil.org