Glass City's Gangsters: A Toledo Audio Tour

Toledo , United States

Glass City's Gangsters: A Toledo Audio Tour

Active

(2 reviews)

2h - 3h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Welcome to the Unholy Toledo Tour! Take a self-guided drive through the bloody history of 1930s gangland. Experience the magic of GPS playback while you hear from Tedd Long, writer and curator of Holy Toledo History.

In 1931, during the era of G-Men, speakeasies, and Pretty Boy Floyd, a gang of Detroit wiseguys led by Thomas “Yonnie” Licavoli arrived in Toledo and brought with them a wave of violence unseen in Toledo's past: 14 murders in 36 months. Are you ready for the inside story?

The most sensational crime of the era happened in July 1933 when a young club owner and bootlegger named Jack Kennedy was gunned down in Point Place. This tour tells Jack's story, from start to finish, over the course of a two-hour-long driving tour covering the downtown area and northern Toledo.

Available options

Glass City's Gangsters: A Toledo Audio Tour

What's included

Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it

The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

As you drive by the Valentine Theatre, imagine Toledo as it was during the era of G-Men and speakeasies, when this historic theater was a hub of entertainment amidst the city's turbulent past.

Take a glimpse of Cullen Park, a serene oasis amidst the urban landscape, and imagine the clandestine meetings and illicit dealings that may have occurred in its secluded corners during the unholy years.

Cruise along the Dixie Highway, a historic route that connects Toledo with other cities and regions, and trace the paths taken by bootleggers and rumrunners during the Prohibition Era.

In 1931, during the era of G-Men, speakeasies, and Pretty Boy Floyd, a gang of Detroit wiseguys led by Thomas “Yonnie” Licavoli arrived in Toledo and brought with them a wave of violence unseen in Toledo's past: 14 murders in 36 months. Are you ready for the inside story? Welcome to the Unholy Toledo Tour!In 1931, during the era of G-Men, speakeasies, and Pretty Boy Floyd, a gang of Detroit wiseguys led by Thomas “YonniIn 1931, during the era of G-Men, speakeasies, and Pretty Boy Floyd, a gang of Detroit wiseguys led by Thomas “Yonnie” Licavoli arrived in Toledo and brought with them a wave of violence unseen in Toledo's past: 14 murders in 36 months. Are you ready for the inside story? Welcome to the Unholy Toledo Tour!e” Licavoli arrived in Toledo and brought with them a wave of violence unseen in Toledo's past: 14 murders in 36 months. Are you ready for the inside story? Welcome to the Unholy Toledo Tour!

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour

Transportation

Food and Drink

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 2.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Public transportation options are available nearby

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Our tour begins in front of the Art Tatum Celebration Column, located at the corner of Madison and Superior in downtown Toledo. The address is 507 Madison, directly behind the Huntington Center.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE 
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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1. Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
2. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
3. Create an account
4. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
5. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE 
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT 
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Toledo

Toledo, Ohio, known as the Glass City, is a vibrant city on the western shore of Lake Erie. It's renowned for its glass-making heritage, rich history, and diverse cultural attractions, offering a unique blend of industrial charm and natural beauty.

Top Attractions

Toledo Museum of Art

The Toledo Museum of Art is a world-class art museum featuring an impressive collection of over 30,000 works from around the world. The museum is known for its beautiful architecture, including the Glass Pavilion, which showcases contemporary glass art.

Museum 2-3 hours Free admission (special exhibitions may have a fee)

Toledo Zoo and Aquarium

The Toledo Zoo and Aquarium is one of the top zoos in the United States, featuring over 10,000 animals and a wide variety of exhibits, including a polar bear exhibit, a rainforest exhibit, and an aquarium with over 2,500 marine creatures.

Zoo/Aquarium 3-4 hours Moderate (discounts available for seniors, military, and children)

Toledo Botanical Garden

The Toledo Botanical Garden is a 60-acre public garden featuring a variety of themed gardens, including a rose garden, a Japanese garden, and a children's garden. The garden also hosts numerous events and workshops throughout the year.

Nature 1-2 hours Free admission (donations appreciated)

Toledo's Historic Old West End

Toledo's Historic Old West End is a historic neighborhood known for its beautiful architecture, including Victorian mansions, churches, and public buildings. The neighborhood is also home to numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to explore (some attractions may have fees)

Toledo's Promenade Park

Toledo's Promenade Park is a 17-acre park located along the Maumee River, offering beautiful views of the river and the city skyline. The park features walking and biking trails, picnic areas, and a riverfront promenade.

Nature 1-2 hours Free admission

Must-Try Local Dishes

Toledo-Style Polish Boy

A hearty sandwich featuring a kielbasa sausage topped with fries, coleslaw, and barbecue sauce, served on a bun.

Sandwich Contains pork and dairy

Shrimp Scampi

A classic dish featuring shrimp sautéed in garlic, butter, and white wine, often served over pasta or rice.

Main Course Contains seafood and dairy

German-Style Bratwurst

A traditional German sausage made with pork, beef, or veal, seasoned with a variety of spices, and often served with mustard and sauerkraut.

Main Course Contains pork and beef

Popular Activities

Roller coasters and thrill rides at Cedar Point Water activities on Lake Erie Picnicking and walking in Toledo's Promenade Park Enjoying a spa day at a local wellness center Exploring the Toledo Museum of Art Attending a performance at the Toledo Symphony Orchestra Swimming and sunbathing at Lake Erie beaches Boating and fishing on the Maumee River

Best Time to Visit

Summer (June to August)

Summer is the peak tourist season in Toledo, offering warm weather perfect for outdoor activities and festivals. The city hosts numerous events, including the Toledo Fair and various concerts.

18-30°C 64-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, German
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-5 (Eastern Standard Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Toledo is generally a safe city for visitors, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any urban area, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure, especially in crowded areas and tourist attractions.
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps, and always agree on a fare or use a meter before starting your journey.
• Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or deserted areas, and stick to well-populated and well-lit streets.

Getting there

By air

Toledo Express Airport • 20 miles from city center
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport • 60 miles from city center

By train

Toledo Amtrak Station

By bus

Toledo Greyhound Station

Getting around

Public transport

MATA operates a network of buses that provide affordable and convenient transportation throughout Toledo. The system includes local and express routes, as well as paratransit services.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Toledo Toledo's Old West End The Point Place

Day trips

Cedar Point

50 miles from Toledo • Full day

Cedar Point is a world-renowned amusement park located on the shores of Lake Erie, featuring over 70 rides and attractions, including some of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in the world.

African Safari Wildlife Park

30 miles from Toledo • Half day

African Safari Wildlife Park is a drive-through zoo and animal park featuring over 500 animals, including lions, giraffes, zebras, and more. Visitors can drive through the park in their own vehicles or take a guided safari tour.

Detroit, Michigan

60 miles from Toledo • Full day or overnight

Detroit is a vibrant city with a rich history and a diverse cultural scene. Visitors can explore the city's many museums, historic sites, and attractions, as well as its thriving food and music scenes.

Festivals

Toledo Jeep Festival • July National Museum of the Great Lakes Winterfest • February Toledo Jazz Festival • August

Pro tips

Visit the Toledo Museum of Art's Glass Pavilion for a unique and stunning collection of contemporary glass art.
Explore Toledo's Historic Old West End for a glimpse into the city's rich architectural and cultural heritage.
Take a day trip to Cedar Point for a thrilling and exciting adventure, or visit the African Safari Wildlife Park for a unique and memorable experience.
Try Toledo's famous Toledo-Style Polish Boy sandwich at Tony Packo's Cafe, a beloved local institution.
Attend a Toledo Symphony Orchestra or Toledo Opera performance for a taste of the city's vibrant arts and culture scene.