A 501c6 Non-Profit Organization
"LITTLE CHICAGO"
CLYDE BOOTLEGGER TOUR
Step back in time and uncover the hidden history of Clyde, once known as "Little Chicago" for its Prohibition-era bootlegging and smuggling operations. The Sandusky County Visitors Bureau’s “Little Chicago” Bootlegger Tour takes guests on a fascinating journey through the city’s past, showcasing the sites where speakeasies thrived, underground tunnels concealed contraband, and notorious bootleggers made their fortunes.
One of the highlights is a visit to the former Geiger Soda Brewery, where legend has it whiskey was smuggled through secret tunnels running beneath the city. Stories of rumrunners, secret hideaways, and lawmen in pursuit bring the past to life.
Next, enjoy a meal at Blue Collar Bistro, located in what was once a local pharmacy—rumored to have housed a speakeasy in its basement. Relive the era’s atmosphere as you dine where Clyde’s residents once gathered in secrecy.
The tour also includes a visit to the Clyde Heritage Museum, home to a fascinating collection of artifacts from Prohibition and Clyde’s early days. See relics of the bootlegging trade, local industry, and historical photos that tell the story of this once-thriving underground economy.
Whether you’re a history buff, true crime enthusiast, or just looking for a unique experience, the “Little Chicago” Bootlegger Tour offers an unforgettable glimpse into Clyde’s past. Join us for a tour of the town that once rivaled the crime hubs of the Prohibition era!
Above is THE CLYDE PHARMACY the location of what is now, Blue Collar Bistro, an American Restaurant with great food and historical atmosphere. This location is rumored to have been the location of a speakeasy, in the basement of the pharmacy.
During the Great Depression, Clyde, like many places, faced economic hardship, causing some residents to turn to bootlegging. Among them was Alfred A. 'Alf' Geiger, a well-liked man known for cultivating beautiful dahlias in his garden on Vine Street. Alf owned a soft drink factory in a stone building on Terry Drive. Here, his two daughters and local children would sell homemade drinks like Wild Cherry, Grape, and Blood Orange along the highway, earning 25 cents on each gallon sold for $1. However, this business was merely a front for Alf's real operation: bootlegging.
Rumors suggested that Alf manufactured his whiskey in a building across the alley, smuggling it via an underground tunnel to his factory for sale, or that he operated a still directly in the factory’s basement, using the tunnel to conceal his activities during raids. Despite the community's awareness of his illicit activities, Alf's reputation as a pleasant man who grew lovely flowers meant that few raised objections.
During prohibition, illegal booze was way of life
Little Chicago Bootlegger Tour photo gallery, use arrows below to scroll
Additional Information and Maps
This group tour experience takes approximately 1-hour and can be a combined with other group tour experiences and a farm to table lunch. Multiple menus, caterers, locations and price point options are available, call today to customize your experience.
The County Seat of Sandusky County is located:
-
25 minutes from the Lake Erie Island Ferry in Downtown Port Clinton
-
55 minutes to Cedar Point Amusement Park
-
45 minutes from downtown Toledo
-
95 minutes from downtown Cleveland
Downloadable PDF Information Sheet about the Bootlegger Tour
ADDRESS:
The Clyde Museum
124 W Buckeye St.
Clyde, OH 43410
BOOKING CONTACT:
Brenda Havens
Sandusky County Visitors Bureau
712 North Street
Fremont, Ohio 43420
Telephone: (419) 332-4470
712 North Street, Fremont, Ohio 43420 | 419-332-4470 or toll free 800-255-8070 | Fax 419-332-4359