Bus tours from Chicago to Michael Jackson's home in Gary

A tour company is selling tickets for a tour from Chicago to Gary, Ind., to see Michael Jackson's childhood home and other places associated with his years there.

"The King of Pop Hometown Tour," created by Chicago-based J W R Tours, promises stops at 2300 Jackson St., which was the singer's boyhood home; Jackson's junior high school; the high school his siblings attended; the steel mill where his father worked, and one of the first places the Jackson 5 performed.

"Share in the rich history of 2300 Jackson Street in Gary, Indiana as J W R Tours takes you to the place where it all began," the tour description says.

Ads for the tour also promise "never-before-told funny stories from former classmates and childhood friends."

The tours are scheduled to start July 25, with departures Saturday, Sunday, Thursday and Friday. Buses depart 12:30 p.m. from a parking lot near Borders in Hyde Park and return 3 1/2 to four hours later. The 30-mile trip to Gary takes a little under an hour each way. Tickets are $55 ($45 for ages 6-12; free for under 5).

Hotel and airport pick-ups are also available for participants with reservations.

Details at http://www.thekingofpoptours.com/.