The Chicago Riverwalk and History Walking Tour offers a captivating way to explore the city’s stunning waterfront. Guided by knowledgeable experts, the 2-hour tour takes participants on a journey through Chicago’s rich history and cultural heritage. From the iconic Nicholas J. Melas Centennial Fountain to local insider recommendations, this wheelchair-friendly experience provides valuable insights and photo opportunities. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong resident, this tour promises an enriching exploration of the Riverwalk’s hidden gems.
This experience made our article of Top 16 Historical Tours In Chicago.
Overview of the Chicago Riverwalk and History Walking Tour
The Chicago Riverwalk and History Walking Tour provides an engaging and visually-captivating exploration of the city’s iconic waterfront.
Led by expert, highly-reviewed guides, the 2-hour tour takes guests along the Riverwalk, revealing the area’s rich history and architectural wonders.
Travelers can expect an entertaining and Instagrammable experience, with stops at key landmarks like the Nicholas J. Melas Centennial Fountain.
The tour is accessible to all, with wheelchair-friendly surfaces and a maximum group size of 18.
Accessible to all, with wheelchair-friendly surfaces and a maximum group size of 18.
Priced at $49 per person, it’s an affordable way to discover Chicago’s vibrant riverfront and learn about its past.
Exploring the Meeting and End Points
Where does the Chicago Riverwalk and History Walking Tour begin? The tour starts at the corner of State Street and Wacker Drive, directly outside the Renaissance Hotel.
This convenient location places participants at the heart of downtown Chicago, steps away from the iconic Riverwalk.
The tour concludes at the:
-
Nicholas J. Melas Centennial Fountain
-
Located at 400 N McClurg Ct, Chicago, IL 60611
-
An impressive landmark along the Riverwalk
-
Easily accessible from the tour’s ending point
Throughout the experience, the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with transportation options nearby, ensuring an inclusive and convenient adventure.
Fascinated by the past? Here are other historical experiences we've covered in Chicago
Accessibility and Participation Details
One of the highlights of the Chicago Riverwalk and History Walking Tour is its accessibility. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, allowing everyone to enjoy the experience. Service animals are also welcome.
Situated near public transportation, the tour is easily accessible for all travelers. The surfaces along the Riverwalk are wheelchair-friendly, ensuring a smooth and comfortable walk.
The tour guide is well-versed in accommodating the needs of all participants, making it a truly inclusive experience. Most travelers can participate in this engaging and Instagrammable tour along Chicago’s picturesque riverfront.
Featured Tour Elements
Expert, highly reviewed tour guides lead participants on an entertaining and Instagrammable walk along Chicago’s picturesque Riverwalk.
Travelers can expect:
Fascinating historical insights, stunning photo ops, insider tips, and engaging storytelling along Chicago’s picturesque Riverwalk.
-
Fascinating historical insights into the city’s iconic landmarks and architecture
-
Guidance on the best spots for capturing stunning photos along the waterfront
-
Insider tips on local hidden gems and eateries to discover after the tour
-
Engaging storytelling that brings the city’s rich cultural heritage to life
The tour provides an immersive experience, showcasing the stunning natural beauty and vibrant urban landscape that make Chicago’s Riverwalk a must-see destination.
Traveler Reviews and Ratings
Travelers consistently praise the Chicago Riverwalk Tour, with an impressive 5.0 overall rating based on 11 reviews across major platforms.
Reviewers highlight the expert, highly-rated tour guide who provides an entertaining and visually captivating experience along the city’s riverfront. Not a single negative review has been left, indicating a consistently positive experience for all participants.
The tour’s wheelchair and stroller accessibility, as well as its proximity to public transportation, further contribute to its appeal.
What to Expect on the Tour
As participants embark on the Chicago Riverwalk Tour, they’ll be captivated by the guide’s expert narration, bringing the history and landmarks of the city’s iconic waterway to life.
The tour takes visitors along the Riverwalk, showcasing:
Breathtaking city skyline views, architectural marvels lining the river, fascinating stories about Chicago’s past, and picturesque photo opportunities.
-
Breathtaking city skyline views
-
Architectural marvels lining the river
-
Fascinating stories about Chicago’s past
-
Picturesque photo opportunities
Throughout the experience, the guide engages the group with entertaining anecdotes and insights, ensuring an informative and engaging exploration of the Riverwalk’s rich heritage and vibrant present.
Participants can expect an immersive and unforgettable journey through the heart of downtown Chicago.
Into exploring Chicago on foot? Check out these other walking experiences we've looked at
- Chicago: Gangsters and Ghosts Walking Tour
- Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food and Walking Tour
- Chicago in a Day: Food, History and Architecture Walking Tour
- Chicago Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
- Chicagos Secret Interiors Architectural Walking Tour
- Chicago Architecture Walking Tour: Incredible Art Deco Interiors
Booking and Cancellation Information
Booking the Chicago Riverwalk Tour is a straightforward process. The tour is priced at $49 per person, with a maximum group size of 18 travelers.
Tours depart daily at 10:00 am from the meeting point outside the Renaissance Hotel at the corner of State Street and Wacker Drive. Cancellations are permitted up to 24 hours before the experience starts, allowing for a full refund.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are welcome. With an overall 5-star rating based on 11 reviews, this tour is a highly recommended way to explore Chicago’s Riverwalk and learn about its rich history.
The Sum Up
The Chicago Riverwalk and History Walking Tour offers an enriching way to discover the city’s stunning waterfront. Led by knowledgeable experts, the wheelchair-friendly tour provides valuable insights, photo opportunities, and local recommendations, making it an accessible and engaging experience for all. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local, this tour is a must-do for those seeking to explore Chicago’s rich history and cultural heritage.
📍 This experience made our list of the 16 best Historical Tours in Chicago
More Historical Tours in Chicago
- Chicago: Historic Architecture Chicago River Small Boat Tour
- Chicago: Historic Gangsters & Ghosts Night Cruise
- Field Museum of Natural History Admission Tickets
- Field Museum of Natural History All-Access Pass
- Chicago Walking Tour: Historic Treasures of Chicago
- Social Justice and Art History Walking Tour in Southside Chicago
More Tickets in Chicago
- Chicago: American Writers Museum Flexible Date Entry Ticket
- Chicago: Chicago Cubs Baseball Game Ticket at Wrigley Field
- Chicago: Chicago Blackhawks NHL Game Ticket at United Center
- Drunk Shakespeare Ticket Chicago
- Field Museum of Natural History Admission Tickets
- Chicago City Tour: Elevated Architecture Tour with Train Ticket Included
More Tour Reviews in Chicago
- Chicago: Sunset Tour by Open-top Bus with Live Guide
- Chicago: 360 CHICAGO & Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour (Save 20%)
- Chicago Highlights Private Walking Tour With A Guide
- Chicago: American Writers Museum Flexible Date Entry Ticket
- Chicago: Architecture Center Cruise on Chicago’s First Lady
- Chicago: BYOB Spray Paint and Sip Workshop
Still browsing? Here are more Chicago experiences we've covered recently
- Chicago: Sunset Tour by Open-top Bus with Live Guide
- Chicago: 360 CHICAGO & Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour (Save 20%)
- Chicago Highlights Private Walking Tour With A Guide
- Chicago: American Writers Museum Flexible Date Entry Ticket
- Chicago: Architecture Center Cruise on Chicago’s First Lady
- Chicago: BYOB Spray Paint and Sip Workshop
- Chicago: Chicago Cubs Baseball Game Ticket at Wrigley Field
- Chicago CityPASS®: Save up to 49% at 5 Top Attractions
- Chicago: Explorer Pass Save up to 50% – includes SkyDeck
- Chicago: Lake Michigan Lunch or Dinner Cruise
- Chicago: One-Way Transfer To/From Chicago Airports
- Chicago: Historic Architecture Chicago River Small Boat Tour