Chicago Highlights Walking Tour With Free Bike or Kayak Rental

The Chicago Highlights Walking Tour offers an engaging way to explore the city’s iconic landmarks. Led by knowledgeable local guides, you will uncover the captivating stories behind Chicago’s past as they stroll from the historic Palmer House Hilton to the renowned Water Tower. But the adventure doesn’t end there – travelers can also take advantage of a complimentary bike or kayak rental, allowing them to venture further and enjoy the Windy City’s vibrant spirit.

This experience made our article of We Rank The 6 Best Canoe & Kayak Experiences In Chicago.

Tour Overview

The Chicago Highlights Walking Tour offers a comprehensive sightseeing experience showcasing the city’s iconic landmarks and rich history.

Lasting 2 hours, the tour caters to small groups of up to 18 travelers, providing an intimate and personalized adventure. Participants can choose between a free bike or kayak rental, allowing them to explore the city in their preferred mode of transportation.

The tour departs from the historic Palmer House Hilton Hotel and concludes at the renowned Chicago Water Tower, with a local, professional guide leading the way and sharing engaging stories about the city’s past.

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it inclusive for all.

Meeting and End Points

The tour commences at the Palmer House a Hilton Hotel, located at 17 E Monroe St in downtown Chicago.

The tour commences at the Palmer House a Hilton Hotel, located at 17 E Monroe St in downtown Chicago.

Participants should arrive 15 minutes early, as the guide wears a branded polo with a paddle. The 2-hour walking tour concludes at the iconic Chicago Water Tower, situated at 806 Michigan Ave.

From the meeting point, the guide leads the group on a leisurely stroll, sharing historical insights about the city’s past.

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and located near public transportation, making it convenient for all visitors.

Tour Inclusions

A local, professional tour guide leads the Chicago Highlights Walking Tour, regaling participants with historical stories about the city’s past.

The 2-hour tour also includes a free bike or kayak rental, allowing guests to explore the city’s landmarks at their own pace. Gratuities are included, so there are no hidden costs.

Whether visitors choose to bike or kayak, they’ll enjoy discovering Chicago’s famous sights and soaking up the city’s rich history from their knowledgeable guide.

The tour’s accessibility features, like wheelchair and stroller access, ensure it’s inclusive for all.

Accessibility

Although the Chicago Highlights Walking Tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, it’s important to note that the surfaces throughout the tour route are also wheelchair-friendly.

The tour welcomes service animals, making it inclusive for those with disabilities. Guests can easily reach the meeting and end points using public transportation, as they’re located near transit stops.

The tour’s accessibility ensures a comfortable and inclusive experience for all travelers, regardless of their mobility needs.

It’s a great option for those seeking an engaging and accessible way to explore the highlights of Chicago.

Reviews and Feedback

With a perfect 5.0-star rating from 3 reviews, the Chicago Highlights Walking Tour has earned overwhelmingly positive feedback from past participants.

Guests highlight the enjoyable historical insights provided by the knowledgeable guide, as well as the satisfying food experiences.

Guests rave about the engaging historical insights and satisfying food experiences on the Chicago Highlights Walking Tour.

As one reviewer, Ayesha_K, noted in June 2024, "Food was great, learning the history from our tour guide Mickey was fun."

The tour’s strengths include:

1. Engaging historical storytelling

2. Positive guest experiences

3. Knowledgeable and personable guides

4. Convenient accessibility for diverse travelers

Exploring Chicago by Bike

Exploring Chicago by Bike allows visitors to cover more ground and experience the city’s iconic sights.

With a 2-hour bike rental included in the tour, participants can pedal through the bustling streets, taking in the stunning architecture and vibrant neighborhoods.

The tour guide provides historical context and insider tips, ensuring a well-rounded adventure.

Biking offers a fun and efficient way to explore Chicago’s landmarks, from the renowned Millennium Park to the iconic Navy Pier.

Whether a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider, this activity caters to all skill levels, making it an accessible and enjoyable part of the Chicago Highlights Walking Tour.

Kayaking on the Chicago River

The Chicago Highlights Walking Tour also includes a 2-hour kayak rental, allowing participants to experience the city from a unique perspective on the Chicago River.

With the kayak rental, visitors can:

1. Paddle through the downtown’s picturesque skyline, marveling at the architectural wonders lining the riverbanks.

2. Explore the North Branch of the river, spotting wildlife like herons and turtles in their natural habitat.

3. Stop to admire the historic landmarks, such as the iconic Chicago Theatre and the Merchandise Mart.

4. Enjoy a peaceful and serene escape from the bustling city streets.

Navigating the Walking Tour

How does one navigate the Chicago Highlights Walking Tour?

The tour begins at the Palmer House a Hilton Hotel, where travelers should arrive 15 minutes early.

The guide, wearing a branded polo with a paddle, leads the group on a 2-hour walking exploration of the city’s highlights.

Along the way, the local, professional guide shares historical stories about Chicago’s past.

The tour ends at the iconic Chicago Water Tower.

Travelers have the option to rent a bike or kayak for free during the tour.

With a maximum group size of 18, the walking tour is accessible to wheelchair users and stroller-bound participants.

The Sum Up

The Chicago Highlights Walking Tour offers an engaging and convenient way to discover the city’s iconic landmarks. With a knowledgeable guide, complimentary bike or kayak rental, and a leisurely pace, this tour provides an unforgettable adventure for visitors. Whether exploring on foot or by water, travelers can enjoy Chicago’s rich history and vibrant atmosphere for an exceptional experience in the Windy City.