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Chicago Riverwalk Self-Guided Walking Tour

Overview
Welcome to Chicago’s scenic Riverwalk. Spanning from Lake Michigan west to Franklin Street. Called the city second Lakefront', the Riverwalk contains restaurants during the summer months, seating areas to relax, boat rentals, and theater-style seating for various performances. Other attractions along the Riverwalk include the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza, and the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum and if you are lucky enough, see a bridge lift from inside the bridge house.

After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
City: Chicago
Sat 31 May
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You can choose the date already on the booking website
Starting at $14.99
Sat 31 May
Starting at $14.99
Make a reservation
What's Included
Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
Learn more: dive deeper into any story you enjoyed with extra stories.
Additional Info
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email and text with instructions: • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password • Download the tour MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular Works offline after download
  • How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
  • Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
  • Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
  • Savings tips: Walking tours: couples can share one tour by splitting headphones
  • Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
What To Expect
1
Wrigley Building
The Wrigley Building is an iconic terra cotta building boasting a huge clock tower and tons of character. It's named for William Wrigley, Jr., who made his fortune off of chewing gum! Beyond it is the lavish Hotel Intercontinental, which hides an incredible observatory within. Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
2
Michigan Avenue Bridge
The Michigan Avenue Bridge, also known as the DuSable Bridge, is architecturally beautiful, but that's not the only reason it's a stop on this tour. The bridge also sports some flags with a fascinating history, which you'll hear all about.
3
Dearborn Street Bridge
The Dearborn Street Bridge, built in 1962, is one of Chicago's newer bridges. It was constructed to replace a badly-planned bridge that residents hated with a passion. You'll hear why and what they did about it as you admire this landmark.
4
Merchandise Mart
This building is so big it has its own zip code! Designed in the art-deco style, the Mart encompasses a staggering four million square feet.
5
The McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum
This museum doesn't just feature exhibits on the city's river and its significance to the city. It also offers birds-eye views of the river from the top floor!
6
Tribune Tower
This breathtaking neo-Gothic skyscraper is actually the result of a competition held by the Chicago Tribune for their 75th anniversary! They wanted to make sure their new HQ was “the most beautiful and distinctive office building in the world,” and it absolutely shows in the final product.
Show 3 more stops
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Traveler Photos
Reviews (5)
James_N
Sep 2023
Overall a great review of Chicago's history and architecture! The walk along the river is very enjoyable!
Response from Host
Sep 2023
Thank you for your positive feedback, James! I'm delighted to hear that you had an enjoyable experience exploring Chicago's rich history and architecture through my Chicago Riverwalk Audio Tour. The riverwalk truly offers a unique perspective of the city. As you venture to new destinations, consider checking out my Action+ Tour Bundle, which boasts over 100 self-guided tours. May all your travels be filled with discovery and joy! Safe journeys!
L6785PMandreal
Aug 2023
This is a perfect and fun activity when you are just not sure what time you can do some activity. This is such a fun and easy to use treasure hunt. I highly recommend it if you want flexibility and make the most of your visit!
Response from Host
Aug 2023
I'm thrilled you enjoyed the Chicago Riverwalk Walking Audio Tour, Andrea! It's fantastic that the tour provided you with a fun and flexible activity during your visit. Thank you for recommending the tour, and if you plan to travel more, you might be interested in my Action+ Tour Bundle. It includes all of my self-guided tours, over 100 in total, offering you the same flexibility and informative fun wherever your travels take you next!
M9448NQheidic
Jul 2023
Easy walking tour that you can book ahead or last minute if you're looking for something to do. I would've given 5 STARS had I worn earbuds but it was still good listening to the audio with my phone speaker. I needed to cut the tour short because I was out of time but because the price is so inexpensive it didn't bother me at all. Had I completed the tour, I would've been too far from where I needed to be next. The directions were easy to follow and user friendly. At times I just sat down on a bench or chair and listened. There are plenty of places to stop and pause along the way but if you're more of a speed walker you can do that too.
Response from Host
Jul 2023
I am delighted to receive your wonderful review of my Chicago Riverwalk tour! It's great to know that you were able to book easily, even on short notice. I am also happy to hear that you enjoyed listening to the audio guide using your phone speaker. The directions provided were user-friendly and easy to follow, allowing you to pause and listen at your own pace. Your feedback and recommendation are highly appreciated. If you are planning to travel more, do consider our Action+ Tour Bundle which offers over 100 self-guided tours.

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