Join Tours by Foot as we stroll leisurely along the Chicago River taking in beautiful architectural masterpieces, such as the Wrigley Building while learning stories about the architects who built them. The tour ends near the Centennial Fountain which commemorates one of Chicago’s greatest civic engineering feats!
The Chicago River, still a hub of trade and commerce as it has been since the late 1700’s, has evolved into a bustling and beautiful destination of celebration. Learn the history that makes the Chicago River and its recently updated Riverwalk historically unique.
Like so many cities before it, Chicago exists only because of its river. Due to its being less than two centuries old, the city has had as much effect on the river as the river on the city. The evolving dynamics of this symbiotic, often toxic and ultimately redemptive relationship makes for a truly great story!
Chicago is home to one of the world’s most recognizable and celebrated skylines and the Riverwalk’s intimate vantage provides an ideal perspective from which to learn and appreciate its incredible buildings.Discover Chicago's Rich History and Iconic Architecture
Experience the vibrant tapestry of Chicago’s past and present with our Chicago Riverwalk Tour. Perfect for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and curious visitors, this 2-hour guided tour uncovers fascinating stories and architectural marvels that define the Windy City.
Tour Highlights
- Jean Baptise Dusable: Uncover the tale of Chicago's earliest settler and how his legacy shaped the city.
- The Great Chicago Fire: Learn about the catastrophic fire that transformed Chicago's landscape forever.
Architectural Marvels
- Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's Masterpiece: Marvel at the last building designed by the "Father of Modernism" himself.
- The Aqua Building & The Wrigley Building: Delight in the stunning and diverse architectural styles.
Historical Sites
- Fort Dearborn: Walk the grounds of the original Chicago settlement.
- The Jeweler’s Building: Witness this iconic piece of Chicago history.
- Marina City Towers: Explore these unique structures along the river.
Chicago's Symbols
- Chicago Flag History: Discover the symbolism behind the city's iconic flag.
Tour Finale
- Apple Store & Centennial Fountain: End your tour near the modern Apple Store and the Centennial Fountain, celebrating Chicago’s engineering triumphs.
Book your spot today and prepare for a captivating adventure into the soul of this incredible city!
TOUR INFORMATION:
- Where: 1 W Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601. Directly outside of the Renaissance Hotel at the corner of State St. and Wacker Dr.
- Duration: Tour lasts approx. 2 hours. Total walking is just over one mile (1.6 km).
- This tour runs on a ticketed basis with ticket prices from $19.00 - $29.00 with Adult and Child rates.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Tours are rain or shine. In the event of adverse weather, we will email and text with alternative options or offer a refund.
If you need to cancel, please reply to your confirmation email. We hope you don't have to but if you cannot attend the tour, we can only offer a refund with 24 hours' notice before the start of the tour. After that time frame, we are unable to refund. Guests who booked via a third party ticketing site must cancel via the platform they booked on.
We offer a flexible rescheduling option and are often able to accommodate you on another tour with even short notice if a comparable tour is running during your visit!
This area is boasts some of the highest concentration of dining options in the city, ranging from cutting edge, Michelin starred powerhouses to classic, “old school” steak houses (Morton's is nearby!) to historic “blue collar” dives like Billy Goat Tavern.
The afternoon time slot leaves room before and after for the multiple, nearby activities and attractions:
- Bridge House Museum
- Magnificent Mile
- Chicago Cultural Center
- Writer’s Museum
- Medieval Torture Museum