Magpie
5.0(17 reviews)

Chicago Riverwalk: Birthplace of Chicago

2 hours
Max 20 people
Chicago, USA

About this activity

Parameters (Min 100 characters // Max 1000 characters, advise 2-4 sentences)

Chicago's Riverwalk is a bevy of impressive buildings, gardens, eateries, and beyond. Spend two hours wandering with an expert local at your side. Explore the art, architecture, and all the little hidden spaces with the absolute best experience in one of the most essential areas of Chicago.  Make your way from the Magnificant Mile to the four distinct districts of the Riverwalk while tales of Chicago delight your ears and sights tickle your eyes. 

Highlights

  • Take a expertly lead walk of the iconic Chicago Riverwalk
  • Take in the surrounding architectural gems and hear the stories of their foundations
  • Take a peek into the inner workings of Chicago's most famed and fabulous
  • Enjoy stunning views of Chicago's pristine skyline
  • See a Picasso, hear about a Capone, and walk across a DuSable

Full description

Stop At - Chicago's Riverwalk
Meet your expert local on the south end of the Magnificant Mile setting out on a casual stroll. 
Duration: 10 mins
Admission Ticket: Free

Stop At - Magnificent Mile 
Meet your expert local on the south end of the Magnificant Mile setting out on a casual stroll. 
Duration: 10 mins
Admission Ticket: Free

Stop At - Wrigley Building
Towering above you, the Wrigley Building is a mammoth of architectural design and a great introduction to what is to come.
Duration: 5 mins
Admission Ticket: Free

Stop At - Tribune Tower
Turn towards the Tribune Tower, another iconic structure highlighting the best of Chicago's skyline. 
Duration: 5 mins
Admission Ticket: Free

Stop At - DuSable Bridge
Walk along the DuSable Bridge - hearing the catalog of achievements by Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable, the original settler to Chicago. As you venture across this famed bridge you'll greet the sound of the rushing river below paired with the towering skyline of downtown Chicago - what a moment!
Duration: 10 mins
Admission Ticket: Free

Stop At - Site of Old Fort Dearborn
Pause to explore a bit of the original site of Fort Dearborn and hear about the battles that played out there while making your way down to the official Riverwalk.
Duration: 5 mins
Admission Ticket: Free

Stop At - McCormick Bridgehouse and Museum
Here's where special access pays off! Go behind-the-scenes at the McCormick Bridgehouse. Venture into the underbelly of the bridge to see the massive amount of engineering feats built to precisely balance this famed trunnion bascule bridge (that's like, a really cool bridge type). 
Duration: 15 mins
Admission Ticket: Free

Stop At - Jewelers Building
Your expert guide is there to offer up stories of lore and reality - like at the Jewelers Building - did Al Capone really have a super-secret speakeasy tucked in the rafters? 
Duration: 5 mins
Admission Ticket: Free

Stop At - Heald Square
At Heald Square view the monument to George Washington and two financiers of the American Revolutionary war.
Duration: 5 mins
Admission Ticket: Free

Stop At - Vietnam Memorial
Pause to pay homage at the Vietnam Memorial.
Duration: 5 mins
Admission Ticket: Free

Stop At - Marina Towers
Take a look at the twin Marina Towers, two totally unique pieces of architecture unlike anything you've (probably) ever seen!
Duration: 5 mins
Admission Ticket: Free

Stop At - Site of the SS Eastland Disaster
Hear the story of the SS Eastland Disaster, still considered one of the worst maritime disasters in US history while overlooking the site where it took place. 
Duration: 5 mins
Admission Ticket: Free

Stop At - “Untitled” statue by Picasso
Switch it up a bit and visit one of the best gifts to Chicago ever, the aptly named "Untitled" by Picasso.  Given by the artist to the city of Chicago himself.
Duration: 5 mins
Admission Ticket: Free

Stop At - Chicago Temple
As the site of Chicago's first church, the Chicago Temple plays a large role in the history and culture of this incredible city.
Duration: 5 mins
Admission Ticket: Free

Stop At - Chicago Cultural Center
For our grand finale, we will visit the famed Tiffany Dome, inside the Chicago Cultural Center - offering an explanation of the infamous symbol of the city of Chicago - the "Y". 
Duration: 10 mins
Admission Ticket: Free
Sites Visited
Chicago's Riverwalk
Magnificent Mile 
Wrigley Building
Tribune Tower
DuSable Bridge
Site of Old Fort Dearborn
McCormick Bridgehouse and Museum (Behind the Scenes Access)
Jewelers Building
Heald Square
Vietnam Memorial
Marina Towers
Site of the SS Eastland Disaster
“Untitled” statue by Picasso
Chicago Temple
Chicago Cultural Center

Included / Excluded

  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Expertly guided walking tour
  • Behind the Scenes access at the McCormick Bridgehouse Museum
  • Hotel pickup/drop off
  • Gratuities

Meeting point

Start Location

401 Michigan Ave, Chicago, US

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pioneer+Court/@41.8895072,-87.6259145,17z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x880e2cac0001b571:0xa90f4dc458b24160!2sPioneer+Court!8m2!3d41.8895072!4d-87.6237258!3m4!1s0x880e2cac0001b571:0xa90f4dc458b24160!8m2!3d41.8895072!4d-87.6237258

Get directions →

Important information

Know before you book

  • This tour is not wheelchair accessible
  • Walks comply with all local government regulations. You may need to wear a mask or provide proof of vaccination to enter certain venues. Please refer to Chicago government guidelines for the most up to date information

Know before you go

  • This tour is in English.
  • This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
  • The tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the tour start time. No refunds or re-bookings can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
  • Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
  • This tour is not wheelchair accessible
  • Walks comply with all local government regulations. You may need to wear a mask or provide proof of vaccination to enter certain venues. Please refer to Chicago government guidelines for the most up to date information

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 72 hours before the activity starts

Cancellations received greater than 72 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 72 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no-shows are non-refundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive or arrives after tour departure.

Reviews

5.0(17 reviews)
Matthew
Jun 2026
5.0

If you’re reading this, book it now! You’ll be one of the first on the boat and get the best spot before anyone else. Daniela (aka “Daniel”) treated us exceptionally well from start to finish. Her knowledge of the falls and the stories behind them was the perfect balance of informative and entertaining. She keeps you laughing throughout the tour and enjoys the experience right alongside you as if it were her first time seeing it. 10/10 — I would recommend this tour to anyone. As an added bonus, our group had only four people, which made the experience absolutely incredible and much more personal. Thanks again, Daniel! 😉

Lisa
Jun 2026
5.0

The tour was great and having priority on the boat was excellent

Lisa
Jun 2026
5.0

The tour was great and having priority on the boat was excellent

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