Chicago Riverwalk: Birthplace of Chicago Guided Tour in Chicago, IL

Where do I meet my tour guide?

The tour will meet at 401 Michigan Ave., in front of the store Apple Store, or as confirmed in your confirmation email. The tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the tour start time. The tour guides will hold a sign with the Walks logo and the words “MEET HERE” on it.

How long is this tour?

Approximately 2 hours.

What if I'm late?

If you are running late, please call them via phone on your e-ticket so they can reach out to your guide. This is not always possible for all tours - their guides are with other clients and are already into the tour (they are asked not to use their phones during their tour). But in some cases, a few-minutes delay can be remedied. Most times, guides leave the meeting point within 5 minutes of the tour start time.

What is included in the tour?

This tour includes a 2-hour guided walking tour of the premier Riverwalk neighborhood with a local, expert guide. The tour is in English. Multi-language tours are not available.

What landmarks will we be visiting?

You will be seeing the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, DuSable Bridge, McCormick Bridgehouse and Museum (behind-the-scenes access), Jewelers Building, Herald Square Vietnam Memorial, Marina Towers, Site of the SS Eastland Disaster, the “Untitled” statue by Picasso, and the Chicago Temple.

Is transportation included?

Transportation is not included in this tour.

Is parking provided?

No, but multiple parking garages and street parking are available near the departure point. The departure point is also near public transportation.

Are there any age/physical/health/etc. restrictions for this tour?

There aren't any age restrictions for this tour. True to their name, most Walks Inc.'s tours involve walking for at least half, if not most of the time. Except for a few of their day trips, driving tours, or boat excursions, you can expect to walk a fair amount. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.

Is the tour wheelchair/stroller accessible?

Every tour is different, but for the most part, those with mobility limitations have difficulties on a group tour for various reasons. Their group tours utilize multiple areas that are not accessible, like staircases, narrow passages, and uneven surfaces of archeological sites. Contact them via the website prior to booking the desired tour to confirm if it can accommodate wheelchair users. Strollers are also difficult on a group tour. Some sites won't allow strollers inside, while driving tours and day trips don't have extra storage space within the vehicle. Please contact them via Take Walk's website to arrange something. If strollers are allowed, please be reminded to bring one that's foldable and lightweight.

Can I bring my camera?

Yes! There are a lot of photo opportunities on this tour.

What should I bring?

You may bring water, a hat, sunglasses, parasol, and/or sunscreen, a coat, umbrella, or outer layers for the cooler months), and a photo ID for some of the stop-over sights.

What should I wear?

Guests must wear attire appropriate for the day's weather forecast and comfortable walking shoes so it's easy to navigate along uneven surfaces, dirt paths, cobblestone, etc. Due to the religious nature of holy sites such as churches and catacombs, all individuals, regardless of gender and age, must cover their shoulders and knees. During warmer seasons, you can bring extra covering (scarves, sweaters, sarongs, etc.) to put on just before entering.

What happens if it rains?

The tour will run rain or shine. Walks Inc.'s guides are great at navigating various weather conditions to ensure you're as comfortable as possible. On infrequent occasions, if the weather is particularly dramatic, some sites may close. If that happens and time allows, they will contact you as soon as they find out.

Should I bring the confirmation email?

A physical or digital copy of this confirmation email is not required to join your tour. Your guide (or tour coordinator) will have your name in their database, so as long as you know the name on the booking, you're set!

How many people will be on the tour?

The tour can have up to a maximum of 20 participants.