Explore the scenic Chicago Riverwalk on a self-guided walking tour. Discover restaurants, seating areas, boat rentals, and attractions like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza and McCormick Bridgehouse. Download the Tour Guide App for an immersive experience!
- Wrigley Building - The Wrigley Building is a landmark terra cotta structure featuring a prominent clock tower and plenty of charm. Named after William Wrigley, Jr., who amassed his wealth from chewing gum, it stands next to the opulent Hotel Intercontinental, which conceals a remarkable observatory.
- Michigan Avenue Bridge - Also known as the DuSable Bridge, the Michigan Avenue Bridge is not only architecturally stunning but also historically significant. The bridge displays flags with intriguing backstories that you’ll learn about during the tour.
- Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago - This towering glass structure is hard to miss. Standing at 1,399 feet with 98 stories, it ranks among the tallest skyscrapers in the nation. The tower utilizes the same construction techniques as the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the world’s tallest building.
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial - Featuring a sunken rectangular pool and fountain, this memorial pays tribute to Illinois residents who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. It serves as a solemn yet beautiful homage to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
- Marina Towers Condominium Association - Resembling giant corn cobs, these twin towers are a distinctive part of Chicago’s skyline. They function as a “city within a city,” offering amenities like a theatre, gym, pool, ice rink, bowling alley, 360-degree roof deck, and a marina.
- Dearborn Street Bridge - Built in 1962, the Dearborn Street Bridge is one of Chicago’s more recent bridges. It replaced a poorly designed bridge that was widely disliked. You’ll discover the reasons behind this change and the community’s response as you admire this structure.
- Reid Murdoch Building - Erected in 1914, this building now houses the Encyclopedia Britannica headquarters. Though it may seem modest compared to its newer neighbors, it offers a captivating glimpse into Chicago’s history.
- Merchandise Mart - This massive building is so large it has its own zip code! Designed in the art-deco style, the Mart covers an impressive four million square feet.
- The McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum - This museum not only showcases exhibits about the city’s river and its importance but also provides stunning views of the river from its top floor.
- Tribune Tower - This stunning neo-Gothic skyscraper was the result of a competition by the Chicago Tribune for their 75th anniversary. They aimed to create “the most beautiful and distinctive office building in the world,” and the final design certainly reflects that ambition.
- William P. Fahey Bridge - As the newest bridge spanning the Chicago River, the Columbus Drive Bridge offers insight into the city’s evolving construction technology and philosophy over the years.
- NBC Tower - Modeled after 30 Rockefeller Center in New York City, this iconic tower is another excellent example of the art deco style. It was also the former recording location for the Jerry Springer Show and the Steve Harvey Show.
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- 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.
- Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
- Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
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.
New, extra validity — now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!
This isn’t an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
- How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the separate app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
- How to start the tour: 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. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
- Walking Tours: couples can share one using headphones.
- Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It’s perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
- Comprehensive Tour Experience: • The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
- Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
- Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
- Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
- Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app’s features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.