Chicago Riverwalk Self-Guided Walking Tour Discount Tickets

Get your discount tickets for the Chicago Riverwalk Self-Guided Walking Tour, save up to 12% !

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/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Start at 99 Chicago Riverwalk, on the plaza by the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum. Walk toward the Riverwalk entrance and down the stairs to begin. This is a suggested starting point. We’re not affiliated; staff won’t have tour info. Audio starts automatically—check email/text.

Language Offered

English-AUDIO

Itinerary

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. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.
Duration: 5 mins
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.
Duration: 5 mins
3. 401 N Wabash Ave
It's impossible to miss this enormous glass tower. At 1,399 feet tall and totaling 98 stories, it's one of the tallest skyscrapers in the entire country. The tower employs the same building technique as the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, currently the tallest building in the world.
Duration: 5 mins
4. Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Consisting of a sunken, rectangular pool and fountain, this memorial honors the Illinois residents who died in the Vietnam War. It's a somber yet strangely beautiful tribute to those who gave all.
Duration: 5 mins
5. Marina Towers Condominum Association
These twin towers may look a bit like giant corn cobs, but they're nevertheless an iconic part of the Second City's skyline. The towers function as a “city in a city,” boasting an in-house theatre, gym, pool, ice-rink, bowling alley, 360 degree roof deck, and of course a marina.
Duration: 5 mins
6. 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.
Duration: 5 mins
7. 325 N La Salle Dr
Constructed in 1914, the building today is home to the Encyclopedia Britannica headquarters. It may appear short and unimpressive beside its much newer peers, but it's also a fascinating glimpse into Chicago's past.
Duration: 5 mins
8. 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.
Duration: 5 mins
9. 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!
Duration: 5 mins
10. 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.
Duration: 5 mins
11. William P. Fahey Bridge
As Chicago's newest river-spanning bridge, the Columbus Drive Bridge offers not a glimpse into the past but a look at how the city's construction technology and philosophy changed over the decades.
Duration: 5 mins
12. NBC Tower
This famous tower was modelled after 30 Rockefeller Center in New York City, and serves as another picture-perfect example of the art deco style. It was also the former recording spot of the Jerry Springer Show and the Steve Harvey Show.
Duration: 5 mins

Inclusion

Support is available via chat, email, or phone if you need help.

Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included.

Just bring your phone and headphones; the app guides your walk.

Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.

Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.

Flexible tour: start, stop, and pause anytime during your trip.

Private walking tour experience for your family or group.

Self-guided audio tour through our easy-to-use mobile app.

Hidden gems and local stories included along the route.

Exclusion

Self-guided tour — no live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and transport are separate.

Cancellation Policy

Check mark icon Refundable tickets

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • 100% refund if cancelled 1+ days before the start date
  • 0% refund if cancelled less than 1 day(s) before the start date

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Easy to use: GPS-triggered audio plays automatically along the route for a hands-free experience.

Private tour: Follow the route on your phone without an in-person guide or crowded group.

At your own pace: Start anytime and pause for hikes, picnics, photos, or scenic stops.

Works offline: Once downloaded, the tour works using GPS without Wi-Fi or cellular service.

Good value: One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle, not each person separately.

Multi-device access: Use the same password on one device for each traveler included in your booking.

More ways to save: Choose a single tour, a nearby bundle, or access to 200+ tours.

Download in advance: Download the Tour Guide app by Action and tour while connected to Wi-Fi or a strong cellular signal.

Follow the route: Begin at the suggested starting point or join anywhere along the route shown in the app.

Lifetime access: Preview the tour before your trip and revisit the stories, photos, and details afterward.

Supported devices: iPhone with iOS 15+, Android with version 9+, or a GPS-enabled iPad/tablet with cellular capability.

Supplied by History with Action

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