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Offered languages
- English
Explore the Chicago River in a unique way with this 120-minute Guided History Tour. Learn how the city has transformed since the late 18th century to the vibrant and diverse city we have today. Covering in detail topics like:
- This Great City’s Transition from swamp land to industrial to residential
-The Great Chicago Fire of 1871
- Chicago Gangsters
-Chicago’s 1893 World’s Fair and all the wonderful new inventions we still use today
- Reversal of the Chicago River: what was its purpose and how did it affect the future
* Departs from the Chicago Riverwalk, 15 minute early arrival required to allow time for check in process and to depart on time.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Our Water Plaza location is situated along the Chicago Riverwalk between the LaSalle and Wells bridges. A staircase located at the northwest corner of Wacker and LaSalle provides access from the street. The check-in office is next to Sweet Home Gelato.
Itinerary
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Chicago Riverwalk (Pass by)
The Party Barge is a unique way to cruise the Chicago River and lakefront. The boat features a u-shaped bar, surrounded by bar stools. The boat is equipped with a head (bathroom), charging ports, additional seating at the bow and coolers with ice. All cruises are BYOB, 120 minutes long and depart from the Chicago Riverwalk (between the LaSalle Street and Wells Street bridges).
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Off the to the south side of the river we will see the site where the first American settlement, Ft Dearborn, once stood.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
This was the site where the 1871 Great Chicago Fire started.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
In 1992 a hole formed under this bridge which lead to the Great Flood, shutting Chicago down for a whole week!
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
These buildings built in 1964 are considered the pivot point from Chicago's Industrial Age into the Residential Metropolitan it is today.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Learn about the reverse of the Chicago River how that has formed the city over the last century.
Admission ticket free -
Navy Pier (Pass by)
Here we get to learn about the World's Fair of 1893 and the inventions we still use today that were introduced here.
Admission ticket free -
Chicago Riverwalk (Pass by)
In the late 1800's Captain Santa set up shop on his sail boat the Rouse Simmons to sell Christmas Trees every winter at this corner of the river.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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