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Offered languages
- English
Discover the fascinating history of Chicago from a whole new perspective — on the water! This 120-minute Guided History Tour along the Chicago River brings the city’s past to life through captivating stories, iconic landmarks, and little-known facts that shaped the Windy City into what it is today.
• Chicago’s transformation from swamp land to industrial hub to the modern metropolis it is today
• The dramatic story of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and how the city rebuilt stronger than ever
• Tales of Chicago’s most infamous gangsters and Prohibition-era legends
• The groundbreaking 1893 World’s Fair and the inventions it introduced to the world
• The incredible reversal of the Chicago River — its purpose and lasting impact on the city’s future
Step aboard and experience how history, architecture, and innovation flow together on this unforgettable journey through Chicago’s past and present.
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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