Welcome to the Self-Guided Chicago Walking Tours
Explore the surprising beauty and history of the Windy City with this Chicago tours bundle of Millennium Park and Riverwalk! Snap a picture by the famous Cloud Gate sculpture and get away from the hustle and bustle in the city’s most iconic park. Then, stroll along the picturesque riverside, admire Chicago’s totally unique architecture, and learn the fascinating stories behind the city’s skyline. This combo is the easiest, best way to get to know this complex city!
About the Tour
Your tour of Chicago through Millennium Park will begin at the park’s north end. From there, you’ll walk toward the famous Pritzker Pavilion, the park’s centrepiece. Once at the pavilion, you’ll learn about the biggest performances held here, the high-tech design, and the man behind it all: Jay Pritzker.
Next you’ll see the park’s “Secret Garden,” a beautiful green space featuring a peaceful boardwalk and fantastic skyline views.
After that, you’ll spot the Art Institute of Chicago and continue on to the incredible Crown Fountain, known for its intricately detailed “face towers.”
At last, you’ll arrive at Cloud Gate, known by the locals as “The Bean” (but don’t tell the artist)! Get to know the wacky artist behind it, find out how he created such a huge, smooth surface, and don’t forget to snap some pictures of your reflection! The Millennium Park tour concludes here.
Your Riverwalk tour begins by the historic DuSable Bridge. Here, you’ll learn not only about this picture-perfect bridge, but also about the iconic Wrigley Building.
From there, you’ll stroll west along the riverside, past what was once voted America’s Most Beautiful Bridge. After that, you’ll stop at the Chicago Vietnam Veterans Memorial for a moment of somber reflection.
The next stop is hard to miss: It’s the Marina Towers, looming 600 feet over the river. Find out why people say these towers are a “city within a city,” then keep walking to the Dearborn Street Bridge. Hear the full story of why an angry mob once descended on this bridge with axes, then continue your stroll.
As you walk, your audio guide will also recount the tale of one of the deadliest shipwrecks in American history… which took place right on the Chicago River!
Up next is the humbly-named (but not so humbly designed) Merchandise Mart. This gorgeous example of the art deco style is sure to pique the interest of any budding architects!
Next, you’ll reach Wolf Point, where, nearly 200 years ago, Chicago’s very first hotel once stood. Then you’ll get a good look at the Tribune Tower, home to the famous Chicago Tribune. This skyscraper also contains pieces of historic buildings from across the world, including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Berlin Wall!
After that, you’ll come face to face with NBC’s Chicago headquarters, which look suspiciously like the iconic 30 Rockefeller Center in the Big Apple… because it was modeled after that iconic skyscraper!
Finally, you’ll stop by the last bridge separating the Chicago River from the great lake beyond. It’s a great place to admire the scenery, and an even better one to snap some photos for your Insta. The Riverwalk tour concludes here.
This bundle is the easiest, most flexible way to see the Windy City. So what are you waiting for?
Want all of our tours? Upgrade to Action+:
- An annual $99.99/year subscription offers access to over 200+ tours.
- Unlimited use throughout the year.
- Includes free access to new tours as they are released.
Where To Start?
Starting Points:
Millennium Park Welcome Center : 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
DuSable Bridge : 333 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
How Does It Work?
- Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
- Audio Setup: Connect your phone to the car stereo via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux, and bring headphones on walking tours. CarPlay and Android Auto are not yet supported. We are working with Apple for a resolution.
- To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
- The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
Audio Story Highlights
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Welcome
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Parking Lot to Park
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Jay Pritzker Pavilion
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Frank Gehry
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Gehry's Fame
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Pavilion Acoustics
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The Pavilion Today
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BP Pedestrian Bridge
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Lurie Gardens Entrance
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BP Pedestrian Bridge
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Kathryn Gustafson
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Dark Plate and Light Plate
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Carl Sandburg
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Nichols Bridgeway
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Contemporary Art (Boeing Gallery South)
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Crown Fountain
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Walk to the Bean
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Under the Bean (Cloud Gate)
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
The Chicago tour through Millennium Park begins at the park’s north end.
The “Secret Garden” in Millennium Park offers beautiful green spaces, a peaceful boardwalk, and fantastic skyline views.
Yes, the Chicago Loop is highly walkable, with many attractions, shops, and restaurants within easy walking distance.
Yes, Chicago is a very tourist-friendly city, offering a wide range of attractions, tours, and activities to cater to visitors.
The best months to visit Chicago are during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October), when the weather is pleasant, and there are various events and festivals.
The best way to tour Chicago is by taking guided walking tours, boat tours on the Chicago River, or hop-on-hop-off buses to explore the city’s main attractions.
Chicago offers excellent public transportation, including buses and the ‘L’ train system, making it easy to explore the city without a car. Walking and biking are also popular options.
One of the most famous routes in Chicago is the Magnificent Mile, a stretch of Michigan Avenue known for its upscale shopping, dining, and cultural landmarks.
Many consider North Michigan Avenue, also known as the Magnificent Mile, to be one of the prettiest streets in Chicago due to its stunning architecture, shopping, and dining options.
Celebrities often reside in affluent neighborhoods like Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, and Streeterville, where luxury homes and amenities are abundant.
The Riverwalk tour starts at the historic DuSable Bridge, and visitors will learn about this picturesque bridge and the iconic Wrigley Building.
Inclusions and Exclusions
App on your phone: A link to download the Action Tour Guide App and Password for your tours.
Easy to use: Stories play automatically by GPS. Hands-free. Get HELP all day: Call, Chat, or Email.
Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Valid for multiple visits up to 1 year after purchase.
Interactive audio stories: Experience local history and culture through clear, concise narratives from experienced narrators.
At your own pace: No group. Take breaks for photos, snacks, hikes. Go at your own pace.
Offline use: No cell signal or wifi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction.
Don’t miss a thing: Full itinerary, travel tips, professionally narrated videos, text, and hidden gems.
Transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks.
Entry tickets or reservations to any attractions along the route.
Car Rental: Please arrange a rental car at the closest airport or train station.
