FAQs

1. Are reservations necessary?

Yes, reservations are required and can be made 30 minutes prior to tour departure time by either calling 312-202-0745 or cell 312-315-2539. Guests may also use our on-line reservation option located on our web site under the Reservations Tab.

2. How do I pay for admission to one of Chicago’s Finest River Walk Tours?

There are two payment options. The first option is by credit card by using the Paypal option located on our web site’s Reservation page. And secondly, guests may pay for the tour in cash after the completion of the tour. As a reminder, all tours are 100% guaranteed. If a guest is not thoroughly satisfied with the tour’s content and tour guide, no payment is required.

3. Where do Chicago’s Finest River Walk Tours begin and end?

All tours begin and end at the Du Sable bust (Founder of Chicago) at the Northeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge-pictured below. The street address is 401 North Michigan Avenue and the closest street intersection is Michigan and Wacker.

4. Where is the closest parking lot accessible to the Michigan Avenue Bridge?

Parking is available in the 401 North Michigan building. Access to the parking lot is below Michigan Avenue on North Water Street. In order to access this parking lot, go to the intersection of State and North Water Streets (1 block north of the Chicago River on State Street), proceed East on North Water Street for a ½ mile and the parking lot for the 401 North Michigan Avenue building will be on your right.

5. How does Chicago’s Finest River Walk Tour compare to the city’s many boat & bus tours?

Our history walking tour’s narrative was specifically designed to supplement the information addressed on the boat & bus tours. Generally speaking, these tours do a nice job providing our city’s visitors with a big picture view of Chicago. Our tours provide a much deeper understanding of Chicago’s amazing history, architecture & pop culture. Our tours are much more intimate and engaging. Groups are limited to 15 people per tour and we never permit the use of mikes or lectures. A thoughtful, two-way conversation and exchange with our guests is our trademark. Lastly, all our tours are 100% customer satisfaction guaranteed! If a guest is not thoroughly satisfied with the tour’s content and/or tour facilitator, the admission it absolutely free!

6. What is included in Chicago’s Finest River Walk Signature Tour?

Although each tour’s narrative is a bit different based upon guest’s interests, our signature tour includes the complete history behind how a swampland discovered in the 17th century by LaSalle & Marquette became home to today’s sixth ranked “Alpha City”! In addition to this incredible history discussion, guests hear wonderful anecdotes about Chicago’s past including the many colorful characters that occupy the city’s compendium of legends & lore. Guests also have an opportunity to view some of Chicago’s architectural wonders including the two tallest buildings in the United States; Willis & Trump Towers. Guests also learn about and view the following; Magnificent Mile, South Michigan Avenue, Chicago River & River Walk, Fort Dearborn, Vietnam Memorial Plaza, Lower Wacker Drive, McCormick Bridgehoue Museum, Jewelers Building, Leo Burnett Building, United Airlines Headquarters, Merchandise Mart, Apparel Center, Reid-Murdoch Center, Marina City, Wit Hotel, Mather Tower, Carbide & Carbon Building, Hancock Center, Aon Building and the four flanks of the Michigan Avenue Bridge; 333 North Michigan, London Accident & Guarantee Building and the iconic Wrigley and Tribune Buildings

7. Are tours impacted by inclement weather?

Tours are conducted rain or shine. Guests will be guided by tour facilitator to shelter during thunder storms at one of the many nearby hotels, restaurants or office buildings.

8. Are group tours/private tours or corporate tours available?

Yes, we welcome all group tours by tailoring the tour’s narrative to the group’s interests and by providing a discount for all groups with 10 or more people.

9. Are there a minimum number of people needed for our history walking tours?

Yes, we require a minimum of two people per tour.

10. Do you provide tours for guests other than English speaking?

Yes, we are proud to offer and welcome both Chinese and Spanish speaking guests. We have contracted with a local agency that provides translators for all these special tours. In addition, we have web pages on our web site dedicated to these foreign-speaking guests in both Chinese and Spanish.

11. Is there an additional cost for non-English speaking tours?

Yes, in addition to our normal tours cost, tours accompanied by translators are approximately $200 more.

12. Do the tours offer anything to long-time Chicago Residents?

Absolutely! Although many of our guests come from all over the world and every state in the U.S., local residents also love our tours. Our promise is that even the most ardent history lover from Chicago will walk away saying, “I never knew that about my city”!

Please remember, all tours require a reservation and can be made on our Reservations page or by calling 312-202-0745 up until 30 minutes prior to departure.