Chicago’s Finest River Walk Tour Motto: “Levity is not a barrier to a great history tour!”
Thank you Dan. September 6, 2011
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed your tour. It was one of the best tours we’ve ever been on. You were so informative and passionate about Chicago’s great history. We will highly recommend your tour to anyone we know visiting Chicago and we will definitely look you up again for another tour for our next trip to Chicago.
Thanks again,
Traci Kanne
Atlanta, GA
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed your tour. It was one of the best tours we’ve ever been on. You were so informative and passionate about Chicago’s great history. We will highly recommend your tour to anyone we know visiting Chicago and we will definitely look you up again for another tour for our next trip to Chicago.
Thanks again,
Traci Kanne
Atlanta, GA
Dan, August 29, 2011
It was nice meeting you. Rick did a great job with the tour! It was very informative and we all learned alot. Lunch next to the river was relaxing and delicious. It was a fun day being in the city and learning so much about Chicago and its history. Oh, and thanks for ordering up such a beautiful day for us too! We will definitely spread the news about your tour … Good luck to you and Rick!
Debbie McDavid
(And thanks for the books references too. Very thoughtful of you. I am passing this on to all that came with me on Sunday.)
It was nice meeting you. Rick did a great job with the tour! It was very informative and we all learned alot. Lunch next to the river was relaxing and delicious. It was a fun day being in the city and learning so much about Chicago and its history. Oh, and thanks for ordering up such a beautiful day for us too! We will definitely spread the news about your tour … Good luck to you and Rick!
Debbie McDavid
(And thanks for the books references too. Very thoughtful of you. I am passing this on to all that came with me on Sunday.)
August 26, 2011
My husband and I took Chicago’s Finest River Walk Tour on August 12th. As long time Chicagoland residents, we have been on several other tours, but this one was by far the best.
Take a tour on one of the boats or buses and you’ll hear someone recite facts and figures about the Willis Tower and Hancock Building. Take Chicago’s Finest River Walk Tour and you will be entertained for two full hours with stories ranging from the founding of the City of Chicago to the filming of Transformers III. Our tour guide, Dan, was extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic. His passion for the city and its history was evident as he regaled us with anecdotes about many of Chicago’s most famous and infamous citizens.
I’d highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to spend an extremely entertaining and informative two hours on Chicago’s beautiful river front.
Sharon P.
Wheaton, IL
My husband and I took Chicago’s Finest River Walk Tour on August 12th. As long time Chicagoland residents, we have been on several other tours, but this one was by far the best.
Take a tour on one of the boats or buses and you’ll hear someone recite facts and figures about the Willis Tower and Hancock Building. Take Chicago’s Finest River Walk Tour and you will be entertained for two full hours with stories ranging from the founding of the City of Chicago to the filming of Transformers III. Our tour guide, Dan, was extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic. His passion for the city and its history was evident as he regaled us with anecdotes about many of Chicago’s most famous and infamous citizens.
I’d highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to spend an extremely entertaining and informative two hours on Chicago’s beautiful river front.
Sharon P.
Wheaton, IL
August 21, 2011
This tour was great! The guide delved into the history of Chicago with enthusiasm. We learned about everything from the very first settlers to the recent appearance of a Chicago skyscraper in “Batman Begins.” They also provided us with a book full of photos and visuals, to get an idea of what the city looked like hundreds of years ago. The walking is leisurely and there are plenty of places to sit. If you want a great overview of the history of the city and its place in U.S. history, this is the tour to take! I give it 5 out of 5 stars!
Alexandra
Chicago, IL
This tour was great! The guide delved into the history of Chicago with enthusiasm. We learned about everything from the very first settlers to the recent appearance of a Chicago skyscraper in “Batman Begins.” They also provided us with a book full of photos and visuals, to get an idea of what the city looked like hundreds of years ago. The walking is leisurely and there are plenty of places to sit. If you want a great overview of the history of the city and its place in U.S. history, this is the tour to take! I give it 5 out of 5 stars!
Alexandra
Chicago, IL
August 12, 2011
Although it was different than we expected, my husband and I both loved this event. Our group leader, Dan, was delightfully personable and enthusiastically knowledgeable about the history of Chicago; we learned so much about the development of the city as well as interesting side stories about some of the buildings that we passed. Well worth it, even for those of us who were born and raised here in this area.
Linda Garrity
Chicago, IL
Although it was different than we expected, my husband and I both loved this event. Our group leader, Dan, was delightfully personable and enthusiastically knowledgeable about the history of Chicago; we learned so much about the development of the city as well as interesting side stories about some of the buildings that we passed. Well worth it, even for those of us who were born and raised here in this area.
Linda Garrity
Chicago, IL
Dan, August 8, 2011
I just wanted to thank you for offering a fine tour. I flew into town from California to visit a friend. She bought two tickets through Groupon and we thoroughly enjoyed the two hour walk along the river. As a first timer in Chicago, I think I learned more than most residents know! And our tour guide Rick did a wonderful job as well.
Keep up the good work,
Marc Bonner
San Francisco, CA
I just wanted to thank you for offering a fine tour. I flew into town from California to visit a friend. She bought two tickets through Groupon and we thoroughly enjoyed the two hour walk along the river. As a first timer in Chicago, I think I learned more than most residents know! And our tour guide Rick did a wonderful job as well.
Keep up the good work,
Marc Bonner
San Francisco, CA
Hello, August 1, 2011
Kudos to Rick for a great brunch tour last weekend! Rick shared facts and stories about Chicago I had never heard- and expect would never hear on a bus or boat tour! It was a wonderful afternoon on the River, and we had such an enjoyable group for Brunch! I’ll be back!
Kelly A.
Chicago, IL
Kudos to Rick for a great brunch tour last weekend! Rick shared facts and stories about Chicago I had never heard- and expect would never hear on a bus or boat tour! It was a wonderful afternoon on the River, and we had such an enjoyable group for Brunch! I’ll be back!
Kelly A.
Chicago, IL
C.F.R.W.T., July 30, 2011
I truly enjoyed this tour and Dan, our tour guide, was FANTASTIC! Dan is well read and passionate about the history of Chicago. We learned many interesting facts from Chicago being an “Alpha” city to how connected to the world Chicago truly is. We were provided with a booklet of pictures and fun facts to carry along on the tour as a reference. The architecture of Chicago and the array of angles you will view it from along the riverwalk are stellar. If you’re a local or a tourist DON’T miss Chicago’s Finest River Walk Tour. If Dan is your tour guide you will have fond memories of Chicago forever.
Brad Puterbaugh
Kenosha, WI
I truly enjoyed this tour and Dan, our tour guide, was FANTASTIC! Dan is well read and passionate about the history of Chicago. We learned many interesting facts from Chicago being an “Alpha” city to how connected to the world Chicago truly is. We were provided with a booklet of pictures and fun facts to carry along on the tour as a reference. The architecture of Chicago and the array of angles you will view it from along the riverwalk are stellar. If you’re a local or a tourist DON’T miss Chicago’s Finest River Walk Tour. If Dan is your tour guide you will have fond memories of Chicago forever.
Brad Puterbaugh
Kenosha, WI
Dan, July 16, 2011
The following is taken from a note given to me by my guests after they took Chicago’s Finest River Walk Tour. I look forward to taking your tour soon!
Mark Kraemer
Conciege-Hotel Palomar
“Dan’s tour was the highlight of our trip to Chicago. We spent over two hours learning and wished we had another two hours with him! Dan is a passionate historian and a real “people person.” Dan linked events, personalities, and structures to several major themes, and kept us engaged and thinking the entire time. We completed our tour with an understanding not just just of Chicago, the place, but also of Chicago, the idea. Highly recommended! ”
Shari & Michael Sokol
Kansas City,MO
The following is taken from a note given to me by my guests after they took Chicago’s Finest River Walk Tour. I look forward to taking your tour soon!
Mark Kraemer
Conciege-Hotel Palomar
“Dan’s tour was the highlight of our trip to Chicago. We spent over two hours learning and wished we had another two hours with him! Dan is a passionate historian and a real “people person.” Dan linked events, personalities, and structures to several major themes, and kept us engaged and thinking the entire time. We completed our tour with an understanding not just just of Chicago, the place, but also of Chicago, the idea. Highly recommended! ”
Shari & Michael Sokol
Kansas City,MO
Dan, June 29, 2011
Saturday was just great! Thanks, once again, for a very enjoyable and informative tour. After we left you, we went out for drinks and dinner. Everyone was very complimentary about the tour. It was your enthusiasm that was mentioned most often. You captivate your audience with it. You have the Irish gift of storytelling. You don’t sound like a docent who has told the story 100 times!
Ending with the story about Elias is perfect. There were many comments about that powerful ending. Thanks for what you did for us. I wish you continuing success!
Larry McBrady
Chicago, IL
Saturday was just great! Thanks, once again, for a very enjoyable and informative tour. After we left you, we went out for drinks and dinner. Everyone was very complimentary about the tour. It was your enthusiasm that was mentioned most often. You captivate your audience with it. You have the Irish gift of storytelling. You don’t sound like a docent who has told the story 100 times!
Ending with the story about Elias is perfect. There were many comments about that powerful ending. Thanks for what you did for us. I wish you continuing success!
Larry McBrady
Chicago, IL
Hi Dan, June 24, 2011
Just wanted to let you know again how much we enjoyed the River Walk Tour you led for us during Memorial Day weekend. Even after five museums and four exhausting days of seeing everything we could, we both agreed that your tour was one of the most fun and informative things we did during our time in Chicago. Nowhere else we visited gave us such a well-rounded history of the city, and the understanding we gained through your tour helped put everything else we saw and learned into perspective. Additionally, the personal, small group atmosphere was fun, laid back, and relaxing- a welcome feeling after the crowds of the museums and other tourist destinations in the city!
We would definitely recommend Chicago’s Finest River Walk Tour as a “can’t-miss” opportunity to anyone who is headed up to Chicago! Our time there would have seemed incomplete without it.
Paul and Sara Rotramel
Bowling Green, KY
Just wanted to let you know again how much we enjoyed the River Walk Tour you led for us during Memorial Day weekend. Even after five museums and four exhausting days of seeing everything we could, we both agreed that your tour was one of the most fun and informative things we did during our time in Chicago. Nowhere else we visited gave us such a well-rounded history of the city, and the understanding we gained through your tour helped put everything else we saw and learned into perspective. Additionally, the personal, small group atmosphere was fun, laid back, and relaxing- a welcome feeling after the crowds of the museums and other tourist destinations in the city!
We would definitely recommend Chicago’s Finest River Walk Tour as a “can’t-miss” opportunity to anyone who is headed up to Chicago! Our time there would have seemed incomplete without it.
Paul and Sara Rotramel
Bowling Green, KY
Hi Dan, June 14, 2011
My sister Jane and I could not have picked a better way to spend an afternoon together. We learned so much about the history of Chicago and had a great time doing so. So much information, so little time!
Thanks again,
Mary Murphy
Saint Charles, IL
My sister Jane and I could not have picked a better way to spend an afternoon together. We learned so much about the history of Chicago and had a great time doing so. So much information, so little time!
Thanks again,
Mary Murphy
Saint Charles, IL
Dan, May 30, 2011
The tour today was so great. Cannot wait for our next tour with you. It was such a great informative tour of Chicago. Thanks for your dedication to Chicago.
Margaret and George Barletta
Chicago, IL
See you soon!!
The tour today was so great. Cannot wait for our next tour with you. It was such a great informative tour of Chicago. Thanks for your dedication to Chicago.
Margaret and George Barletta
Chicago, IL
See you soon!!
Dan, May 23, 2011
We all really enjoyed the tour and I will certainly pass your organization’s name on to any friends who may be visiting, or even (like us), people who are local but interested in learning more about Chicago history. You did a great job and I know you have a lot more history to share-so you may see me again with another group! A very nice way to spend a couple of hours and we even lucked out on the weather. Bonus! Glad I found you!
Kara Curran
Chicago, IL
We all really enjoyed the tour and I will certainly pass your organization’s name on to any friends who may be visiting, or even (like us), people who are local but interested in learning more about Chicago history. You did a great job and I know you have a lot more history to share-so you may see me again with another group! A very nice way to spend a couple of hours and we even lucked out on the weather. Bonus! Glad I found you!
Kara Curran
Chicago, IL
Hi Dan! May 9, 2011
I just wanted to tell you how wonderful of a tour you gave! It makes me happy to be born in this city, with so much architecture & history. You opened my eyes to absorb it all. Thank you so much. I can now rely on you for knowledge of our great city. Once again, Thank you. I will be sending you many of our guests this summer that are looking for something different and exciting!
Gloria E. Hernandez
Concierge-Marriott Hotel Downtown
I just wanted to tell you how wonderful of a tour you gave! It makes me happy to be born in this city, with so much architecture & history. You opened my eyes to absorb it all. Thank you so much. I can now rely on you for knowledge of our great city. Once again, Thank you. I will be sending you many of our guests this summer that are looking for something different and exciting!
Gloria E. Hernandez
Concierge-Marriott Hotel Downtown
Dan, April 30, 2011
Just wanted to thank you again for a great afternoon! We all really enjoyed the tour – and that’s tough for all of us to agree. The three of us are at such different levels of interest/knowledge of Chicago. The photos brought together what you were telling us. The tour was different from any we’ve done. We all learned many new “tidbits” on the city.
We also appreciated the extra time you spent with our group.
Paula Laman
Chicago, IL
Just wanted to thank you again for a great afternoon! We all really enjoyed the tour – and that’s tough for all of us to agree. The three of us are at such different levels of interest/knowledge of Chicago. The photos brought together what you were telling us. The tour was different from any we’ve done. We all learned many new “tidbits” on the city.
We also appreciated the extra time you spent with our group.
Paula Laman
Chicago, IL
Hi Dan, April 23, 2011
This is Dave Levitt. I was on your tour last Saturday (4/23), and I wanted to send you a quick note telling you how much I enjoyed it! You did a great job combining history, architecture, facts, and trivia, all in a relaxed, easy going pace. Well done! It’s too bad my dear friend Frieda could not join me for the tour, but we frequent Chicago once or twice a year and rest assured I will be seeing you again.
Best Regards,
Dave Levitt
Minneapolis, MN
This is Dave Levitt. I was on your tour last Saturday (4/23), and I wanted to send you a quick note telling you how much I enjoyed it! You did a great job combining history, architecture, facts, and trivia, all in a relaxed, easy going pace. Well done! It’s too bad my dear friend Frieda could not join me for the tour, but we frequent Chicago once or twice a year and rest assured I will be seeing you again.
Best Regards,
Dave Levitt
Minneapolis, MN
Hi Dan, April 15, 2011
Thank you very much for the tour you gave me along the river. I enjoyed all your information on this special “VIP” walk. It was fantastic! I learned a lot about Chicago, and I bought the book you advised me to read – and when reading I remember everything you told me and my wonderful days in your beautiful city.
Thanks again,
Regina
Berlin, Germany
Thank you very much for the tour you gave me along the river. I enjoyed all your information on this special “VIP” walk. It was fantastic! I learned a lot about Chicago, and I bought the book you advised me to read – and when reading I remember everything you told me and my wonderful days in your beautiful city.
Thanks again,
Regina
Berlin, Germany
Dan, April 12, 2011
As a life-long Chicagoan, I am always interested in learning more about the history of this great city. Over the years, I have participated in numerous lectures and tours. I have learned that all guides are not created equal.
Chicago’s Finest River Walk Tour is excellent! Dan O’Connell knows the history of Chicago and he is able to impart it with enthusiasm and humor. It’s a fun and informative two hours. Don’t miss it!
Larry McBrady
Chicago, IL
As a life-long Chicagoan, I am always interested in learning more about the history of this great city. Over the years, I have participated in numerous lectures and tours. I have learned that all guides are not created equal.
Chicago’s Finest River Walk Tour is excellent! Dan O’Connell knows the history of Chicago and he is able to impart it with enthusiasm and humor. It’s a fun and informative two hours. Don’t miss it!
Larry McBrady
Chicago, IL
Dan, April 2, 2011
We all so enjoyed your walking tour!! I loved hearing Craig’s brothers spouting the facts and figures they’d learned to their friends later that day….ha! They were definitely soaking it all in!!! What a great tour! We had a 12-member family group with diverse ages and interests. Dan captured the attention of everyone immediately with spirited stories about the fascinating history of Chicago. His depth of knowledge is amazing! Compared to the architectural boat tour, this tour is more personal and covers much more information. I also found it much easier to hear! Dan was a fabulous host for this educational city stroll! We’d definitely do the walk again and again.
Cynthia & Craig Ragland
Marshalltown, IA
We all so enjoyed your walking tour!! I loved hearing Craig’s brothers spouting the facts and figures they’d learned to their friends later that day….ha! They were definitely soaking it all in!!! What a great tour! We had a 12-member family group with diverse ages and interests. Dan captured the attention of everyone immediately with spirited stories about the fascinating history of Chicago. His depth of knowledge is amazing! Compared to the architectural boat tour, this tour is more personal and covers much more information. I also found it much easier to hear! Dan was a fabulous host for this educational city stroll! We’d definitely do the walk again and again.
Cynthia & Craig Ragland
Marshalltown, IA
>Dear Dan, March 27, 2011
Since we’ve been back in warm New Orleans I’ve been thinking about our trip to Chicago. Your tour was one of the high points of the trip. Learning the history of Chicago and seeing the part of the city on the Chicago River added so much to the enjoyment of our stay. Thanks again for the great tour!
Flo & Jerry Brown
New Orleans, LA
Since we’ve been back in warm New Orleans I’ve been thinking about our trip to Chicago. Your tour was one of the high points of the trip. Learning the history of Chicago and seeing the part of the city on the Chicago River added so much to the enjoyment of our stay. Thanks again for the great tour!
Flo & Jerry Brown
New Orleans, LA
Dan, October 25, 2010
Your tour was the highlight of our trip to Chicago! We still can’t believe how you remember all those facts and figures not to mentioned all the great stories about Chicago. We will make sure all our friends hear about your business and help spread the word.
Thanks again you were the best!
Go Vols!
Dan and Amy Stedham
Knoxville, TN
Your tour was the highlight of our trip to Chicago! We still can’t believe how you remember all those facts and figures not to mentioned all the great stories about Chicago. We will make sure all our friends hear about your business and help spread the word.
Thanks again you were the best!
Go Vols!
Dan and Amy Stedham
Knoxville, TN
Dan, September 10, 2010
The whole group loved the tour. Very customized, we got to rest, have a drink and sit occasionally…all of this was terrific. However, the best part of the tour was the incredible wealth of knowledge you have about the city. And you made it fun as well. I can’t say enough good things about the day and the tour. Thanks again,
Jim Rohan DDS, PC
Chicago, IL
The whole group loved the tour. Very customized, we got to rest, have a drink and sit occasionally…all of this was terrific. However, the best part of the tour was the incredible wealth of knowledge you have about the city. And you made it fun as well. I can’t say enough good things about the day and the tour. Thanks again,
Jim Rohan DDS, PC
Chicago, IL
Dan, August 30, 2010
Our first trip to Chicago was a great experience due in great part to taking your tour. We really enjoyed your knowledge, humor and enthusiasm – what a wonderful introduction to your great city!! My wife and I would absolutely advise people to run to take your walk.
We wish you well-deserved success.
Best regards,
Michael & Marlene Lene
Maitland, FL
Our first trip to Chicago was a great experience due in great part to taking your tour. We really enjoyed your knowledge, humor and enthusiasm – what a wonderful introduction to your great city!! My wife and I would absolutely advise people to run to take your walk.
We wish you well-deserved success.
Best regards,
Michael & Marlene Lene
Maitland, FL
Dan, August 16, 2010
Chicago’s Finest River Walk Tour is terrific. Dan is intelligent, well informed and energetic. He offers interesting insights into Chicago’s history and Architecture. Ninety minutes with him are well worth the time and money.
Ed Sherrod
Ann Arbor, MI
Chicago’s Finest River Walk Tour is terrific. Dan is intelligent, well informed and energetic. He offers interesting insights into Chicago’s history and Architecture. Ninety minutes with him are well worth the time and money.
Ed Sherrod
Ann Arbor, MI
Hi Dan, July 31, 2010
Just a quick note to thank you for yesterday’s tour. Ann and I enjoyed it enormously. We thought the length, distance covered and pace was perfect. We learned a lot of new stuff even though we’ve been here 11 years and been on a few architectural river cruises in our time. And your enthusiasm for the subject/the city was infectious.
We hope the business thrives as it deserves to do. We’ll spread the word.
Once again, many thanks.
Chris and Ann Burrows
Chicago, IL
Just a quick note to thank you for yesterday’s tour. Ann and I enjoyed it enormously. We thought the length, distance covered and pace was perfect. We learned a lot of new stuff even though we’ve been here 11 years and been on a few architectural river cruises in our time. And your enthusiasm for the subject/the city was infectious.
We hope the business thrives as it deserves to do. We’ll spread the word.
Once again, many thanks.
Chris and Ann Burrows
Chicago, IL
Do you know?
Chicago has the largest water purification plant (James Jardine) in the world. Fact: 1 billion gallons are processed daily!
“Chicago does not go to the world. The world comes to Chicago.” Chicago Times-1857 (Re; railroads)