Start the tour by the DuSable Bridge, learning about its history and the iconic terracotta Wrigley Building. From there, head west, past Wabash Bridge, and arrive at the Chicago Vietnam Veterans Memorial, a tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives during the Vietnam War.
Your next stop is the 600-foot tall Marina Towers, which function as a “city within a city”. Continue on to the Dearborn Street Bridge, where an angry mob once gathered with axes. As you walk, you’ll hear the tale of one of the strangest and deadliest shipwrecks in American history, which happened right on the Chicago River.
Continuing on toward the Merchandise Mart, an example of the art deco style popular in the 1920s and 30s, learn the history of the Chicago River, how it helped this city go from a small town to a bustling hub of culture and commerce. Next, you’ll arrive at Wolf Point, where Chicago’s very first hotel stood almost 200 years ago. Hear about the history of this place, then head back the way you came for the final section of the tour.
Stop at the Tribune Tower, the new home of the Chicago Tribune. This skyscraper contains pieces of historic buildings from across the world, including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Berlin Wall. The, see the NBC’s Chicago headquarters, modelled after the famous skyscraper at 30 Rockefeller Center. To conclude your tour, reach the last bridge separating the Chicago River from Lake Michigan, a perfect place to take in the scenery and capture memorable photos.
