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    • HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE TOUR
    • GHOSTS AND GANGSTERS TOUR
    • NAVY PIER FIREWORKS PADDLE
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    • MOONLIGHT PADDLE
  • RENTALS
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    • NORTHWEST
    • BRIDGEPORT
  • INFO
    • ABOUT US
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    • PARKING
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    • TERMS AND CONDITIONS
    • CANCELLATION POLICY
    • JOBS
    • Contact Us
  • GIFTS

HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE TOUR

HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE TOUR

ENJOY A DAY OF KAYAKING THROUGH DOWNTOWN CHICAGO!
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This two hour kayak tour guides you from the early years of the city to the present as we paddle through the picturesque urban canyon of the downtown Chicago River. Soak up the sights and history along the bustling corridor of the recently renovated riverwalk promenade, and experience an unmatched view of our ever-developing city of skyscrapers!

Learn about the major players in the development of early Chicago, the river’s outsized significance to the city’s meteoric growth, how colossal engineering feats shaped the cityscape, why the river flows in reverse, and much more.

During the excursion, kayakers enjoy passing under the many unique, articulated ironwork bridges (the second largest operational drawbridge system in the world!), the always-entertaining shoreline people-watching, and the wildlife that has been drawn back to this majestic downtown segment of the Chicago River.

TOUR DETAILS

  • When
    Schedule and Current Availability
  • Duration
    On-water: ~2 hours
    Orientation/Launch: ~25 minutes
  • Ticket Price
    $65 per adult
    $45 per child (under 16)
  • Options
    Children small enough to fit in child seat are free (usually 2-4 years old).
  • Inclusions
    Single or double kayak (choose upon arrival), life vest, paddle, guide(s), safety orientation, paddling lesson, sunscreen
  • Attire
    Comfortable, water-friendly clothing and shoes are suggested, as you will likely get wet. Denim not recommended. Dress for the weather on the day of the event. Hats and sunglasses are a good idea.
  • Weight Limits
    Single kayak - 275 lbs (approx.); Double kayak - 500 lbs (approx.)

TOUR ITINERARY

1

ORIENTATION

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At the beginning of every tour, we teach the basics of flat water kayaking and brief our guests on river safety in a 10 minute orientation session.

2

PADDLE ADVENTURE

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After launching, our guides will lead you on a paddling journey through the city on a curated route designed to showcase the best vistas and historically significant buildings on all three branches of the river.

3

HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE

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At various points on the river, we group up to learn about how Chicago went from an outback trading post to a bustling metropolis in less than half of a century!

During the stops, we help explain the strong links between the Chicago River and the city itself. Larger-than-life personalities are the standard here, from the first fiddle playing, unofficial mayor, to the early boosters whose investments drove major development, to the pioneers and innovators of industry who established Chicago as a world-class city.

In addition, prominent buildings are discussed for their historical and architectural significance.

4

ENJOY YOURSELF!

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Take in your surroundings from the peaceful platform of a sea kayak. Savor the atmosphere as you glide through Chicago’s spectacular interior skyline. Many amazing photos are waiting to be captured and shared along the way.

5

CONCLUSION

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We'll finish with a beautiful panoramic view of the skyline, and then we paddle back to the dock where we started. Grab your belongings, say your goodbyes, and enjoy some food and drink at one of the many nearby restaurants in River North if you’ve worked up an appetite!

  • Pedro-n-Vida: They did a great job explaining. Everyone was awesome, and most importantly, it was an amazing location. Totally recommend it for anyone!
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  • Armitagemike: This was a lot of fun, with a lot of cool knowledge thrown in. The architectural tour of Chicago gave a unique perspective...
    Read full Testimonial
  • Bovinette: The people at Wateriders were so nice, laid back and easy going. It was a wonderful experience for the whole family...
    Read full Testimonial
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Tours

  • PRIVATE TOURS
  • HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE TOUR
  • GHOSTS AND GANGSTERS TOUR
  • SUNSET PADDLE
  • MOONLIGHT PADDLE
  • NAVY PIER FIREWORKS PADDLE
  • KAYAK RENTALS
East Bank Club Riverwalk
500 N Kingsbury St.
Chicago, IL, 60654
Kinzie St Bridge

Northwest
3057 North Rockwell St.
Chicago, IL 60618
+1 312-953-9287

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