2-Hour Guided Segway Tour of Chicago

Exploring Chicago on a Segway: A Practical Guide to the 2-Hour Tour

When visiting Chicago, there’s no better way to see the city’s highlights than on this 2-hour guided Segway tour. Priced at $65 per person, this experience offers an active, fun, and efficient way to cover top sights like Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, and the Museum Campus. The tour is led by an experienced guide—often named Mike—who makes riding the Segway easy and entertaining. With a small group capped at eight participants, you’ll get plenty of personalized attention and insider stories about the city’s landmarks.

What we love most about this tour is how it combines the thrill of riding a Segway with informative commentary—you’ll glide past iconic sites while learning about Chicago’s history and hidden stories. Plus, the 2-hour length is just right—long enough to see a lot but short enough to keep the experience lively and engaging. A second highlight is that training and safety gear are included—perfect for beginners or those a little nervous about riding. The fact that it’s booked an average of 18 days in advance shows how popular and well-organized this experience is.

A potential consideration is the description of the itinerary. Some reviews mention that the tour might focus more on specific areas like the Museum Campus rather than a complete city tour. For those expecting a broad exploration of Chicago from downtown to neighborhoods, this could be a minor disappointment. Still, if you’re eager to experience a handful of the most scenic and significant spots with a knowledgeable guide, this tour fits the bill.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy active sightseeing, small group settings, and learning fun facts while having a good time on wheels. It’s particularly great for those who want a quick, memorable overview of the city’s highlights. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or someone looking for a unique way to get around, this tour offers both excitement and insight.

Key Points

• Time-efficient sightseeing: Cover multiple popular sights in just 2 hours.
• Small-group experience: Max of 8 participants enhances safety and interaction.
• Inclusive training: Segway lessons and safety gear make it accessible to beginners.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides share stories and insider facts.
• Flexible routes: Options include scenic downtown, Grant Park, and Museum Campus.
• Good value: Combining fun, education, and movement at a reasonable price.

The Heart of the Chicago Segway Tour

Starting at 2 E 8th St, the tour kicks off with a brief safety and riding tutorial. Even if you’ve never ridden a Segway before, most find it surprisingly intuitive. The guides take time to ensure everyone feels comfortable, which means you’re not just riding but actually enjoying the experience. The small group size keeps things personal and manageable, especially in busy downtown Chicago.

Once underway, the real fun begins. You’ll glide through scenic streets, feeling the wind and absorbing the energy of the city’s core. The route typically includes Millennium Park, home to the famous Cloud Gate sculpture (also known as “The Bean”), where many travelers love snapping photos of the skyline reflected in its shiny surface. We loved the way the guide shared stories about the park’s history and the artwork.

Next, you’ll cruise around Buckingham Fountain, a stunning centerpiece in Grant Park. It’s one of Chicago’s most photographed spots, especially in summer when the fountain’s water jets dance in sync with music. According to reviews, the guide’s storytelling makes this stop even more interesting—highlighting some of the fountain’s quirky facts and design details.

Further along, the tour explores the Museum Campus, an area packed with world-class institutions like the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium. Some reviewers have commented that this part felt more like a focused “museum campus” tour rather than a full city overview. If your goal is to see Chicago’s museums and parks, this is perfect. For those wanting a more comprehensive city tour, it might feel a bit narrow in scope.

Depending on the route, the tour might also include the lakefront, offering stunning views of Lake Michigan. A few remarks from travelers mention enjoying the breeze and skyline views—a reminder of what makes Chicago special.

Another highlight is cruising along Michigan Avenue, where you’ll pass historic buildings and flagship stores. Some reviews emphasize how the combination of sightseeing and riding makes for a dynamic, memorable experience. One happy traveler mentioned, “We had a blast on the Segways and took some great pictures,” which captures the essence of this tour.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour provides a 2-hour guided Segway ride, complete with training and safety gear. This means you don’t need prior experience—just bring your enthusiasm. It’s a mobile ticket, making check-in straightforward at the meeting point.

However, gratuities for the guide are not included, and there are no meals or additional extras. The activity ends back at the starting point, providing a seamless experience.

Weather can impact your ride—if it’s canceled due to poor conditions, a full refund or rescheduling is offered. That’s worth noting if you’re visiting during unpredictable weather months.

The Guide and Group Dynamics

Many reviews praise guides like Mike for being professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. Travelers often mention feeling safe and well-instructed, which is key when riding a Segway in a busy city environment. The small group size ensures everyone gets attention, and the guide’s storytelling adds a personal touch.

Some travelers note that the meeting place—a somewhat cluttered storefront—could be more inviting or organized, but most agree that the actual riding experience more than compensates for this minor detail.

The Value of the Tour

At $65, this tour strikes a good balance between affordability and fun. It’s a great way to cover a lot of ground quickly, especially if you’re short on time or prefer a more active sightseeing method. The inclusion of instruction and safety gear makes it accessible, even for first-timers, which adds to its value.

While some reviews mention that the tour could be more comprehensive or detailed about city history, many appreciate the scenic stops and engaging commentary. The tour’s focus on stunning views and iconic landmarks makes it worthwhile for those looking for a memorable, photo-friendly experience.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This Segway experience is ideal for adventurous travelers who want a fun, fast-paced way to see Chicago’s highlights. If you enjoy outdoor activities and learning stories about local landmarks, you’ll love this. It’s also suitable for families, couples, or small groups seeking a shared adventure.

However, if you prefer a more in-depth or broad city tour, or want to explore neighborhoods in detail, you might want to consider other options. Also, travelers who dislike riding or have mobility issues may find the Segway less suitable, but with proper instruction, most beginners find it easy.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour includes Segway training and safety gear, making it accessible for first-timers or those with little riding experience.

How long does the tour last?
The actual ride lasts approximately 2 hours, including instruction. The tour ends back at the starting point.

What sights will I see?
You’ll visit Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, the Museum Campus, and possibly other scenic spots along the lakefront and Michigan Avenue.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, if weather conditions are poor, the tour may be canceled. In such cases, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people are in each group?
The group is limited to 8 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and safety.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers the guided tour, Segway training, and safety equipment. Gratuity and meals are not included.

Where do I meet the tour?
The meeting point is at 2 E 8th St, Chicago, IL. The location is near public transportation.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activity. Shoes should be closed-toe and sturdy.

To sum it up, this 2-hour guided Segway tour offers a lively, engaging way to see some of Chicago’s most iconic landmarks. It’s especially suited for those who love a bit of adventure and want to capture beautiful photos while learning about the city’s highlights. The small group setting and expert guides make it a safe, memorable activity—perfect for first-time visitors looking for a different perspective on the Windy City. Just remember that if your main goal is a comprehensive city overview, this tour might be somewhat limited in scope, but for fun, scenic highlights, it hits the mark.