Chicago Architecture Foundation Segway Tour

Honestly, I didn't know what to expect from a Segway or the tour. But with the video and individual training and a bit of practice, a Segway tour is the best way to get around the city sites. Overall, the operation was friendly, organized, and seamless. I liked that we could check-in our bags. I packed light, but a member in our group checked-in her purse because it was too large for the pouch on the segway. Our docent, Stan, was very knowledgeable and our Segway aide, Carlie, was very helpful and friendly. I was very terrified of the Segway. But she was very encouraging and helpful along the way. As a Chicago-native, it's very difficult to be a "tourist" in your own city since I've been immersed in Chicago history for most of my life, so my attention was not completely kept throughout the tour. I'm sure it could be very informative for a visitor. I would have liked more time at the "major" stops (i.e. Field Museum, Planetarium, skyline view, etc) to take a couple of snapshots. Instead, we listened to Stan's narrative and then we would move along on to the next stop. Stan and Carlie were super flexible about riding the Segway at our own pace. And they did wait for everyone...even me who was always the last one in the group. We did pass by other Segway groups from other companies, and their guides seemed to be more strict. They were always riding in straight lines and didn't seem to be a comfortable as we were as a group. Our group size was manageable, 12 people...everyone received personal attention when needed or notice when someone was missing. Also, for $85 per person, CAF should consider providing a bottle of water per segway. We were out there for about three hours in 95 degree weather. Towards the end of the tour, I just wanted it to be over so I could go get some water. So, plan ahead and bring your own. Also, wear comfortable walking shoes (as forewarned by CAF). Although we were not walking, we were standing all three hours...my feet were on fire!

Tour was terrific fun. The training in Segway use was very good and the tour guide was very informative as we rode around the city. Highly recommended!

The Chicago Architecture Foundation Segway Tour was completely and utterly AWESOME!! We thought the Segway would be impossible to handle and would flip us off in no time, but it was really easy. Our Segway instructor - Ryan - was amazing and put us both at ease immediately. Riding the Segway was so much fun and the distances between stops allowed for plenty of ride experience. The architecture guide was incredibly informative with a great sense of humour. A few more stops where we actually got off the Segways (to allow photography) would have been nice, but overall our Segway Chicago experience was brilliant. Highly recommended to anyone and everyone, regardless of their interest in Architecture!!

Great route and fun guides

The day was cool but sunny and the city was showcased magnificently! Segways are so much fun and really are worth the price of admission. The guides were nice (we had a Chicago Architecture Docent as well), and did a fine job. The only thing is that I wish there were more stuff on the tour. The coolest part was on Northerly Island where we saw the Daphne sculptures--that was amazing and felt special to being on a Segway. The rest was more standard. It would be cool to think about things that are "only" accessible by Segway (meaning: best viewed on foot and too far to actually walk) and highlight those more. This tour is a must-see however!

June and the other individuals who handled the "Segway" tour and training were great. They were very helpful and enthusiastic. The actual Architectural Foundation volunteer who was our main guide -- Joyce was not good. I have participated in 3 other architectural tours in the city and all the doucents were fantastic. Joyce was more interested in talking about the picnic tables located by the Planetarium not being there the week before or the inconvienence of contruction of Buckingham Fountain than providing actual information about the sites. I found here to be somewhat inconsiderate to the other folks (walkers, runners, bikers, etc) along the path -- informing them they needed to get out of our way. Overall I found the tour to be great but for those folks who were not from Chicago I'm not sure they received a quality "architectural" tour that is truly available and are unbeatable.

Had a terriffic tour guide, Derreck. He was great, and very informative without overkill. Would highly recommend!!

I enjoyed the tour very much! The guides were informative and helpful. They were always aware of any needs our group may have had and quickly gave assistance. The Segway tour was a highlight of my trip!

Segway tours are a fun-filled way to spend a warm & sunny morning in Chicago. You get to learn a bit and enjoy picking up a new skill of maintaining balance and compusre on a Segway.

Tour was a lot of fun, guide was very knowledgable