Chicago Segway Tours: Glide Through the Windy City's Iconic Sights
Travelers often ask where we're from—fellow tourists, bus drivers, restaurant staff. My partner Dani simply says, "Germany." When I mention the United States, they press for more: "Chicago," I reply.
Truth be told, I'm not originally from Chicago proper.
I hail from one of Chicago's northwest suburbs—part of what locals call Chicagoland. Living just outside the city keeps my fascination alive. Over the past two years, we've explored dozens of global cities and countless villages. Though I've visited Chicago many times since leaving the U.S. in 2001, our recent four-week stay offered a fresh nomad's perspective—from skyscraper viewpoints to trendy restaurants serving comfort food.
Surprisingly, our standout experience was a Segway tour, revealing Chicago's most stunning angles.
How did we end up on a Chicago Segway tour?
As tourists in our hometown, we trusted local recommendations—like a frozen yogurt spot, hidden beach, or corner coffee shop. My step-dad, a lifelong Chicagoan and adventure enthusiast, raved about Segway tours. We hesitated, viewing Segways as gadgets for the less mobile. We're no strangers to tourist activities (Mediterranean cruises, Lisbon GoCar tours), but Segways felt silly.
His persistence won out. We booked with City Segway Tours. Nervous about looking ridiculous, a 15-minute training session boosted our confidence. Our 22-year-old Chicago-born guide shared fascinating history while keeping us at safe speeds.
The tour balances Segway mastery with city exploration. This self-balancing marvel responds to subtle foot leans for speed and handlebar twists for turns—gliding effortlessly in 360-degree spins.
Staying focused is crucial; a lapse risks falls and injury. Speeds start at 5 mph, increasing to 8-9 mph after an hour—plenty thrilling. The Segway fun hooked us, but the tour's highlights sealed it (TripAdvisor's 97% rave reviews from hundreds confirm it's Chicago's top sightseeing method).
The tour launches from City Segway Tours near Millennium Park with a safety video and outdoor practice. We zipped through Grant Park to Buckingham Fountain (familiar from TV), then Lake Shore Trail along Lake Michigan.
Next: Soldier Field (home of the Bears), Museum Campus (Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium). Facing Lake Michigan—indistinguishable from an ocean—with the skyline opposite, it inspired awe and pride. Behind the Planetarium, we found Chicago's most photogenic skyline vista.
Energized, we returned our Segways, eyeing global tour options (Paris, Munich, etc.). Chicago proved ideal; we'd repeat it anytime.
Essential Tips for Your Chicago Segway Tour:
1. Wear supportive shoes like sneakers—you'll stand for 2-3 hours with short breaks.
2. Dress in layers: Lake breezes chill, but sun beats down midday. Night tours cool fast; pack a jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen (even winter sun burns noses).
3. Segways have pouches for water (office sells for $1), iPad, or small camcorder.
