CAF Tour FAQ

The River Cruise is not ADA accessible, but accommodations can be made for people with wheelchairs or mobility disabilities. To avoid the stairs down to the dock from Wacker Driver, there is a dock-level drop-off-only area below Lower Wacker Drive, adjacent to the Chicago River. This area is on the same ground-level as our dock, at the Riverside Gardens Promenade. Although there is a wheelchair accessible drop-off, there is no dedicated public parking. The closest parking facility is located up one level at the Hyatt Regency on Lower Wacker Drive and Lower Stetson St. Taxicabs do not regularly travel near the drop off area. If you arrive by taxicab, we recommend that you arrange for the same driver to pick you up after your cruise.

From Illinois Street or Grand Avenue go southbound on Lower Michigan Avenue, travel across the Lower Michigan Avenue Bridge. Go straight through the Lower Wacker Drive traffic light and when you reach the next traffic light, which is also a dead-end, turn left (east). You will then come to a 4-way Stop sign. At that Stop sign, turn left (north) and go straight until you come into view of the River and an opening in a black wrought iron fence. Your vehicle may pull up toward the bicycle path to unload your passengers.

We always offer early boarding for our passengers with limited mobility. Please identify yourself to any uniformed employee upon arrival, and let us know how we can assist. Our watertight threshold configuration and limited turning areas make us unable to accommodate motorized scooters. We offer a standard wheelchair for use on a complimentary basis. Although not necessary, we recommend a caregiver accompany any guest with mobility restrictions to facilitate movement during the cruise, for the boat may rock unexpectedly, or to assist in the unlikely case of an emergency.

All CAF walking tours given in the downtown “Loop” area are 100% wheelchair accessible. Curb cuts, ramps and wheelchair entrances are used to allow access for everyone. Neighborhood walking tours (outside of downtown) may have more limited access—please contact the Tour Department for details on specific tours. Some tours of landscape architecture (including parks and cemeteries) may involve unpaved surfaces.