Chicago Segway Tour: Haunted Crime & The Outfit

If you’re thinking about adding a unique twist to your Chicago visit, a haunted Segway tour might just be the perfect choice. While we haven’t personally joined this tour, plenty of travelers have, and the reviews suggest it’s a memorable way to experience some of the city’s darker stories alongside its famous sights. This tour takes you through Chicago after sunset, focusing on its most gruesome murders, disasters, and legendary gangsters, illuminated beautifully by night.

What really appeals to us about this experience is how it combines historical storytelling with a fun, active way to see the city. Plus, the fact that you’ll be zipping around on a Segway means covering way more ground than on foot—great if you’re short on time but still want a broad view of the city’s haunted past. On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that this isn’t a fully “haunted” ghost-hunting tour; it’s more about the eerie history and stories that give Chicago its spooky reputation.

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who are comfortable on a Segway, enjoy a bit of spooky history, and want a different perspective on Chicago’s nighttime glow. It’s also ideal if you prefer small groups for a more personal experience. Now, let’s dig into what makes this tour worth considering—or passing up.

Key Points

• Combination of history and spooky stories makes for an engaging experience.
• Segway tour covers more ground than walking, perfect for seeing many sights quickly.
• Small group size enhances safety and personalized attention.
• Experienced guides, often praised as knowledgeable and funny, help bring stories to life.
• Cost of around $75 per person offers good value for a unique city tour.
• Tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress accordingly.

An Overview of What to Expect

The Chicago Haunted Segway Tour kicks off at a convenient, centrally located meeting point. Upon arrival, you’ll check in, fill out waivers, and get fitted with a helmet. The tour provider emphasizes safety and comfort: all guests are given a comprehensive Segway orientation, including a brief instructional video and individual coaching. It’s designed to make even nervous newbies feel confident, which many reviews highlight as a real plus.

Once everyone is comfortable, the real fun begins. You’ll glide through the city streets at night, marveling at illuminated landmarks and listening to stories that reveal Chicago’s darker side. The route includes some fascinating stops, each with its own eerie story. For instance, you’ll visit the alley where over 600 people lost their lives in the Iroquois Theatre fire of 1903. Standing there, you might imagine the chaos of that disaster, which remains one of Chicago’s deadliest fires.

Another stop is near a hotel on Michigan Avenue where a ghostly piano can sometimes be heard tinkling without a player. Along the Chicago River, you’ll learn about the maritime disaster of 1915 that claimed 800 lives. As you glide past the city’s skyline, illuminated in the evening, your guide shares tales of gangland murders that helped shape Chicago’s reputation for crime.

The tour lasts about 2 hours, covering a good chunk of the city’s haunted history and landmarks. It ends back at the starting point, providing a neat, manageable experience for most travelers. Expect to spend around 15 minutes at the start for check-in and training, and then the tour itself.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Absolutely Chicago Segway Tours

Here, you’ll meet your guide and fellow adventurers. The team recommends arriving at least 15 minutes early for check-in and to ensure a smooth start. The process includes a quick briefing, helmet fitting, and a safety demonstration. Many reviews praise the thorough training; one reviewer mentioned, “Even the most nervous guest feels comfortable after the instruction.”

The Practice Session

Before heading into the city, you’ll be given a chance to get familiar with the Segway. This is particularly important because the self-balancing scooters can seem intimidating at first. However, most travelers find them surprisingly easy to ride after a few minutes of practice. Several reviews highlight that the training is well-paced and friendly, making sure everyone feels confident.

The Night Tour Begins

Once ready, you’ll set off with your guide to explore Chicago’s haunted sites. The routes are designed to optimize safety and sightseeing. You’ll visit different historic locations, each with its own story.

• The Iroquois Theatre fire site: Here, over 600 Chicagoans died in 1903. Standing in the alley, you might be struck by the magnitude of the tragedy and the stories your guide shares about the fire and its aftermath.

• Michigan Avenue Hotel Ballroom: An elegant place where, legend has it, ghostly piano music can sometimes be heard, adding a spooky touch to an otherwise glamorous setting.

• Chicago River: Known for the 1915 maritime disaster that claimed 800 lives, a story which many reviewers find both chilling and fascinating.

• Gangster Murders and Notorious Figures: The tour also dips into Chicago’s infamous gangster era, sharing tales that have helped cement the city’s reputation for crime.

The Nighttime Views

One of the tour’s biggest perks is the chance to see Chicago’s famous buildings lit up at night. The combination of illuminated architecture and eerie stories creates a compelling atmosphere, making it more than just a sightseeing trip.

End of Tour

The tour wraps up back at the starting point, completing a full circle of the city’s haunted history and landmarks in about two hours. Many find this duration perfect—not too long, not too short, giving enough time to soak in the atmosphere and stories without feeling rushed.

What Our Reviewers Say

Travelers consistently praise the knowledge and humor of the guides. Kristina_L calls her guide Jeremy “knowledgeable and funny,” while others mention Tammie and Carrie as particularly engaging. Multiple reviews mention feeling safe and well-informed thanks to the thorough training provided before setting off.

The scenery and sights also get high marks. Ashley_G highlights “beautiful sights” and a “great evening riding through Chicago,” emphasizing how the city’s night glow adds to the experience. Elodie_B mentions feeling secure thanks to her guide’s constant communication about hazards, which is reassuring for first-time Segway riders.

Some reviews note a slight desire for more haunted sites or stories but agree that the historical content and storytelling make up for that. For example, Susan_C points out the tour’s focus on Chicago’s tragedies, even though she felt it wasn’t as haunted as she expected.

The Value

Considering the price—around $75 per person—most reviewers agree this is a good deal. The cost covers the Segway rental, safety gear, guide service, and the experience itself. Many mention that the small group size, limited to 8 people, makes for a more personalized and engaging experience.

Practical Considerations

• The tour operates rain or shine, so dress accordingly. Weather can influence your comfort; layering and waterproof gear are advised.
• It’s suitable for ages 12 and up, with a minimum weight of 100 pounds and a maximum around 260 pounds.
• Booking early is recommended, especially in summer when tours tend to sell out quickly.
• There’s no hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan to arrive at the meeting point on your own.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This haunted Segway tour strikes a good balance between history, fun, and city views. If you’re someone who enjoys stories of Chicago’s crime past and spooky legends, this experience will likely appeal. The easy-to-learn Segway makes it accessible even for beginners who might worry about riding, and the small group allows for personalized attention.

It’s perfect for adventurous travelers looking for something different, especially if you want to see a large part of the city in a short time while hearing captivating stories at night. The cost is reasonable given the unique nature of the experience, and most reviews agree that guides do a great job making everyone comfortable.

However, if you’re looking for a fully ghost-hunting adventure or detailed haunted locations, this might lean more toward a history-focused tour with a spooky twist. Also, if you prefer your tours more relaxed or less active, the Segway aspect might not suit you.

All in all, this tour offers a fun, safe, and interesting way to explore Chicago’s darker side. It’s highly recommended for those seeking an active way to learn about the city’s past with a dash of mystery and night-time ambiance.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, most travelers find the Segway easy to learn after a brief orientation. The guide ensures everyone feels comfortable before heading out.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers the Segway rental, a thorough orientation, a helmet, and a personal belongings bag. It does not include hotel pickup or drop-off.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 2 hours, including the check-in, training, and the guided ride.

What kind of stories will I hear?
You’ll hear tales of death, disaster, murder, ghosts, and infamous gangsters that have contributed to Chicago’s haunted reputation.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, minimum age is 12 years. The minimum weight requirement is 100 pounds, and the maximum is around 260 pounds.

What should I wear?
Dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour runs in all conditions. Layers and waterproof gear are recommended if rain is forecasted.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellations are available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

Is the tour safe?
Guides are experienced and provide safety equipment and instructions, making the experience safe for most travelers.

If you’re after an active, story-rich way to see Chicago by night, with lots of historical tales and a hint of spooky intrigue, this Segway tour could be a highlight of your trip. Just remember to book early and dress for the weather. Happy riding!