DAY HIKES
Chinatown Tour and Water Taxi
Chicago, IL
June 9, 11, 2026
June 9, 11, 2026
5 hours
$25.00
Plus Water Taxi fee-$20.00
Difficulty rating
Miles
Approximately 2.5 miles
Terrain
Boarding Water Taxi at Ogilvie, long stairway to boat. Water Taxi leaves at 10:30 am.
Terrain is pavement.
See below for more on timing.
Chicago's Chinatown is a historic and cultural district that blends rich heritage with modern commercial centers. We will take a 15 minute boat ride on the Chicago Water Taxi, that leaves from Ogilvie train station, to the Ping Tom Memorial Park, a scenic 12-acre riverside oasis featuring a traditional Chinese pavilion with bamboo gardens.
We will stop for a quick, early lunch. ExpChinatown Square will be our next stop, a massive, pedestrian-only outdoor mall; a vibrant, 100,000-piece "Chinese in America" glass mosaic mural; and the Zodiac statutes. We will also see the Nine Dragon Wall, standing as an authentic replica of the ancient monument in Beijing; the iconic, pagoda-topped Pui Tak Center; and the ornate traditional Chinatown Gateway. If there is time, we could stop at the Chinese American Museum.
Times
We meet at 9:45 am inside Olgivie train station on the ground floor near Hudson Booksellers on Madison street. From the train station, we’ll walk to the Water Taxi. Taxi leaves at 10:30 am. If you’re running late , the next taxi is 30 mins later. (please text Kathryn if running late)
We buy one way tickets at the dock or on the boat. They take cash or credit card. Tickets are $10.00 one way, or a senior discount is $5.00 with ID. Water taxi is a 15 minute boat ride to Chinatown. The return water taxi will be at 2:55pm
There is a 3:45pm train from Ogilvie back to NW suburbs, or you may choose to stay longer in the city.
As a courtesy to all women, please arrive early, as we will begin promptly to not miss the taxi.
Washroom
Two options:
-The restroom on the main floor, Madison street, might be closed for cleaning. Look for signs. There are bathrooms downstairs. See next bullet point.
-Bathrooms on the train station’s lower level (where the French Market is) on the east end of that lower level. When you disembark the train look to your right or left for the stairway. (More detailed description: The stairway is midway on the disembarking walkway. If you’re at the front of the train walk towards the back of the train, to the north. If you’re at the back of the train, walk towards the station.)
What to Bring
Water
Emergency Medical Information form filled out, kept in your bag
Clothing layers as needed
Sturdy walking shoes
We will eat lunch in Chinatown, and then optional snacks at French Market before boarding train.
After going to Chinatown, we take the Water Taxi back to Ogilvie and you can visit the French Market to grab some snacks before boarding your train home.
Founded in 2009, the Chicago French Market came about with the movement in America to support local food systems and bring back the European-inspired marketplace — providing you with year-round, permanent access to their local bounty.
The Bensidoun Family is proud to bring together a unique collection of 30 + local vendors that were hand selected for their individual passions and high-quality products. You will find best-of-the-best from Chicago’s melting pot neighborhoods. The Chicago French Market is largely comprised of entrepreneurs, family-owned businesses and accomplished purveyors presenting foods from around the world.
It’s located in the northwest corner on the lower floor, below the actual trains.
Let’s Fully Savor the Fun
We ask you kindly to silence your phones and keep conversations positive.
Weather
We have fun in all kinds of weather, so we rarely postpone. If we do cancel a hike, you will receive an email before 8am on the day of your hike.
You Will Learn
About Chinatown’s highlights and enjoy their cuisine.
Driving Directions
Meet at Ogilvie Transportation Center
500 West Madison Street
Chicago, IL 60661
We will meet on the ground floor, in the lobby near the Hudson Booksellers store facing Madison Street at 9:45 am.
(Those from the Northwest Suburbs can ride the train on the UP-NW 640 line, leaving Palatine at 8:42am )
Discussion Starter Question
What is the most unique discovery you found at Chinatown?
Guide
Kathryn aka “Laughing Ocean”
847-341-4564
Quote of the day
"The beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people." — Unknown
Cancellations
If you desire to cancel your day hike, you can reschedule for a different hike within the same season:
Please email hello@trailboundtrip.com, and state your name, and desired new hike day.
You will receive confirmation for this new day hike if there is room on the trip.
Refunds
Refunds are given when Trailbound Trips cancels a hike. Trailbound Trips will cancel and refund a hike for two reasons:
There needs to be a minimum of five people. You will be notified 24 hours in advance if this is the case.
The weather is dangerous or not bearable. You will be notified before 8 a.m. on the day of the hike via email.