Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour
Recommended by 93% of travellers
Chicago, USA
- 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Discover the architectural gems of the Windy City from an ideal vantage point—and learn insider facts and stories about the city's top attractions—on this Chicago River cruise. Travel in comfort aboard a boat equipped with both indoor and outdoor seating areas. Covering more than 130 years of architectural history, this tour is the perfect opportunity to see a huge area of the city without the hassle of taxis and public transit.
- Enjoy unobstructed views of the city’s top attractions
- Gain an in-depth understanding of local Chicago architecture
- See Marina City, the Wrigley Building, and other historical highlights
- Maximize your time: Admire top city sights, all in one boat tour
What's Included
- Indoor and outdoor seating available (indoor is climate controlled)
- Narrated tour on board by professionally trained tour guide.
- Toilets on boardRestroom on board
- Expert Local Guide
- Alcoholic BeveragesDrinks and snacks available for purchase on-board the vessel.
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 400 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Arrive at 400 N Michigan Avenue 30 minutes before your departure and you will be directed to your boarding dock. Please allow yourself plenty of time to arrive if driving. We do not have parking. It is recommend that you book parking in advance.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
Make your own way to the boarding dock, located on Michigan Avenue, 15 minutes before your chosen departure time. Then, climb aboard your vessel and choose between indoor and outdoor seating options to ensure your comfort.
Set sail, and float past Chicago's architectural wonders. Cruise along all three branches of the Chicago River while your architectural guide narrates the evolution of Chicago's skyline and the significance of each landmark.
As you go, admire iconic structures like the Willis Tower, Merchandise Mart, and Wrigley Building. Take in the sights of the Chicago Riverwalk, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the unique Marina City apartment buildings.
The tour concludes back at the starting point.
Set sail, and float past Chicago's architectural wonders. Cruise along all three branches of the Chicago River while your architectural guide narrates the evolution of Chicago's skyline and the significance of each landmark.
As you go, admire iconic structures like the Willis Tower, Merchandise Mart, and Wrigley Building. Take in the sights of the Chicago Riverwalk, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the unique Marina City apartment buildings.
The tour concludes back at the starting point.
1
Wendella
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Centennial Fountain And Water Arc (Pass By)
Merchandise Mart (Pass By)
Michigan Avenue Bridge (Pass By)
Wrigley Building (Pass By)
Chicago Riverwalk (Pass By)
Lyric Opera of Chicago (Pass By)
Marina City (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Weapons prohibited by US Coast Guard
- Outside alcohol is prohibited
- All bags subject to search
- Near public transportation
- Most travellers can participate
- Arrive 30 Minutes prior to your departure time.
- Contact tour operator for wheelchair & ADA access
- Indoor and outdoor seating is available on a first come, first served basis
- Maps are available with highlights in simplified Chinese. They can picked up per request at the ticket window.
- Special requests entered at checkout cannot be guaranteed
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 300 travellers
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Frequently Asked Questions (10)
Q:Where do we meet for the 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour?
A:We are located at 400 N Michigan Avenue at the historic Wrigley Building. Wendella has four dock locations that extend west from the Michigan Avenue (DuSable) Bridge to Wabash Avenue.
Apr 2021
The answers provided are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveller Photos
Featured review
Simone_L
We had a beautiful spring day for our trip. Our tour guide, Jack, was friendly and enthusiastic. He was very fun to listen to as he spoke about the architecture and history of the city. It was a wonderful way to kick off our weekend in Chicago. I highly recommend this tour for all who are visiting.
Reviews
4.7
based on 9,889 reviews
Lori_V, May 2026
The city of Chicago is so beautiful and to experience and learn a bit of its history while traveling down the river is a must! This tour was spectacular.
Vicki_V, May 2026
Upped our Jeopardy knowledge. Very informative tour. Be prepared for cold and windy weather, but otherwise very enjoyable.
Linda_P, May 2026
What a wonderful way to see the skyline of Chicago! I had no idea that Chicago was so beautiful. Our cruise commentator was excellent. Very knowledgeable about the history of the buildings and Chicago. So glad we took this cruise.
Sheila_N, May 2026
Easy to order tickets. Guide on tour was excellent. People of Chicago helpful and friendly. Highly recommend River cruise
Richard_N, May 2026
Great 90 minute boat ride with entertaining tour guide, boat was clean and safe, definitely recommended
Brynn_R, May 2026
We went at sunset on the river and it was the most beautiful, relaxing tour. Our tour guide, Jay, was so incredible. They are insanely knowledgeable of the history and culture on the Chicago River and I felt like I left the tour with an even bigger appreciation of the architecture in downtown Chicago.
JacquelineB_L, May 2026
When we had arrived we were running a bit behind but the people understood and let us on the boat. Very kind and very helpful, plus, a lovely view!
Meagan_C, May 2026
Absol magnificent! Our tour guide Eric was phenomenal and so knowledgeable. We learned so much about the history of the city while enjoying it's amazing architecture from the river cruise.
Mark_S, May 2026
A lot of detail about the cities history and architecture. Highly recommend the tour for travelers exploring Chicago.
Adam_R, May 2026
Amazing Tour! Well worth it when visiting Chicago! So informative, with facts outside of just architecture - highly recommend 👍🏻
mario_m, May 2026
One of the best tours I have ever experienced!!!
The tour guide was very funny and made the experience even more extraordinary.
JAY_A, May 2026
Beautiful and informative. guide was interactive and educated. We very much enjoyed the tour and would do it again
Mike_O, May 2026
This was an excellent tour. We happened to have the perfect afternoon for it, and Alex the tour guide was funny, entertaining, and knowledgeable.
Rebecca_S, May 2026
Excellent! Great tour guide! Highly recommend if you have never been to Chicago. Learned so much about skyscrapers and Chicago history
Tim_B, May 2026
The tour was interesting and very informative. It was a look at Chicago we wouldn't have gotten any other way.
Yanelys_M, May 2026
Excellent experience, very knowledgeable on the architecture and history of the city. It was our first time in Chicago; this tour was the beginning of a great weekend.
Amylin_B, May 2026
Dave made the experience an A+. Without him, it would’ve been fine, but he is excellent. This was a great experience.
Beth_G, May 2026
This 90 minute architectural River cruise is a must see when visiting Chicago. Views are wonderful and the tour guide is both informative and entertaining. Great way to see the amazing architecture of the city and learn some history too.
Samantha_M, May 2026
This experience is very informational as well as fun! Loved our tour guide John. He was freaking fabulous.
Ronald_M, May 2026
Chilly weather and very limited inside seating seating inside.
Narration was OK but the journey was not really interesting.
I can find better things to do for 1 1/2 hours.
Randy_B, May 2026
Great tour!!! Learned lots about Chicago history and the buildings. Highly recommend it to anyone visiting for the first time or the tenth time.
Laurie_M, Apr 2026
A very interesting tour providing the history leading to the amazing skyline. Our tour guide was so entertaining.
Michael_S, Apr 2026
I can not believe how fun and informational this was at the same time! The guide was awesome! I would recommend this to everyone!
Jennifer_T, Apr 2026
I booked a tour for me and my mother. We loved it. The boat was clean, the staff was friendly and the tour was informative, fun and we're so glad we did it!
Josh_S, Apr 2026
Dave was the best guide! He had a wealth of knowledge about the city and the architecture, as well as history.
Michelle_C, Apr 2026
I don't know, somebody saw one once. Actually it was a good time. Did learn some interesting facts about the city
Chandra_M, Apr 2026
You should do it! Guide was knowledgeable and fun. The day we went the weather was a bit rainy, but we still had a blast!
Regina_W, Apr 2026
Great tour. Very engaging. I learned things. I would recommend this tour to anyone. I was resistant to the activity and ended up enjoying myself.
Jenny_B, Apr 2026
Very informative and super interesting guided tour about the architecture and history of Chicago, sprinkled with some great stories and humor as well!
Kaimana_C, Apr 2026
We drove from michegan to tour this cruise,celebrating our 37th year anniversary. it was chili and breezy, but relaxing and educational.The bar made up for the cold as well as the hot cocoa! loved our guide and all of the staff from ticketing during our wait to get on the cruise,they were very friendly.. I would recommend this tour
From US$45.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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