Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour
Recommended by 93% of travelers
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.
- Restroom 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 travelers 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 travelers
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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.
Traveler 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 10,239 reviews
Juliehana_C, Jun 2026
The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable , funny and just gave a great vibe that day it was raining but she made it work .
Michele_D, Jun 2026
Tess was a phenomenal tour guide! I learned so much and her voice and demeanor were so pleasant. I definitely recommend this tour.
TeriB, Jun 2026
This this tour was so much fun and so informative! Our tour guide was Alex and he was incredible like an encyclopedia of all the buildings along the river.
g4w7kzc6zy, Jun 2026
Bring a jacket and sunglasses esp on a sunny day. It does get breezy. Sit on the starboard side to get a good view
Mandy_D, Jun 2026
Loved the adventure on the boat! Guide was fabulous and the views were A++. Plenty of seating. Would absolutely do again at different times of day and seasons, if physically able...
Cons... large amount of gorgeous stairs. Watch your energy if you are not prepared to told no elevator. The stairs will surprise you. Then, very little seating while waiting. This quickly gets taken by belongings and children. Get ready for exhausting standing still while being corraled for the 30 min between check in time and boarding time.
Beverages are available in the lower boat deck. So, if you have mobility issues and get thirsty or need restrooms , be prepared to go without the entire adventure..... including the gorgeous stairs back to where there is no where to sit waiting for a cab. This can take quite a while, just to take you to the nearest beverage and bathroom location.
Seating on the boat is plentiful but very tight. You get to choose no back support and maybe not have to touch someone else, or back support with pieces that stick into your hips and Definitely getting to experience other people's scent, hair, and beverages that you cannot obtain (if mobility challenged)
Again, I loved the tour itself.
kristin_g, Jun 2026
The boat ride itself was very scenic, but the tour guides animated and amusing narration made the experience informative and entertaining!
Perry_M, Jun 2026
The trupntinChixagonwas for busines..I would do the cruise again but during then day hours The staff was very knowledgeable
Toni_G, Jun 2026
Our guide Zack was amazing and funny and very knowledgeable he is great! It was a beautiful boat ride and very relaxing as well while also seeing the beautiful buildings of the city
Anjanette_B, Jun 2026
Great tour!
Tour Guide very knowledgeable
Great, delicious drinks were served
Amazing and spectacular views!
Plenty of time allowed for the tour
Stefan_G, Jun 2026
This was one of the highlights of our trip to Chicago! The Architecture River Cruise was the perfect way to experience the city and learn about its incredible history and world-famous skyline.
The guide was knowledgeable, engaging, and did a fantastic job explaining the stories behind the buildings while keeping the tour entertaining. Seeing Chicago from the river gives you a completely different perspective, and the views were absolutely stunning from start to finish.
The boat was comfortable, well-organized, and the entire experience ran smoothly. Whether you’re visiting Chicago for the first time or have been here before, I highly recommend this tour. It was informative, relaxing, and an unforgettable way to appreciate the beauty and architecture of the city.
Kathy_A, Jun 2026
Very nice and interesting cruise. The narrator was very informative and pleasant.
The weather was wonderful.
Marla_G, Jun 2026
Tess who was our guide had a lot of info to share with us. We had family come from out of town and it was so nice for them to see exactly why we moved to Chicago. Such a beautiful city and such beautiful people
lnellilmft, Jun 2026
It’s a great tour and fun way to see the city! There’s a full bar and air conditioned bathrooms on board!
Jeremy_S, Jun 2026
Our guide was the best! She was incredibly knowledgeable while also keeping everything lighthearted and fun. We covered a lot in 90-minutes but it didn’t feel too compressed or too long. Definitely a highlight of our weekend! My only suggestion would be to get there early if you want seats in the middle of the boat.
David_M, Jun 2026
Tour was very interesting. Our tour guide Tess is very knowledgeable about the architecture around the city. Weather was great so it made for an enjoyable day.
Angel_J, Jun 2026
Well organized, great hostess, very knowledgeable great tour overall and I will do it every time I visit Chicago, thank you
Adriana_R, Jun 2026
Beautiful experience. Informative and the view at sunset is just unmatched. Drinks were great and staff were friendly. 10/10 recommend!
Ty_W, Jun 2026
It was a good experience to get the understanding about all the building and getting to see everything
Stacey_F, Jun 2026
Great experience overall … good tour guide and great scenery ..always a good way to see Chicago ! Only drawback was they over stuffed the boat to where several people … including us ..had to stand the whole trip … not enough seats for all the passengers . I’ve never experienced this on other Chicago river cruises .. so a bit disappointing . But overall a good experience .
Valentin_M, Jun 2026
A very detailed experience of the architectural styles of Chicago buildings and the history of Chicago.
The views are spectacular and the presenter was very, very well informed!
Highly recommend it!
Anais_M, Jun 2026
Despite the nonstop rain, we had a fantastic experience on our boat tour with Wendella. The tour was incredibly informative and gave us a whole new appreciation for the city's history and architecture. A special shoutout to Jack, who did a superb job as our guide. His knowledge, storytelling, and enthusiasm kept everyone engaged throughout the tour, even with the less than ideal weather. While we certainly would have preferred sunshine, the rain didn't take away from the experience thanks to Jack's excellent commentary and positive attitude. We learned so much and truly enjoyed our time on the water. Highly recommend this tour and if you're lucky enough to get Jack as your guide, you're in for a treat!
MatthewColeman, Jun 2026
Great experience; even my kids enjoyed it. The hosts were entertaining and knowledgeable. Highly recommend.
Ryn_J, Jun 2026
Jay was absolutely amazing! I have done this tour about 10 times and she told so many new things that were extremely interesting! Loved every second!!!
Yvonne_S, Jun 2026
The Chicago Architecture Boat Cruise was absolutely amazing! The stunning architecture and breathtaking skyline views gave me a whole new perspective on the city. Our narrator was incredibly knowledgeable, bringing the history, design, and stories behind each building to life in a way that was both engaging and informative. Seeing Chicago from the water offered a unique vantage point that you simply can’t experience from the streets. This tour was worth every minute and every dollar. If you're visiting Chicago, I highly recommend adding this unforgettable experience to your itinerary.
Bruce_K, Jun 2026
Make sure you wear a hat because you will be in the sun the whole trip.
Great learning experience and the guide was very knowledgeable.
Lidia_A, Jun 2026
90 minutes is too long. There were people that really enjoyed the history and interesting facts but it was boring for us. They should put that in the info.
impactwest, Jun 2026
Interesting, enjoyable and packed with great architectural information. One thing missing.....tell us about the blimp building!
Kathy_A, Jun 2026
So easy to deal with, it’s definitely the way to go even if you’re going somewhere that you are familiar with.
Shaune_R, Jun 2026
Great information for both tourists and locals. Docent was very knowledgeable and funny. Perfect amount of time on water. Entry was very organized.
Melanie_R, Jun 2026
GREAT WAY TO SEE CHICAGO! Located by the DuSable Bridge. Easy to find. I would recommend arriving 30 min early to get in line, for best seats.
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