Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour
Recommended by 93% of travelers
Chicago, USA
- 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
·
Explore our promoted experiences
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
Supplied by
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
Ashley_B
Our family was visiting the city for the first time and needed a relaxing activity after days of walking. This tour was exactly that!
Our guide was phenomenal and had tons of personality which kept the entire group of all ages engaged in learning about the beautiful buildings that line Chicago’s river.
In addition to that, the boat has a bar on the lower level where you can grab simple cocktails or NA drinks. The ride itself travels the entire span of the river, looping through various neighborhoods, and lands right back where you dock.
On the drive home, our family agreed this was by far our favorite experience on the trip. Added points for the 6pm ride where we saw the beautiful evening skies as the sun began to set.
Well worth the cost and would absolutely recommend this experience!
Reviews
4.7
based on 10,461 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Lori_S, Jul 2026
Excellent tour guide through the history and architectural design highlights of Chicago. Highly recommend!
A_S, Jul 2026
Excellent job by the guide explaining things and quizzing us - making it very engaging for all on the boat.
Lucy_N, Jul 2026
Very informative and interesting tour with host Kenny! Amazing scenery and history of Chicago architecture. Hang onto your hat at certain points on the river.
Christine_T, Jul 2026
This was a gift to the parents and daughter of my 21 year old granddaughter's roommate. They sent a picture of them on the boat and reported that it was good....they had a fabulous guide who made the tour.
Reneca_B, Jul 2026
We missed our 6:30 cruise but was able to get on the 9:15…MUCH BETTER LOOK AT NIGHT‼️
I wish they let us know that there’s no ash on the boat bcuz the tour guide was AMAZING, I wanted to give her a tip but needed change…they should allow her to use cashapp or Apple Pay for tips…SHE DESERVES EVERY ONE
I only wanna book with her as a guide now lol
It was an AMAZING experience for me n my hubs…he’s a carpenter, he loves architecture
Evelyn_B, Jul 2026
Great experience. Our guide was very knowledgeable and interesting!! Enjoyed the whole 90 minutes. Well worth the money.
Richard_R, Jul 2026
This 90 minute tour was great covering a very long portion of the river. Information provided was architectural, historical and humorous. Definitely recommend.
Carlyn_C, Jul 2026
The guide was hilarious! One of the best guided tours I’ve ever been on because of his sense of humor, the beauty of the water and the ease of the trip
zjtka55, Jul 2026
The tour was great- very informative about the buildings and history of them but also the entire Chicago area! Would definitely recommend taking this tour!
Joan_S, Jul 2026
Loved the boat, had ample seating and staff was great. We wanted shade and found it but We could not hear most of what the woman who was describing the sites, which was disappointing. We were on the lower back of the boat and the speaker was not good.
JOANNE_S, Jul 2026
There was no signage at 400 N Michigan ave to tell which side of River to get to correct Shoreline boat.. After going down one side of river to be told it was across the river , going to the other side to be told it was across the river on the other side we missed our 8:30 sailing although we arrived at the address 30 minutes early. Luckily, the Wendella group let us get on their 9 pm 45 min boat. My husband is 87 & going up & down those steps nearly did him in. Plus we paid for a 90 minute tour & got a 45 minute tour. There were no clear directions either on the ticket info or on line. Just giving the address 400 N Michigan is not sufficient info to get to the correct boat. Please put directions in the future.
Gregory_B, Jul 2026
Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and engaging. She interacted with everyone on the boat very well and had a great sense humor
Shana_C, Jul 2026
This was a wonderful 90 minute tour and chock full of history. Beware of mid-summer heat and plan accordingly. Definitely recommend!
gabriela_s, Jul 2026
I have gone on a Chicago architecture boat tour before and thought it was awesome, so I figured it would be fun to go again with friends. My previous experience must have been with another company, as this time around the tour was exceptionally lackluster, verging on straight-up bad. The tour itself went back and forth along the same path for 90 minutes and we were only able to see a fraction of the beautiful architecture Chicago has to offer. The tour did not show us nearly any of the old Chicago buildings and only a few of the new buildings. The guide also did not give any information on these buildings as we were passing, instead focusing on random buildings with little interesting history, or silly stories about Oprah at the gym. I was very surprised at the poor quality of the tour given the positive reviews... Save your money, book with a different company.
Deborah_C, Jul 2026
The boat was nice and clean, and the inside area on the lower deck was air conditioned. The guide, Kenny, was fantastic. - knowledgeable and fun and just the right amount of humor. We thoroughly enjoyed his commentary! Great way to see the amazing architectural history of Chicago.
Elizabeth_H, Jul 2026
Get there early to get a good seat on the boat. Our guide Gabby was great! Informative and funny. We learned a lot and had a great time.
Lisa_V, Jul 2026
Very friendly people and we learned a lot about Chicago. I would definitely recommend this tour to other people.
LauraP_V, Jul 2026
All the boats are this type of theme and there are about 6 companies so there are many choices. The 90 minute length is too long, so choose the shorter one. It is best to sit on the top deck where the speaker is, therefore choose the 11am or later than 4pm cruising times.
Crystal_P, Jul 2026
Great experience with the family. Would definitely do it again. The tour was not only informative but also beautiful and the full service bar was an added bonus.
Ann_Y, Jul 2026
Very educational and fun for all ages. The first guide was new but you couldn't tell. They were great
Mita_D, Jul 2026
Great tour! Love all the sights and Gabby was wonderful! I highly recommend. The architecture was so pretty. Try to do the evening cruise.
Skye_H, Jul 2026
Such an informative and historical tour. We loved it! My 12 year old son is ready to move to Chicago from his experience.
Thank you!
John_B, Jul 2026
Very informative of the history of the city, buildings , architects involved in building structures. Personal anecdotes given which added to the presentation.
Anne_M, Jul 2026
Everyone we talked to recommended an architecture boat tour in Chicago and it did not disappoint! Jay was a great tour guide. Funny and informative. I was worried I would be bored on the 90-minute cruise, but it went by so quickly and I was never bored! Would definitely recommend!
Rachel_B, Jul 2026
Its is a must do if visiting Chicago. Every time I have friends or family visit its the first thing we do.
Carlos_G, Jul 2026
Your tour guide should talk better about the history of the buildings. This is my 6th time doing the tour. The first 5th were in Shoreline. I loved all of them. This time, I was diaspointed he didn't mention some facts about the architects who design the buildings. Second there was not alternative language. Other companies at least provide a website that has the info of most tour's buildings.
Cynthia_K, Jul 2026
Excellent presentation of the various architectural wonders of Chicago. Very informative. Relaxing cruise.
Henry_A, Jul 2026
It was a very interesting and informative experience about the architecture history of Chicago. I highly recommend this tour.
Rebecca_S, Jul 2026
Chicago is such a beautiful city with varied architecture. Our tour guide was fabulous. Funny; full of interesting facts! Beautiful sunshine sitting on top to view the water (or air conditioning inside).
Aleace_B, Jul 2026
Good value and very educational. Very knowledgeable guide. Would recommend this activity. Good for families
Likely to Sell Out
From $45.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Likely to Sell Out
Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour
10,461
1 hour 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$45.00
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Attractions in Chicago, USA
- Chicago Lakefront Trail Tours & Tickets
- Flyover in Chicago Tours & Tickets
- Navy Pier Tours & Tickets
- Art Institute of Chicago Tours & Tickets
- Chicago Temple Tours & Tickets
- Rookery Building Tours & Tickets
- Lincoln Park & Zoo Tours & Tickets
- Chicago Cultural Center Tours & Tickets
- Field Museum Tours & Tickets
- Grant Park Tours & Tickets
- Lincoln Park Conservatory Tours & Tickets
- Wrigley Field Tours & Tickets
- Lake Michigan Tours & Tickets
- The Magnificent Mile Tours & Tickets
- Millennium Park Tours & Tickets
- House of Blues Tours & Tickets