Is there parking available for the 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour?

There are two parking garages near the departure point: AMA Plaza parking at 401 N. State Street and InterPark Public Parking at 430 N. Rush St. (Parking fees apply at both locations.)

Is the 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour handicap accessible?

We operate 3 boats with wheelchair lifts between decks. All our boats can accommodate wheelchairs & have toilets that are ADA compliant. For guests who are deaf or hard of hearing, a written script of the narration is available at the ticket office.

Can I bring my service animal with me on the 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour?

A service animal is a dog that is trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Pets and dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA and are not allowed.

Are there restrooms available on board the 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour?

Yes. Restrooms are located on the lower deck of each vessel; changing tables are also available in each restroom.

How early should I arrive for the 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour?

Boarding begins 15-30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.

Does the 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour operate in bad weather?

Our cruises depart rain or shine. Our vessels include sheltered areas and climate-controlled lounges. Ponchos are available for purchase onboard. However, in cases of severe weather where the cruise must be canceled, all guests will be refunded.

Is the boat climate controlled during the 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour?

Most of our vessels feature an enclosed climate-controlled lounge on the lower deck with speakers to hear the tour guide’s narration. If you have a concern about whether your vessel has an interior lounge, please call the phone number on your ticket.

Is food/drink available during the 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour?

A full-service bar is available onboard. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as an assortment of snacks, are available for purchase. Bar sales are credit cards only. No cash purchases.

Can I store my luggage during the 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour?

There is no storage area on our dock, but guests may bring their luggage aboard keeping in mind it is subject to inspection.

Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour

Recommended by 93% of travelers

Chicago, USA

Very popular!

10+ bookings in the past 6 hours.

1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.7

· Marisa_E ·

Mar 2026

Interesting, good price, easy to find, unbeatable views of the city, knowledgeable guide, just long enough.

· Kier_P ·

May 2026

Kenny was a phenomenal guide. We booked this last minute and had a great time. Bring a coat and scarf, it can get chilly on the water. Our guide was knowledgeable and funny, kept our attention. We grabbed a hot alcoholic drink down at the bar which was very tasty. 10/10, choose Wendell’s company for your cruise and pray you get Kenny!

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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 Beverages

Drinks 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.

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

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

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 10,059 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Wonderful trip

Joyce_D, May 2026

Amazing history of the city and the people who built it Our guide was knowledgeable and very entertaining

It’s okay as is. Don’t change it.

David_M, May 2026

Our moderator was excellent. I don’t recall her name at this time. The only bad part is having a minimum number or characters in the review.

Awesome experience

Will_K, May 2026

We had a wonderful time! Our guide Phylis was extremely knowledgeable and her love of the city was infectious!

Good boat trip

Karen_S, May 2026

If you have mobility issues with stairs then this will be difficult for you to do. Lots of stairs even the accessible way is a long walk round and still stairs. Once we got round this obstacle we enjoyed the tour .the guide was very knowledgeable and funny with it . Enjoyed our tour and recommend it

I absolutely loved this...

Kristen_D, May 2026

I absolutely loved this tour. It was very cold when I went and most everyone stayed inside, but I braved the cold to hear the tour guide. Very cool experience! Great central drop off and pickup location.

Boat excursion

Michael_S, May 2026

The boat is very big fits more than 300 people.. the guide was very informative. 90 minutes went by fast. Worth the money

Great day activity

Carole_G, May 2026

Many locals do this cruise, we learn something new every trip. Bring sunscreen if you want to sit on deck as no shaded seats.

Fantastic tour!

valerie_m, May 2026

Really cool tour! There was a bunch of neat information to learn about the architecture on the water, the history of Chicago, and future plans for the waterfront… they have cocktails, coffee, and delicious hot chocolate to purchase on the boat also. We loved it and would definitely recommend it (and would do it again, also!).

Very enjoyable and...

Stephanie_T, May 2026

Very enjoyable and wonderful tour. Our guide, Tess, was fantastic. Very knowledgeable about the history of the buildings and interactive with the group. I highly recommend her and this tour.

The tour guide was...

Chelsey_C, May 2026

The tour guide was sensational and the ease and access of the boat was great. It was an all around fantastic experience.

It was something one...

Patricia_L, May 2026

It was something one should not miss when going to Chicago! Just beautiful! Ive done this trip before. I wasn't big on the moderator Perhaps just a personal choice

Great way to see Chicago

Roy_D, May 2026

Lovely way to see Chicago would certainly recommend it. Our tour guide was unusual character but extremely knowledgeable. Only complaint the onboard snacks and drink were extremely overpriced.

Wonderful tour

Sue_M, May 2026

Wonderful architectural and historical knowledge given. The tour guide was hilarious as well. Nice to have indoor and outdoor.

Fun

Megan_H, May 2026

Had a great experience! Tour was informative, but not boring or too much. Get there super early if you actually want a good seat! Highly recommend going at sunset too.

Chicago River

Muhammad_S, May 2026

We really loved the activity overall especially the guide was super friendly and knowledgeable I would highly recommend it to all

Nice tour! Night time it...

Rajesh_K, May 2026

Nice tour! Night time it gets dark but it’s also beautiful. It takes a while so prepare to enjoy the ride! It takes you through much of the river in Chicago downtown so it’s very fun!

Worth It

Tiara_H, May 2026

The boarding was easy and there was plenty of space to sit. It was a good ride with great information and history about all of the architecture. And the bar did the job!

Great experience! The...

Tiffany_B, May 2026

Great experience! The tour guide was very entertaining and informative about the history of Chicago.

Very informative

Chris_B, May 2026

Very nice tour with very interesting facts about the buildings and the city as a whole. Highly recommend

The weather was perfect...

Courtney_W, May 2026

The weather was perfect for our architecture tour. You could really tell that the tour guide loves his city too. We had a great time even though there were like 4 different middle school groups also on the same tour.

Great ride. And the tour guy was great

Michael_P, May 2026

Luckily it was partly cloudy so the sun wasn’t directly on us. Breeze was good The buildings were awesome

Memorial Day River Cruise

Shirley_D, May 2026

Covers North river branch a few blocks North of the East Bank Club. Goes South branch down to Ping Tom Park near Chinatown. Goes East to Navy Pier.

Get there early to get a...

Olivia_S, May 2026

Get there early to get a good seat up top! If not, the seats below still have good views, but harder to hear the guide.

Executive Director

James_W, May 2026

Awesome sooooo worth it. Great way to see and hear the history of Chicago. I felt like we got to know the city on an intimate basis.

It was one of the best...

Avian_T, May 2026

It was one of the best things we did in Chicago! We had John Miller as our guide and he was informative, engaging, and uproariously funny. It was great to learn about the history of Chicago and afterwards, to walk around the city and to feel like I have a greater appreciation for the buildings.

Historic Tour

Tomomi_Y, May 2026

Beautiful weather and spectacular building.designs. Very knowledgeable to guide tour guide. Amazing!

Definitely take the 90...

Michael_W, May 2026

Definitely take the 90 minute tour. It is worth every minute!! Pay close attention to the weather. Sunny days can be a cooker.

Great Experience with beautiful views!

Alisa_F, May 2026

Tess dif such an amazing job! She was so knowledgeable and friendly! The views were also beautiful with great pictures!

Must do!!!

Ioana_S, May 2026

The whole experience it's great, you'll enjoy a lot! Our tour guide John, was the most charismatic tour guide possible! Very happy with the choice we made, plus the fees we're more than decent.