Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour
Recommended by 93% of travelers
Chicago, USA
+6
- 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
Chris_K
We had an absolutely incredible experience on the Wendella Architectural Boat Tour in Chicago. The views alone are stunning, but what made the tour truly unforgettable was our guide, Jack Pickard. He’s more than just a guide, he’s a local legend. Jack combines deep knowledge of Chicago’s history and architecture with a gift for storytelling that keeps everyone completely engaged from start to finish.
He doesn’t just rattle off facts, he paints a picture of the city, weaving in anecdotes, history, and humor in a way that makes the skyline come alive. You can tell he loves Chicago and has spent years mastering his craft. By the end of the tour, we felt like we knew the city on a whole new level.
The boat itself was comfortable, the staff were professional, and the whole operation ran smoothly. But if you get the chance to tour with Jack, you’re in for something special. It’s not just an architectural tour, it’s an experience.
Highly recommend Wendella, and especially Jack Pickard, if you want the very best way to see and understand Chicago.
Reviews
4.7
based on 10,643 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Annabelle_S, Aug 2026
Spiro (our tour guide) was incredibly knowledgeable and witty. Learned so much in 90 minutes. A great way to get introduced to the city!
Patricia_B, Aug 2026
Get there early to stand in line so that you can sit on the top deck. Going around sunset is perfect because you get a day tour and night tour in one. Our guide was really great and speaker system worked well. Would definitely recommend this tour!
Elisa_P, Aug 2026
Docent Spiro was very knowledgeable and kept it entertaining. Boat was really nice also, had a bar and seats were comfortable
Joan_O, Aug 2026
Comprehensive. River tour has changed as new buildings have emerged. Easily accessible even for an 85 year old
Chicagoans tell everyone how great the arch. Tour is. Highly recommend.
Gregory_W, Aug 2026
Scotty D was great. The whole tour was very entertaining and provides great info. We would recommend this.
Zee_H, Aug 2026
This boat tour was amazing and Scotty D did a great job keeping us entertained and informed. I highly recommend everyone to try it out.
Jeffrey_H, Aug 2026
This boat architecture tour was an excellent introduction to the river adjacent buildings and city's history. Our tour guide was excellent and kept us interested and engaged. Would recommend this to everyone visiting the city.
Deepa_W, Aug 2026
It was great experience, you can see the whole city from the river boat. people describe about the each and every buildings.
Regina_T, Aug 2026
Our tour guide Ms. K was very acknowledgeable. Even though it rain a little on us, Ms. K didn't miss a beat. My family and I really enjoy the tour!
Sue_T, Aug 2026
We loved the Chicago Architecture River Tour! Our guide was entertaining and full of information about the history of Chicago and its fine architecture. We will definitely recommend this tour to those that want to visit!
Alexis_H, Aug 2026
So amazing, our tour guide was hilarious (cowboy hat) the views were gorgeous, truly wasn’t expecting to love this as much as I did!
Emily_E, Aug 2026
Tour guide was amazing and very knowledgeable. Great sound that you could hear him clearly all around the boat. Enough space for a lot of people.
Cynthia_H, Aug 2026
Very informative, tour guide very knowledgeable and fun, even though it rained a little it was still a wonderful time, would take the tour again.
Peter_E, Aug 2026
It was easy to do. We parked the car and used public transportation or walked everywhere. Parking the car was so much easier than fighting traffic.
Cheryl_A, Aug 2026
The tour was a good length. Our guide was knowledgeable and entertaining with his information. Appreciated a few breaks to break things up and especially liked that he reminded people to hold private conversations while the guide was talking. I would definitely recommend this to anyone wanted a cruise down the river with a wealth of interesting information.
Kathy_C, Aug 2026
Beautiful way to see the architecture of Chicago and learn some history at the same time. Had an enjoyable time.
Cindy_B, Aug 2026
Schedule on a clear weather day if possible. The buildings against the blue sky are stunning. So many new buildings since I last took this tour!!
Mingjia_W, Aug 2026
Wonderful experience that dove deep into Chicago’s architecture and provided insightful and entertaining history facts, jokes, and commentary that made the tour the perfect length. Our guide was knowledgeable and took questions and managed things like a pro.
John_S, Aug 2026
Great tour. Great guide and info about the city. VERY accommodating to our need to change the time due to a late train arrival. Seamless boarding and very professional.
Micah_D, Aug 2026
The directions need to be a little more precise because there are two meeting spots and they are not very distinctive. However, the crew was 100% helpful!
Ellen_K, Aug 2026
Super educational and funny your! Locals recommended this tour and it was so good! You learn much and you can have a drink!
Kathleen_S, Aug 2026
The tour guide was wonderfully knowledgeable! We learned so much about the architecture and history of Chicago. We also had perfect weather so that made the whole experience even more enjoyable.
Kelly_T, Aug 2026
Very interesting and educational! The narrator was very informative and presented the information clearly.
Jennifer_T, Aug 2026
The tour was fantastic! Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, funny, and friendly. The boat was great, and the tour duration was just right.
Gary_K, Aug 2026
If you’ve never been to Chicago, you have to book this tour. It was very educational . The tour guide was very knowledgeable and the scenery was amazing.
R_S, Aug 2026
Very interesting info about the architecture and history of the buildings with great views of the surroundings.
Jennifer_P, Aug 2026
What a great experience! It really is a great value for all that you learn. Dave our guide was awesome! Very knowledgeable and love his sense of humor.
ZongHan_C, Aug 2026
Great tour, very informative and beautiful. Chicago history is very interesting. The tour guide Justine is very knowledgeable as well
Raviraj_C, Aug 2026
Awesome experience, guide as great with explanations and through. Carry a jacket or ponchos as it gets windy and cold someplaces.
Andretha_H, Aug 2026
Very informative, well organized and well attended. Narrator was very knowledgeable and entertaining
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From $45.00
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