Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour
Recommended by 93% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Chicago, USA
- 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
·
Overview
Step aboard a boat for a comprehensive cruise that details the history of Chicago's architecture. Enjoy views of the Chicago skyline accompanied by architecture-focused commentary that points out each of the landmark buildings. As you cruise through Lake Michigan, snap photos of you and your party against the stretch of Chicago's 26-mile shoreline.
- Comprehensive architectural tour
- Live commentary on Chicago's architectural gems
- Travel by boat along the Lake Michigan shoreline
- Buy tickets in advance for this must-do Chicago activity
What's Included
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Restroom on board
- Local Expert Guide
- Outdoor and Indoor climate-controlled seating option
- Alcoholic drinks, non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks available for purchase on board
- Storage
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
Arrive early for boarding onto your boat at Wendella's Michigan Avenue Dock, conveniently located in the heart of Chicago's Magnificent Mile. Seating is first-come first-served, so groups should arrive 30 minutes before the tour time.
On the bottom deck of the climate-controlled lounge, you'll find restrooms and a full-service bar offering snacks like chips and candy.
Depart from the dock to start discovering the architecture of Chicago as you float along the city's skyline. With lively commentary highlighting each landmark building, gain a comprehensive understanding of the city's architectural heritage. As you sail along Lake Michigan, capture photos against Chicago's 26-mile (42-mile) shoreline before returning to your departure point.
On the bottom deck of the climate-controlled lounge, you'll find restrooms and a full-service bar offering snacks like chips and candy.
Depart from the dock to start discovering the architecture of Chicago as you float along the city's skyline. With lively commentary highlighting each landmark building, gain a comprehensive understanding of the city's architectural heritage. As you sail along Lake Michigan, capture photos against Chicago's 26-mile (42-mile) shoreline before returning to your departure point.
1
Chicago River
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Lake Michigan
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Centennial Fountain And Water Arc (Pass By)
Merchandise Mart (Pass By)
Marina City (Pass By)
Michigan Avenue Bridge (Pass By)
Wrigley Building (Pass By)
Chicago Riverwalk (Pass By)
The Lyric Opera House (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
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- Outside alcohol is prohibited
- All bags are subject to search
- 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
- 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 Chicago Lake and 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
Caroline_A
We brought my husband’s siblings and their spouses on the 90-minute tour when they were in from out of town. Despite the rain, we had a great time! This is always a fun time and offers a different view of Chicago. Our speaker / guide was fantastic. He was entertaining as well as informative. Highly recommend this activity!
Reviews
4.7
based on 2,373 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
SAMEER_T, Jul 2026
Great experience, informative and yet enjoyable. Must have when in Chicago.
Highly recommended to visitors. Love it and would like to have it again some time.
Weeze_C, Jul 2026
Kenny was a fantastic tour guide. Had lots of knowledge of Chicago architecture and history of the city.
Sheila_L, Jul 2026
Wonderful experience, those choosing to sit on top of the boat should consider hat and sunscreen. If the temperature is in the high 80’s a cooling towel or fan might be helpful.
Tour guide was fun and knowledgeable.
Brianne_M, Jul 2026
Chicago is one of those cities that speaks for itself but our tour was greatly enhanced by our tour guide. He was so knowledgeable about the architecture and the city but was also funny and witty.
Edward_A, Jul 2026
Fun time on the boat wear sun screen. Keep personal conversations to a minimum because the host has valuable information to share. You can hear everyone’s conversation on the water.
steven_s, Jul 2026
Great informative tour. Tour guide was very knowledgeable
The river and lake tour gives you great views of the city and architecture.
SIMONE_B, Jul 2026
Very pleasant and comfortable all very friendly, boat with restroom and snack bar, and optional seat inside on AC or outside. . Freedom to walk around. Fun and dynamic description on architecture and history facts.
Precious_W, Jul 2026
We had a wonderful time and we will definitely do the tour again. Love the tour guide and learning about the architecture of Chicago!
Ioana_C, Jul 2026
Best combination of lake and river tours. The Chicago skyline is wonderful to see it in its entire length and beauty from Lake Michigan. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and had a wonderful story to tell at “every corner”.
Toilets were clean and there was no problem finding where to sit. We did not buy anything from the bar but everything looked clean and nice.
Total duration of the tour is one and a half hours spent approximately half-half between the lake and the river part.
Fun fact: lake is a couple of feet higher than the river and you can see that when crossing over during the tour. Chicago river flow direction was altered in the early 1900 to flow away from the lake and keep chicagos source of clean water intact.
Kathleen_M, Jul 2026
This tour was everything people said it would be. The boat went through the locks to Lake Michigan, very exciting. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about the skyscrapers and their history.
She also gave us a restaurant recommendation - The Chicago Brewhouse on the Riverwalk. We had a great time and dinner! Thank you!
Rex_A, Jul 2026
Book in advance. Allow lots of time for parking. Be prepared to be in the sun (on the top deck). Best view of the skyline is from the water.
Deborah_J, Jul 2026
The tour was great! Lots of history and information about Chicago. Great experience!
The tour guide was great with her jokes🤣
Jaynie_S, Jul 2026
The company was well organized, the guide was well prepared and allowed plenty of time for questions. He was terrific. Worth every penny!
John_V, Jul 2026
Crowded boat a lot of people standing up blocking views. The day was hiot and the boat ride was hotter
Renita_A, Jul 2026
The beautiful scenery from that lake was breathtaking. Makes me love Chicago all the more. The lady who was on the mic was nice but it would have been great had she took a break between each thing that she had to say about the buildings..... like a moment for the crowd to take it all in.
Mary_L, Jul 2026
We went on the tour during 100 F. The cruise had an air conditioned area where you can purchae drinks and chips. We enjoyed it. The staff was nice and walked around letting people know about the service downstairs.
James_H, Jul 2026
Amazing views, very informative and serene. Would absolutely ride this tour when I return. Definitely would recommend anyone taking this tour.
Jack_L, Jun 2026
Great views and history regarding the architecture of Chicago. Got to go out on the lake and see the river.
Cathy_C, Jun 2026
This is a super informative tour made highly entertaining by John! He was hilarious and at the same time very knowledgeable. This tour included a time on Lake Michigan which included some spectacular views of the city skyline. Then on the river with all the architecture - overall great tour!
Kris_L, Jun 2026
Very family friendly. Wheelchair accessible. Our family had a good time. Lots of great information shared.
K_D, Jun 2026
Our narrator Kenny was AMAZING! Very knowledgeable of the architecture and other fun Chicago trivia. Kept us all engaged and laughing. One of the best tour guides we have ever had!
sara_b, Jun 2026
The tour guide was knowledgeable and engaged with the tour, crew was kind and the ship was clean, I highly recommend this tour
Deb_E, Jun 2026
Kenny was a great tour guide! Every time we do the Wendell’s tour we learn new things! The weather was perfect and our friend visiting for the first time loved it! A must tour when in Chicago. Definitely do the River and Lake tour!
Debby_M, Jun 2026
This is the best way to see all the different architecture in Chicago. You will learn so much about the city & architecture.
Lyssa_H, Jun 2026
Great way to see the city and to learn some of the history, not to mention picking up a few recommendations for additional stops/food items to try. If you're lucky enough to get Kenny, you will be informed as well as entertained.
Sarah_H, Jun 2026
Honestly this is a must do in Chicago and can’t believe it is so cheap. I have this tour 3x while visiting just to be on water.
meng_t, May 2026
The boat ride is hot, and very crowded, and if you happen to have certain inconsiderate large group near you, such as large Indian families, they will literally constantly talk over you till you are forced to leave…
Kathie_K, May 2026
This is a great tour, very informative and scenic. Just be aware if there are school groups on board. Our tour had several elementary grade kids from 3 different schools. A few minutes into the tour, they were talking and laughing loudly, playing games, wrestling and laying on each other and so it was very distracting and difficult to hear the tour guide. There were chaperones sitting with the kids and they did nothing to control the volume. We would have moved to different seats, but the boat was full. It would be great if the tour company booked cruises just for school groups and tailored the content. Younger kids lose interest in the narrative quickly so they start talking. We enjoyed the tour, just disappointed in the overall experience since we missed a lot of the commentary .
Barry_N, May 2026
As a Chicago area resident, I wanted to show our town to friends from the UK. 🇬🇧 This architectural boat tour plus Lake Michigan was outstanding. The city truly shows itself off very well.
Karen_W, May 2026
Leisurely ride on the Chicago River while being entertained by an informative guide about the history of Chicago’s many iconic buildings - and a little more !
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 Lake and River Architecture Tour
2,373
1 hour 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$45.00
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Attractions in Chicago, USA
- Shedd Aquarium Tours & Tickets
- Biograph Theater Tours & Tickets
- Chicago Lakefront Trail Tours & Tickets
- Soldier Field Tours & Tickets
- Route 66 Tours & Tickets
- House of Blues Tours & Tickets
- Chicago Cultural Center Tours & Tickets
- Grant Park Tours & Tickets
- Lincoln Park Zoo Tours & Tickets
- Rookery Building Tours & Tickets
- Wrigley Building Tours & Tickets
- Cloud Gate (The Bean) Tours & Tickets
- Millennium Park Tours & Tickets
- Lake Michigan Tours & Tickets
- Jackson Park Tours & Tickets