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
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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
Pam_G
We expected a relaxing boat ride with beautiful views — but we got so much more. Our tour guide, Kenny, was absolutely fantastic. His deep knowledge of Chicago’s history, combined with his engaging personality and fun trivia game, made the experience unforgettable. This tour exceeded our expectations, and I would absolutely choose it again!
Reviews
4.7
based on 2,431 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
ROSALIND_S, Sep 2026
The tour guide was courteous and well informed. The city was impressive. The boat was comfortable.We enjoyed ourselves.
Morgan_B, Sep 2026
Such amazing views and the tour guide was amazing!! This is a must do experience when in Chicago and you learn a lot about the city’s history!
Simone_K, Sep 2026
Great tour! Kenny was an amazing guide. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone. Book the 90 minute tour.
Diane_P, Aug 2026
You do not put the dock number on the ticket. We almost missed the boat. The trip was overbooked. We had no place to sit.
Jill_K, Aug 2026
This is such a fun and informative way to view the city. It is well run and organized and the bar on the boat is an extra touch. The guide, Emma, was articulate and has a wealth of knowledge that we would never know otherwise.
JoAnn_C, Aug 2026
The guide was great. He was very knowledgeable and made it the ride enjoyable. Best Tour in town for me
Diane_W, Aug 2026
The cruise was fabulous but found the guide to be obnoxious and some of her jokes inappropriate especially to people not familiar with Chicago
Nancy_D, Aug 2026
Excellent tour guide, history & views!
Enjoyed the lighthouse story & water pumping station factoids.
John_J, Aug 2026
Having previously taken the River Tour, I strongly prefer the River-specific tour based on this recent experience.
Out of the 90-minute tour duration, we spent over 30 minutes waiting at the Lake/River lock. Additionally, our tour guide was very difficult to hear and frequently used the time to promote her personal podcast, opinions, and beliefs. I paid for a Chicago River and Lake Tour, not a platform for personal advertisements.
The guide on the River Tour was much more personal and fun to interact with.
The views were great on the river but for the lake, our guide spoke about a ton of random buildings and we could not identify which one she was discussing.
I'm still happy I took the tour but next time I hope I would skip the lake portion and hope for a clearer speaking guide.
Brendan_N, Aug 2026
The sights were beautiful, the boat was clean, and the tour guide was funny and informative. Definitely worth the money.
Karen_H, Aug 2026
Chicago is a land with a vast plethora of architectural history, and I cannot recommend a better experience of the city's many highlights than this lake and river tour. Our host Alyssa was witty, knowledgeable, and was very quick to answer any additional questions we could think up.
Alexander_A, Aug 2026
Kenny the tour guide was great! He’s knowledgeable, funny, and engaging. The tour itself was really cool and a must-do in Chicago. The start point was easy to find and all of the staff couldn’t have been nicer.
Dena_M, Aug 2026
Kenny was an awesome host! Had a great time even in the rain! Lots of fun trivia and kept the crowd in it the whole trip! This was our second time and just as great as the first!
Rosario_R, Aug 2026
I did this tour with my dad who is almost 90. We both loved everything about it, especially the time on the lake.Very informative and well worth it!
Des_B, Aug 2026
I never got on the boat I had no clue where to park so I was driving around for 15+ minutes (mind you I’m not from Chicago) then someone who was collecting tickets said the boats depart at the exact time they are supposed to so we missed it trying to find a parking garage. I already requested a refund.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Sorry to hear about this experience. Parking can be challenging in Chicago, as it is in all larger cities. We do always try to depart on time, but we will review your refund request.
Cheryl_M, Aug 2026
It was very rainy and foggy. Very informative and fun only thing that would have made it better was better weather.
cyngrimm2, Aug 2026
We went on the architectural tour, and our tour guide was Kenny. He did an amazing job, so if you can get him as your tour guide, I highly recommend him!
It was raining when we started, but thankfully it cleared up and turned into a beautiful day. We absolutely loved the tour! I would definitely recommend it—it’s such a great experience and a wonderful way to see and learn about the city.
Monique_P, Aug 2026
Beneficial to have both river and lake experiences.
Knowledgeable tour guide, witty and entertaining as well.
Liliana_B, Aug 2026
Emma our tour guide to the fantastic job! It was such a fun and engaging tour and we got to see so much of Chicago in the hour and a half. The AC worked well and you were able to get drinks while I’m bored and of course, go in and out as you please. The bathrooms were clean and the stuff was all very helpful and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!
Thomas_L, Aug 2026
This is the one item we do when in Chicago, which says how much we enjoy it. With this said, on the recent tour (8/8/26), 2 items negatively impacted the tour. One within the tour operators control, the second one not in their control. First the meet point was not specific enough. Just had the meet address as 400 N Michigan. So we went there, and stood in line for 20 minutes for the Wendell Tours, only to be told after we got to the front, we needed to walk around the building to get in line for another boat. So we wasted 20 minutes, and then we were one of the last people in line, and did not get the desired seats, which we why we got there early. That was in their control. The second item was how long we had to wait to get through the locks. Which being a Saturday, it generally is busier, and created the issue. The challenge was we got back 45 minutes later then expected, and missed something else we had planned on doing that day. Wait time to get through the locks is not within the tour operators control. Again, it’s something we do every time we come to Chicago because we like it so much, but this last time it was not our best experience.
Chris_D, Aug 2026
The guide Kenny was the best! Our experience was top notch! Would totally do that tour again!! Thank you for a great time!
Debbie_N, Aug 2026
I’m a Chicagoan myself and did this boat tour and it was nothing but short of spectacular. Spiro our guide was amazing and the tour showed why this city is one of the best cities in the country from views to its history. If you come to Chicago in the Spring, Summer or Fall this should be the first thing you go too.
Chris_B, Aug 2026
This tour was amazing! It was very organized, easy check in & our tour guide Kate was wonderful, very informative, knowledgeable & funny.
KENDRA_W, Aug 2026
Incredibly informative tour, absolutely reccomend the tour that takes you through the Lock system and onto Lake Michigan!
Denise_M, Aug 2026
The views are beautiful. The tour guides are knowledgeable. The Wendella is nice and clean . Cruise fills up fast. Come early ( 30mins before) so you can get a spot on the top.
Erin_P, Aug 2026
High level architecture tour. Spiro was a good guide and kept things light. The bartender downstairs was unnecessarily gruff, didn't stir/ mix my drink and acted like my request for a top was a request for a lung. We picked the river and lake tour thinking we'd get to see a lot more but the lake portion was brief and about 25 minutes was spent going in and out the locks. There is no shade on the top deck and it's hard to hear on the shaded lower deck. Overall, something interesting to do on a nice day
Gino_C, Aug 2026
Great experience, Lake ride was best part! Highly recommend this tour specifically! Make sure to arrive early so you can grab a good seat on top of the boat! Wear sunscreen! :)
MarieRachelle_C, Aug 2026
It was fantastic. I highly recommend it for anyone taking time to see the beautiful architecture of Chicago.
Sean_Y, Aug 2026
Was an amazing experience loved the Lake Michigan and Chicago lake.and there was a great lady who did the talk to us all.
Peter_B, Aug 2026
Call ahead if you are in a wheelchair. Limited accessibility and no one there to offer any assistance.
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