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Chicago River Tours
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Chicago Architecture River Cruise

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Chicago, United States
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Chicago Architecture River Cruise
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From $42.51

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Free Cancellation
up to 24 hours in advance
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icon1 hour 15 minutes  (Approx.)
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English and 1 more
Keeping you safe during COVID-19
What you can expect during your visit
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
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Safety precautions are provided by the tour operator and are not checked by Viator for accuracy
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Overview

Cruise down the Chicago River to see the city's famous architecture on this boat tour. With commentary from your onboard guide, watch the spectacular skyline glide by, including more than 40 notable buildings like Navy Pier, the Wrigley Building, and the John Hancock Building. Cover all three branches of the Chicago River, passing the East Bank Club, the old Post Office Building and the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower). From Memorial Day to Labor Day (May 29 - September 6,) each ticket includes a one-way water taxi ticket.
  • Discover all three branches of the Chicago River with your guide, an expert in architecture
  • Enjoy the best vantage point to admire the distinct city skyline and architecture
  • See more than 40 buildings including the Wrigley Building and Willis Tower
  • Discover the major events that helped shape the architectural history of Chicago
  • For travel between Memorial Day and Labor Day (May 29 - September 6,) each ticket includes a one-way water taxi ticket

Why Travelers Choose This Tour

This ultra-flexible, cruise runs more than 20 times daily from Navy Pier and Michigan Avenue.
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From $42.51

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Guided architecture cruise of the historic Chicago River
Live commentary on board
One-way water taxi ticket (for travel between May 29-September 6)
Drinks (available for purchase)
401 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

Return Details

Returns to original departure point
124 N Streeter Dr, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

Return Details

Returns to original departure point
Make your way to either Navy Pier or Michigan Avenue (depending on option chosen) for your cruise departure. Board your riverboat and find a comfortable seat; a restroom and sometimes a full bar are available on the boat. Listen as your guide, an architecture expert, gives you an introduction to the city's landmarks. 

Along the scenic route, see buildings by world-famous architects including Mies van der Rohe, Helmut Jahn, and Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. A boat on the river is the best vantage point to admire the distinct city skyline.

Pass by more than 40 distinctive buildings, including the John Hancock Center, the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower), the Wrigley Building, and the Lyric Opera House. Listen as your guide recounts the two major events that helped shape the architectural history of the city. Learn about how the invention of balloon-frame construction revolutionized how homes were built, and hear the dramatic story of Chicago's rise from the Great Fire of 1871. Both of these milestones led Chicago to become one of the cradles of modern American architecture.

Your cruise ends at its starting point.
Itinerary
Stop At:  
Chicago River
Cruise takes place on the Chicago River.
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Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Pass By:  
Chicago Skyline
Enjoy an amazing view of the city's skyline.
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Pass By:  
Chicago Board of Trade Building
An art deco masterpiece, this is the home of many of the city's financial movers and shakers.
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Pass By:  
Wrigley Building
This white, terra-cotta landmark was built in 1922 as headquarters for the Wrigley chewing gum company.
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Pass By:  
Navy Pier
50 acres of parks, promenades, gardens, shops, eateries and attractions, including a 15-story Ferris wheel.
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Pass By:  
Illinois Center
This mixed-used building is notable in that the streets running through it have three levels.
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Pass By:  
Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower
Tallest building in the Western Hemisphere
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Pass By:  
Tribune Tower
The neo-gothic tower's signature is the exterior collection of stones from other famous edifices, like the Parthenon, St. Peter's Basilica, Notre Dame, the White House and most recently, the Berlin Wall.
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Pass By:  
Merchandise Mart
The largest commercial building in the world. First two floors are essentially a mall, and the rest is business offices
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Pass By:  
Marina City
Unique architecture for a building complex as its own self-contained community.
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Pass By:  
Lake Point Tower
A high-rise residential building located on a promontory of the Lake Michigan lakefront
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Pass By:  
333 West Wacker Drive
Noted for its reflection of the curves of the Chicago River
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Pass By:  
The East Bank Club
A health club with 450,000 square feet of space
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Pass By:  
The Lyric Opera House
Well-known opera company puts on lavish performances in this massive Art Deco Civic Opera House.
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Pass By:  
Citicorp Center
Located between Clinton and Canal Streets on Madison Street, the structure was designed in a late modernist style.
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Pass By:  
John Hancock Center
The John Hancock Center, is a 100-story, 1,128-foot supertall skyscraper
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Pass By:  
London Guarantee Building
The London Guarantee Building or London Guaranty & Accident Building is a historic 1923 commercial skyscraper
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Pass By:  
Historic Water Tower
Chicago-focused gallery, specializing in photos, inside a 19th-century Gothic limestone landmark.
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Pass By:  
Chicago Architecture Center
The Chicago Architecture Center is home to a 4,000-building scale model of Chicago
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Pass By:  
Chicago Cultural Center
The Chicago Cultural Center is the nation's first free municipal cultural center and one of the most visited attractions in Chicago. The stunning landmark building, opened in 1897 as the city's first public library, is home to two magnificent stained-glass domes.
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Pass By:  
Millennium Park
Located within Grant Park, Millennium Park is home to Cloud Gate, or "the bean."
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Pass By:  
Buckingham Fountain
Chicago's landmark is considered one of America's finest fountains due to its Beaux-Arts-style landscape design, finely wrought bronze sculpture and innovative use of technology.
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Pass By:  
Chicago Riverwalk
A continuous walkway connecting the lakefront with the heart of downtown.
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  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • All boats have full restrooms and some have a full bar
  • Some boats are single deck vessels, the type of vessel you are placed on cannot be guaranteed
  • Wheelchairs or other walking assistance equipment are not provided.
  • Tour times cannot be changed.
  • Near public transportation
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 250 travelers
  • OPERATED BY Shoreline Sightseeing

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during Chicago Architecture River Cruise?
A:
The policies on face masks and attendee health are:

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
See all safety measures taken by Chicago Architecture River Cruise.
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during Chicago Architecture River Cruise?
A:
The policy on sanitization is:

  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
See all safety measures taken by Chicago Architecture River Cruise.
Q:
What is the social distancing policy during Chicago Architecture River Cruise?
A:
The policies on social distancing are:

  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
  • Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
See all safety measures taken by Chicago Architecture River Cruise.
Q:
What is the maximum group size during Chicago Architecture River Cruise?
A:
This activity will have a maximum of 250 travelers.

See all safety measures taken by Chicago Architecture River Cruise.

Traveler Photos

See More (34)

Traveler Tips

  • "Most of the boat is exposed, so make sure to wear appropriate attire in the case of rain or direct sunlight." See review
  • "There are 2 departure piers (East Michigan and East Grand) so make sure that you’re at the right place." See review

Reviews

5.0
star-5
4,817 Reviews
5 stars
4,162
4 stars
499
3 stars
79
2 stars
33
1 star
44
Reviews by Viator travelers
Showing 1-10 of 4,817 reviews
star-4
So much fun!!
Victoria_N
, Apr 2021
I loved seeing all of the views of the buildings, bridges, and the Ferris wheel. We had issues with our tickets scanning, but they let us on still since they could see the tickets. I love that they took a picture of us too! We were allowed to bring our stroller with us, which was a great help. We loved the bottom floor, since there was less wind and rain, and we still got great pictures!!
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star-5
Picture perfect experience
ayisha
, Apr 2021
Our tour guide was amazing and he was so knowledgeable. Before visiting Chicago I was against taking a boat tour due to it being “too touristy” but last minute me and my bf decided to just go for it and it was the best decision of our trip. Such a beautiful experience, we went during sunset which was beautiful and they even had a bar on the boat. Highly recommend!
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star-5
Highlight of trip
Edith_V
, Apr 2021
Great tour!! Very informative!! Great service. Very good explanation of all the buildings and history of city!
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star-5
Great tour
Elizabeth_J
, Apr 2021
Sam was wonderful. Very knowledgeable and funny! Great experience. I highly recommend this to anyone in Chicago
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star-5
Excellent
Lucia_P
, Apr 2021
The guide was excellent. Interesting. Entertaining. The seventy-five minutes went by very fast. Good Job
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star-5
A Must while in Chicago
Gurney_P
, Apr 2021
Although the weather was unseasonably cold for April - the trip was informative and the MC was incredible - G
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star-5
Fantastic
Rose_D
, Apr 2021
The guide was wonderful and full of great information!! He talked nonstop. So much information. Loved it all
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star-5
Fun
Landis
, Apr 2021
The narrator did a great job. Very entertaining and knowledgeable. Very interesting tour. My girlfriend was with me and she loved it
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star-5
Lovely way to spend an hour and a half
Eric_G
, Apr 2021
We enjoyed the entire tour and would highly recommend anyone who visits Chicago, see the city from the river.
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star-5
Informative and fun!
Leah_P
, Apr 2021
The tour guide was excellent and had tremendous enthusiasm for the subject. Such a worthwhile experience!
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Product code: 5580ARC

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