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Chicago River

Chicago River Tours

29 Tours & Activities

Chicago Riverwalk

Chicago Riverwalk Tours

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Day Cruises

32 Tours & Activities

90-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour

Badge of ExcellenceChicago, United States
Likely to Sell Out

From $42.00

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Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance.
Chicago Tours
All Chicago Tours
Audio Guides
Kid-Friendly
Likely To Sell Out
Private and Luxury
Unique Experiences
  • 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Discover the architectural gems of the Windy City from an ideal vantage point on a cruise down the Chicago River. Offered several times throughout the day, it’s easy to fit the leisurely excursion into your itinerary. Covering more than 130 years of architectural history, the 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 architecture
  • See the sights of Chicago without getting worn out
  • Take the tour when it’s convenient for you

What's Included

  • Indoor and outdoor seating available (indoor is climate controlled)
  • Narrated tour on board by professionally trained tour guide.
  • Alcoholic Beverages

Departure & Return

Departure Point

  • 400 N Michigan Ave
    400 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

    Depart and return to Wendella's Michigan Avenue Docks located in the heart of Chicago's Magnificent Mile, at the base of the Wrigley Building. Look for the blue "Wendella" awning over the dock staircase. Descend the stairs to the river-level dock.

Return Details

This activity will end right where it started.

What To Expect

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Weapons prohibited by US Coast Guard
  • Outside alcohol is prohibited
  • All bags subject to search
  • Near public transportation
  • Increased sanitation
  • Arrive 15-30 Minutes prior to your departure time.
  • Contact tour operator for wheelchair & ADA access
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 300 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

about cancellations.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

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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

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

A: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.)

Apr 2021

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

A: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.

Apr 2021

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

A: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.

Apr 2021

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

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

Apr 2021

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

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

Apr 2021

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

A: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.

Apr 2021

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

A: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.

Apr 2021

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

A: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.

Apr 2021

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

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

Apr 2021

Traveler Photos

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Traveler Tips

Call ahead if you have mobility issues as there are a lot of stairs to get to the boat.
If you planning during the winter, a hat and gloves are on the must do list.
I highly recommend this tour to all visitors to Chicago.
Reviews
4.5
2,222 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 2,222 reviews
Too many people on the boat, no seating available, couldn't hear the commentary. Waste of time and money.
Sarah_N, Aug 2022
Steep steps down to get onto the boat, which were almost impossible to get down with a stroller. No seats for our party of 11 (including an infant), so we had to all stand for 1.5 hours. The only space for us to stand was at the back of the boat which was noisy and had engine fumes. We couldn't hear the commentary at all so we learnt nothing about the architecture of Chicago. Have called and emailed to let the company know our thoughts but so far have heard nothing.
Great way to spend a couple hours in Chicago
Cody_L, Aug 2022
Fun way to see the city. The tour guide was great! Lots of interesting information about the city and its architecture.
Highly recommended
AsiaJoanna_K, Aug 2022
Bobby, the tour guy was fantastic. I’m a local and know Chicago’s history and he was very good (and funny). I do this every summer.
We had a great guide, and...
Cindy_L, Aug 2022
We had a great guide, and the tour was super interesting. It is a pleasure to experience the city view with skyscrapers and such.
Zach was great
Ewan_F, Aug 2022
Zach was a great guide and had answers to all my strange questions. Perfect way to spend 90 minutes.
Gorgeous Chicago!
Monica_U, Aug 2022
Chicago's skyline is beautiful no matter when you see it. My favorite time is in the evening as the sun goes down. Still takes my breath away everytime I see it since I live in a suburbs.
Beautiful
Leslie_S, Aug 2022
Seeing all the buildings from that perspective was really nice. The host gave really good information about the buildings and the architecture. I guess my one complaint would be the seating. Some people really need to sit with something that has a back on it. Unfortunately we were later getting on the boat so we did not have much of seating options.
Chicago skyline cruise.
Austin_M, Aug 2022
There are some excellent chances to take great pictures of the Chicago skyline. The guide had a vast knowledge of Chicago and it's history.
Learned Something New
Ronald_C, Aug 2022
Narrator/docent was excellent. Trip was pleasant. Access to boat a challenge to someone with a bum knee.
Great tour, beautiful...
Stephanie_M, Aug 2022
Great tour, beautiful sights, and learned a lot! Would come back again and bring friends and family again!
Great relaxing Tour
Tom_C, Aug 2022
Great tour. Our guide Bobby was very informative and entertaining. The evening tour was very pleasant and offers great views of the Chicago skyline.
It was a Great Experience. all the crew great team!
Diego_H, Aug 2022
What a beautiful family Experience I will recommend the tour. I learn a lot about the city Arquitectura.
Way too crowded!
Sherry_M, Aug 2022
I’m glad I had been on one of these tours several years ago when I could sit on the main deck and actually here what the commentator was saying. This time there was only room on the lower deck. We could hear that the commentator was talking but couldn’t distinguish what he was saying. There was always a long line for the bar which meant many people walking in front of us throughout the voyage. We saw many similar cruises from other companies with much less crowded boats. I wished I was on one of them. At least I would probably have known what I was seeing. It was a beautiful day so that was nice.
Amazing Chicago…definitely a city worth visiting again…!!!
Francisco_P, Aug 2022
38 bridges, 10th most beautiful skyline in the world and a second city. Great food, kind people and nice weather during August.
Great experience
Ashley_M, Aug 2022
I had a great time on the tour, I highly recommend!! The tour guide was very knowledgeable of the architecture building.
Bang for the buck
Roy_B, Aug 2022
Just being able to see iT with my family an being on the water seeing all the beautiful homes along the lake
Nice way to enjoy Chicago and a bit of history!
Susan_S, Aug 2022
Leaning about Chicago architectural tour and the history behind it. Great tour guide very informative!
The beautiful concrete jungle!
Esther_A, Aug 2022
Captain, crew, and tour expert were all amazing! Loved the boat.. loved the educational aspect of the City’s architectural history!
Must Do in Chicago
George_L, Aug 2022
The tour guide was excellent—very knowledgeable and entertaining. The boat was spacious, giving ample view of the sights.
McGee Family Trip!
Howard_M, Aug 2022
Excellent family experience! Highly recommended for family and friends! We are planning another River Tour, but at night next time.
...

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Product code: 76126P1

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