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Chicago River

Chicago River Tours

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Day Cruises

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231 Tours & Activities

45-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile

Badge of ExcellenceChicago, United States
Likely to Sell Out

From $23.00

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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
  • 45 minutes (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Get a front row perspective on the exquisite buildings that line the Chicago River during a 45-minute architecture cruise. Hear live commentary about the history and architectural heritage of Chicago on this family-friendly tour, which highlights landmarks such as the Chicago Riverwalk, Michigan Avenue Bridge, Wrigley Building, and Willis Tower. Sit on the open-air top deck or the sheltered bottom deck for the ultimate view of Chicago.
  • 45-minute architecture cruise on the Chicago River
  • Get another perspective on Chicago's heritage buildings
  • Shorter tour is ideal for families and people with limited time
  • Snacks, drinks, and souvenirs available for purchase on board

What's Included

  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Alcoholic Beverages

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

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

    The closest address to most docks is 400 N Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60611 (near the Wrigley Building). From there you can check in with a dock employee who can direct you to your boarding area. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the departure time to be directed to your dock.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Weapons prohibited by US Coast Guard
  • Outside alcohol is prohibited
  • All bags subject to search
  • Increased sanitation
  • Arrive 15 - 30 minutes prior to your departure time
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Contact tour operator for wheelchair & ADA access
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 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.

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 45-min Chicago River Architecture Tour - Magnificent Mile?

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 45-min Chicago River Architecture Tour - Magnificent Mile?

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 45-min Chicago River Architecture Tour - Magnificent Mile 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 45-min Chicago River Architecture Tour - Magnificent Mile?

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 45-min Chicago River Architecture Tour - Magnificent Mile?

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 45-min Chicago River Architecture Tour - Magnificent Mile?

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

Apr 2021

Q:Does the 45-min Chicago River Architecture Tour - Magnificent Mile 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 45-min Chicago River Architecture Tour - Magnificent Mile?

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 45-min Chicago River Architecture Tour - Magnificent Mile?

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 45-min Chicago River Architecture Tour - Magnificent Mile?

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

I would recommend this tour for anyone visiting Chicago for the first time.
We had a terrific adventure on the 45 minute river tour, just perfect for my granddaughters, 5 and 7 yrs.
Reviews
4.5
257 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 257 reviews
Chicago with friends
Tina_T, Sep 2022
Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and it was a beautiful sight to see this was our first time to Chicago.
Breath taking .
Daniel_K, Sep 2022
Such an amazing tour . Very interesting facts and background on the beautiful city of Chicago . The night time really brings out the beautiful Of the skyline .
Great Time! Do it!
Amber_H, Sep 2022
Guide was amazing! Ride was smooth and views were great. We’ll definitely go again. Thanks so much for a fun experience!
Great tour on the Chicago River
Alvin_B, Sep 2022
Very informative and the tour guide was exceptional! The weather was very nice too which made for a very pleasant boat ride.
Perfect
HarnishadKaur_B, Sep 2022
Very cool experience , I enjoyed learning about the history and architecture. The tour guide was also very funny and entertaining. I loved the view and cleanliness around the city and cruse. Even though I got there little late, they were still able to accommodate me and my family. Overall loved the experience and will come again and recommend family and friends
The Great Chicago ride
Cynthia_A, Sep 2022
Beyond knowledgeable travel guide. Smooth ride. Driver did not go too fast and the scenery was just amazing.
Fabulous
Patricia_B, Sep 2022
Great experience! Great price! Very knowledgeable narrator and a bit humorous as well. Well worth the money!
Waste of money
Gary_L, Sep 2022
Did not even get to experience due to roads in downtown being shutdown and could not even access. Would not even let me reschedule.
Response from Host, Sep 2022
I understand this was a difficult weekend to navigate through downtown, However, we do allow guests to reschedule. Did you call Wendella? If not, please call us directly.
Family Fun Day!!
michelle_s, Sep 2022
Had an Amazing time!!! Cousin from Arkansas never been on boat ride and now is ready to move to Chicago. Granddaughters loved it!!!! Entire family enjoyed the experience.
Awesome.
Marlene_V, Sep 2022
The tour was amazing and the tour guide was so knowledgeable I live in Chicago and tried the tour with family that is visiting from out of the country; we were all impressed by the views and the hospitality.
Falling in love every time
Marco_S, Sep 2022
I have joined the boat tour 3 times this year and every time I fall in love of the beautiful views. I would spend hours by just staying in the boat and admiring the skyline of Chicago.
Poor service
Yennifer_A, Sep 2022
It was raining. We arrive on time but the guy upstairs told us to wait in a wrong line downstairs. After that, another guy told us our ride just left the opposite dock. We will wait 45 minutes again in the wrong place, but fortunately we asked another customers and they told us that we need to return to the other side of the dock. They have a lot of employees but they communicate wrong information to the customers.
Family Trip
Jesse_M, Sep 2022
Great experience such amazing history. For all ages alike this cruise is worth the time and most importantly the money. Relatively inexpensive... Thank u all! Ohhh dude commentating is very knowledgeable.
Family Fun
Jaleh, Sep 2022
The tour guide was informative and entertaining! The jokes were actually little funny 😁 The boat ride was much needed after a long day of walking.
Lovely night tour
Vanessa_M, Sep 2022
We really enjoyed the architecture tour at night, the views were lovely and the tour guide was very knowledgeable, the 45 minutes went by so fast! If you are visiting Chicago, make the time to do this tour!
Great time!
Jeff_P, Sep 2022
Had a great time with friends! Was the perfect length, and was excited to discover they was a bar on board!
45 minute architectural river cruise
Evamarie_H, Sep 2022
Josh, the tour guide, was very well informed, shared interesting history and facts about the architects and dates of construction. We enjoyed the tour and thought 45 minutes was the perfect amount of time to get a good idea of the riverfront buildings.
Fun experience
Shayla_B, Sep 2022
It was great, it was the first time my husband and daughters have been and they really enjoyed it! It was a learning experience for all of us and we enjoyed being up close to the skyscrapers of Chicago and learning the history behind them! Definitely recommend if you are in Chicago!
The tour guide was so...
Tetsuya_M, Sep 2022
The tour guide was so great and of course buildings we're also nice. I wish I could enjoy much more time in the vessel or the price was a little cheaper.
River tour!
Ursula_N, Jun 2022
Great information! Very engaging tour guide! Really enjoyed the tour! I did the tour before, and it was not as enjoyable as this tour!
...

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Product code: 76126P5

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