Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour | 1 hour 30 minutes

7172 Reviews | Chicago
Likely To Sell Out
From $45.00 per person Lowest Price Guarantee
Select Date and Travelers
You can select up to 15 travelers in total.
Adult (13-99) Minimum: 1, Maximum: 15
2
Child (4-12) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 15
0
Infant (0-3) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 15
0
Free Cancellation For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Chicago River Tour
2 Adults x $45.00
$90.00
Approx Total
$90.00

Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English
  • Indoor and outdoor seating available (indoor is climate controlled)
  • Narrated tour on board by professionally trained tour guide.
  • Expert Local Guide
  • Restroom on board
  • Drinks and snacks available for purchase on-board the vessel.
  • Gratuities

Overview

Be inspired by the captivating, visual art that is Chicago’s legendary architecture, and the exceptional architects who created this ever-changing, dynamic legacy for all to enjoy and admire. This comprehensive 90 minute tour will navigate through the heart of the city on all three branches of the Chicago River while your professionally-trained architectural guide tells the story of more than 130 years of innovation in design, style and technique and why it is important today. The Chicago River Architecture Tour is the most authentic and encompassing Chicago experience the city has to offer.

Meeting points

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

  • Wendella

    Vessels depart from Wendella's docks at the northwest corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge (DuSable Bridge), at the foot of the Wrigley Building.

    15 minutes

  • Centennial Fountain And Water Arc (Pass By)

    Dedicated in 1989 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, known for reversing the flow of the Chicago River in 1900. For the first five minutes of every hour, the fountain shoots a water arc across the river from a tiered waterfall.

  • Merchandise Mart (Pass By)

    The largest commercial building in the world.

  • Michigan Avenue Bridge (Pass By)

    Michigan Avenue is home of the Chicago Water Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and the shopping on the Magnificent Mile.

  • Wrigley Building (Pass By)

    This white, terra-cotta landmark was built in 1922 as headquarters for the Wrigley chewing gum company.

  • Chicago Riverwalk (Pass By)

    An open, pedestrian waterfront called the city's 'Second Lakefront.'

  • Lyric Opera of Chicago (Pass By)

    Second-largest opera auditorium in North America, with an Art Deco interior

  • Marina City (Pass By)

    Pass by these iconic mixed-use apartment buildings - "a city within a city" with their unique corn-cob exterior.

Sample Menu

Additional Info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Weapons prohibited by US Coast Guard
  • Outside alcohol is prohibited
  • All bags 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
  • Maps are available with highlights in simplified Chinese. They can picked up per request at the ticket window.
  • Special requests entered at checkout cannot be guaranteed

Free Cancellation

February 05100% refund
February 06No refund

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.
Traveler Photos
Reviews

4.7

7172 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    6013
  • 4 stars
    609
  • 3 stars
    249
  • 2 stars
    138
  • 1 star
    163

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 6013 reviews with 5 stars

Katie was fantastic! Very...

Published on Jan, 2025

Katie was fantastic! Very knowledgeable and a great storyteller. It was a cold, rainy evening but we enjoyed the tour nonetheless.

Bet on the Boat Tour

Published on Jan, 2025

Everything you ever wanted to know about all the buildings in the Windy City. Romantic setting with. Very comedic guide! This tour offers a unique perspective of the city. A must do while in Chicago! Go as the sun is setting over the city for a breathtaking experience!

Things to do with out of town visitors

Published on Jan, 2025

This is a great way to share the city of Chicago with out-of-town visitors. Everyone felt safe and enjoyed views of the city.

a must

Published on Jan, 2025

we visited from San Francisco during winter. It was 5 degrees outside but the experience was still amazing. The downstairs in indoor and warm. It had a bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. The bathrooms were clean. The upstairs was great but the front of the boat had the best view. The host on the mic was very friendly and knowledgeable. We learned so much about this beautiful city. I would recommend a friend!

Must try in Chicago!

Published on Jan, 2025

The boat glided along the Chicago River as I leaned against the railing, the skyline rising majestically around me. The guide’s voice faded into the breeze as I took in the shimmering glass towers and historic landmarks. Sunlight reflected off the water, casting rippling patterns on the hull. Each turn revealed a new perspective—Willis Tower standing tall, Marina City’s twin spirals, the sleek lines of 875 N Michigan. The view was breathtaking, the tour smooth and relaxing. As we drifted under the final bridge, I snapped one last photo, knowing this was a moment I’d never forget.

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