90-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour

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.

City: Chicago

Wed 20 Nov

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $42.00

Make a reservation

Wed 20 Nov

Starting at $42.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Indoor and outdoor seating available (indoor is climate controlled)

Narrated tour on board by professionally trained tour guide.

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.
Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitised between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitised
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
All Wendella staff is vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus.

What To Expect

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.

Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower

The tallest building in the Western Hemisphere

Centennial Fountain And Water Arc

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

The largest commercial building in the world.

Michigan Avenue Bridge

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

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

Chicago Riverwalk

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

Lyric Opera of Chicago

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

Marina City

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

Show 6 more stops

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (1000)

jnhistory

Jul 2022

My friend and I visited Chicago and did the 90-Minute Boat tour. It was the best! Joe was our tour guide and he knows Chicago and the history like the back of his hand. He spoke in a story telling fashion and felt like we were listening to a documentary since he was so knowledgeable. We went on a Sunday at 10:30am and the weather was very nice. We booked online once we got to Chicago. I thought they would add a convenience fee but it was the same price if you bought tickets at riverwalk. They have other tour boats but we did Wendella. My co-worker also recommended doing a boat tour and it did not disappoint. The boat captain and crew also were good. I definitely would recommend this as a visitor, or as a Chicagoan who wants to enjoy learning about the city. For tips, I read other reviews where a family got lost and had a hard time finding the pickup location so we got there at 10 am and were the first to get on the boat. The website suggests this too but realize sometime we read fast or overlook the details. There were plenty of seats but it's not necessarily the easiest to find since there are other boats. Don't hesitate to ask someone.

Nichelle_H

Jul 2022

My friend and I visited Chicago (was my first time) and googled and saw the architecture boat tour. My co-worker lives in Chicago and also recommended this so we booked for Sunday at 10:30 am. We read in a review a family got lost trying to find the pickup area and had to sit at bottom so we left out early to arrive by 10 am and glad we did since the line was long. There were plenty of seats. Our guide, Joe, was the greatest I have ever heard for a tour. He knew each building and the history of Chicago like the back of his hand. He spoke in a storytelling fashion as if we were watching a documentary. Just excellent. If there was a way to reserve the tour with Joe, I would do this again. Weather was great and great tour. The captain and crew were great too since they had to direct. I also liked booking online. Some folks bought tickets at riverwalk and I thought they added an up charge for convenience but it was the same price. There were other tours and the one we did was Wendella tours. Not sure how to tell this from viator booking but want to come back with family so they can enjoy too.

Eva_D

Jul 2022

Nice tour of Architecture from the Chicago River our tour guide Phillus was very knowledgeable and friendly! Offered and took questions even after the tour.