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

Fri 08 Aug

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $45.00

Make a reservation

Fri 08 Aug

Starting at $45.00

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.

Expert Local Guide

Restroom on board

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

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.

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 5 more stops

Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Reviews (1000)

Ilona_R

Mar 2025

Very knowledgeable tour guide. Nice relaxing ride up and down the river. Would definitely recommend. Agent timely responded to my messages regarding running late and parking. I suggest finding parking 45 minutes early or Uber to the tour check in.

Laurence_R

Mar 2025

I travel full-time and have been disappointed by tour descriptions that did not live up to expectations - but this one exceeded them! Alex was absolutely a fantastic guide/narrator. It's hard to imagine he has done this over 2000 times. Best of all, people heeded his request to please keep conversations to a minimum while he was talking. I've been on so many tours where people just yap away while the guide is speaking and people are trying to listen. Everyone paid attention to Alex and it was easy to hear what he was saying. I learned so much about the buildings and history of Chicago. He really knows his architecture. The next day I was walking around looking at those same buildings from the streets and had a whole new perspective on them. Try to book the last tour of the day! It was a 6 pm so we were on the river at sunset and got to see the city begin to light up at night. I would definitely recommend this to anyone visitng Chicago and would do it again. Fantastic!

Theresa_E

Mar 2025

I’ve done this tour many times and keep coming back. Has been about ten years since last time. Friends first time and she loved it.