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

Sun 17 Nov

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $42.00

Make a reservation

Sun 17 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)

heidirR2837JB

Nov 2022

I did have to cancel trip, because the weather. And they didn't give me the money back, it was $250 lost .

Response from Host

Nov 2022

Doesn't actually sound like something we'd do. Can you contact us with more information.

H L

Nov 2022

So disappointed after all the great reviews. Took the 2 pm cruise on Nov 7, 2022 with tour guide Alyssa (? spelling). It may have been interesting if we could have understood her, but she spoke so fast and muffled, it sounded like the Charlie Brown teacher with some audible words thrown in. I guess she made some jokes, as she was waiting for a response, but they were either not funny or too difficult to hear. Perhaps she could be coached how to speak clearer and how to hold a mic (and no, not right in front of your lips). Then she grabbed her lunch bag and went on break in the wheel house, so the 90 minute "narrated" tour was not that. There may not have been much to point out at the time, but it would have been nice if she was on deck and available for questions (without a mic). Perhaps she could take her break off the boat? And at he end the pandering comment "you folks rock" ( trust me, no one "rocked") seemed just an obvious appeal for tips (which we gladly and generously give if deserved). Altogether, a most unsatisfying adventure we cannot recommend, unless perhaps which a different tour guide?

Claudia_d

Nov 2022

First, Chicago is a turístico place. I think guides should speak slower and pause when narrating the tour. The topic is about Architectural history, details about buildings and the architects. I think many buildings were not described.

Response from Host

Nov 2022

Sorry about the issues. I will remind all the Tour Guides to watch their speed and tour pacing as they narrate.