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

Mon 18 Nov

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $42.00

Make a reservation

Mon 18 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)

C465SXtriciab

Jul 2022

I purchased 12 tickets for family and friends who were visiting from out of town. The information I received was to be there 15 minutes prior to the scheduled time on the ticket. When we got in line we were towards the back. The boat did not have enough room for our party on the top so they sent us downstairs. We could barely hear anything and two of us are architects who really wanted to hear about the architecture of Chicago. We also had to go from side to side of the boat to see the buildings the tour guide was discussing. We tried standing in the front of the boat but the tour guide sounded mumbled and we could not dictate what she was saying. It was really disappointing. I think if Wendella is selling tickets they should not over crowd the boat like that so everyone gets a clear view and can hear the tour guide… otherwise discount tickets for those who are sent down to the bottom of the boat with limited views and mumbled dialogue.

Lisa_S

Jul 2022

We had the best tour of Chi-town! We had the best tour guide at Wendells - Scottie D! We will never look at Chicago the same again - such a beautiful city! We love Chicago even more after our tour!

chuckp848

Jul 2022

Great narration by a actual guide, not pre recorded so there could be no interaction. Magnificent views of the great Chicago skyline. Truly breath taking.