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)

Jonathan_L

Jul 2022

Overall a good experience but get there early. We were about 25 minutes early and the boat was sold out. 4th of July so not sure if it’s always sold out. By the time we got in the boat the top level was full so we had to sit on lower level. Not sure why they have a lower level other than for the bar and restrooms, as the lower level doesn’t feel like part of the group tour. Most of what they talk about couldn’t be heard unless under a bridge to amplify the sound. Also the buildings they talk abou are on the right side of the boat, we were on the left. Still fun to look at the buildings just be advised that if your on the bottom level you won’t get even close to what I’d imagine that the top level gets.

Jewel_M

Jul 2022

The tour was very informative and interesting. I will remember mostly on how and when some buildings were constructed. I will remember when buildings names were changed.

Christine_N

Jul 2022

I was disappointed that when we entered into the boat there were not enough seats for my and my 4 family members. I was so looking forward to listening to the history of Chicago and its history and then knowing that all 5 of us could not share this together. Some of us stood, and a couple had to be downstairs . I felt the company oversold just to make money rather than understanding this is an individual experience for everyone. I spent over 200.00 so my family could experience this. We were all stressed about where to sit and if we could hear.