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)

Louise_D

Jul 2022

This is a must experience for those visiting Chicago! The tour guide was great and the boat crew was very personable and energetic! The ride was smooth and steady going through waterways. You’ll learn so much about the city, and capture some amazing photos that you would not be able the obtain on foot.

32laureenw

Jul 2022

My son and I thoroughly enjoyed the guided Chicago river architecture tour recently. The docent, Siobhan, was very knowledgeable, passionate and proud about the subject of Chicago and its history and architecture. After recently returning from a trip to Athens, Greece, I too, feel renewed pride and passion for “Sweet Home Chicago”. The city is clean and beautiful, with some of the most friendly people anywhere. It was also refreshing to not be trolled for tips. As a matter of fact, the docent volunteers her time to enlighten visitors and would never accept tips. In lieu of a tip, I leave a FIVE STAR🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 review.

Brian_J

Jul 2022

Enjoys hearing about the styles of the buildings, the Chicago fire. How Chicago was developed into what it is today!