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)

justatravelingdog

Nov 2022

This was my 3rd or 4th time on a Chicago River architecture tour. ( I think the second time for Wendella.) I work in the design/architectural field and love these tours. So did my husband who is interested in history, real estate, and engineering. So did my college-aged son and his girlfriend who live in Chicago. Its a great activity for all ages. This particular 90 minute tour went on all three branches of the Chicago River but did not go into the Lake. I had never seen a lot of area covered on this tour, including a park on the edge of Chinatown, and area near the Amtrak yards that will soon be developed into a whole new neighborhood of Chicago. Generally the views, the ride, the guides and the staff are excellent. In the past I have been on a shorter 45 minute tour that covered the most celebrated buildings, and a 90 minute Sunset tour that continued through the locks (very interesting) and into the Lake to look back at the lights of Chicago which is absolutely beautiful, but in late October it was too chilly (and dark before 6pm) so we chose a tour in the afternoon. Highly recommend all of the tours, especially when weather is conducive to riding on the open top deck. We finished our prior activities and arrived early and they were so nice and flexible and let us jump on an earlier boat too. The guides are always entertaining and there is a bar downstairs for those who are interested. Go when you can sit out on top with amazing views of the city and sky.

V3326BCmargaretf

Nov 2022

We were greeted warmly by the guide as we boarded the boat. The tour was entertaining and informative allowing for audience questions and lots of humour!

Leanne_K

Nov 2022

It was a great time, informative and fun! Kenneth, our guide, was hilarious and really knew his history of the architecture. Would definitely do again!