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

Tue 08 Jul

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $45.00

Make a reservation

Tue 08 Jul

Starting at $45.00

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.

Expert Local Guide

Restroom on board

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.
Special requests entered at checkout cannot be guaranteed

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.

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 5 more stops

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (1000)

Arpit_P

Dec 2024

It was my first time in Chicago and the tour was a great way to know about the city’s history. The narrator on board made the experience worthwhile giving little tid bits about the city ranging from the buildings to history of Chicago to what constitutes a Chicago hotdog!! The tour definitely makes you fall in love with the city.

Marco_L

Dec 2024

Excellent experience! Everything was great. I made the reservation without any upfront payment, and the ticket charge was processed a day before the tour. We arrived much earlier than our reserved time, and the staff was kind enough to change our tour time. Since it was winter, the day was somewhat cloudy, but the views were still spectacular. During winter, it’s important to dress warmly. I had previously done this tour in the summer and would prefer to repeat it during that season. If you’re planning to visit in winter, I recommend checking the weather forecast and choosing a day that is clear or only slightly cloudy.

Emerald_A

Dec 2024

The cold never bothered us anyway! Fantastic view and informative tour guide with cool trivia’s here and there about each architectural landmark! A must try definitely in the Windy City!