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

Wed 20 Nov

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $42.00

Make a reservation

Wed 20 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)

EvaMarie_F

Oct 2022

When I told friends and family that I was going to Chicago everyone said, "you have to take the architectural boat tour." I was extremely excited for this. I looked up tours and this one had many high reviews. Those reviewers only sat on the top deck. Nowhere were there warnings that there would be anything other than top deck seating, because what's the point of a tour you can't see?! Well I'm telling you now: If you do not get a seat on the top deck, GET OFF THE BOAT AND DEMAND YOUR MONEY BACK. As we headed downstairs, the employee at the bottom deck instructed us that there is the same seating on either side of the boat, which is true. What they failed to tell us was that 95% or the guided tour is directed to the right side of the boat. We were on the left. We kept thinking, "surely they'll talk about something on this side of the boat." Well, they did – once we turned around and those buildings were on the right side of the boat. If you're on the left side of the lower deck it is a moderately pleasant boat ride. IT IS NOT AN ARCHITECTURAL TOUR....unless you can remember 30 minutes of details about what you only heard, but others saw...and then repeat them back in your head in reverse order as you double back, while simultaneously listening to the guide talk about what you actually did see. DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY. Find another that only has seating for everyone to enjoy the tour.

Kelly_s

Oct 2022

Great tour, our tour guide Phyllis was amazing! Great personality and very professional. The history of Chicago is fascinating and it was fun to learn about it. A wouldn’t miss

Amannah_A

Oct 2022

Very enjoyable! We we’re only here for the weekend🥹. Looking forward to the bus tour when we are return😁