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 14 Jul

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $45.00

Make a reservation

Mon 14 Jul

Starting at $45.00

Make a reservation

New York City Tours

Unique Activities (21) Transfers & Transportation (175) Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises (252) Entry Tickets (96) Sporting Events (4) Good for Small Groups (27) Seasonal & Holiday Tours (113) Walking Tours (705) Outdoor Activities (48) Limitied Availability Tours (29) LGBT Friendly Tours (9) Family-friendly Activities (8) Wildlife Activities (6) Solo Travelers' Tours (147) Food & Drinks (96) Travelers recommend (174) Good for Groups (32) Top Activities (75) Guided Audio Tours (10) Art, Culture & History (406) Attractions to explore (43) Sustainable Tours (1) Limousine Transfers (5) Donut Walking Tour (2) Virtual Experiences (1) Additional fees (7) DSA non-compliant (17)

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)

amykotlas

Dec 2024

There are many architectural boat tours but I’m glad we chose this one. The guide did an excellent job and was happy to answer any questions. This boat has a roomy inside area with a cash bar. You can’t see everything from this space but enough if the cold is too much. In our group of four, two stayed up top the whole time, one stayed down below the whole time and I bounced back and forth. We learned a lot and saw a lot!

Ann_M

Dec 2024

We took 90 minute tour even though it was December we sat on deck but the tour guide explained you could get a hot drink and still hear the tour everywhere. He was very good and gave a great account and facts about chicago, explaining the buildings and stories Well worth the trip and right on the melenium mile. Enjoyed it alot.

Rita_H

Dec 2024

Learning more about the buildings and few miscellaneous city facts was great. The weather was cold and we were able to go inside to warm up and have hot chocolate.