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Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour

Overview
An authentic Chicago tradition since 1935, this is the tour that started it all. This unique excursion tells the story of more than 200 years of fascinating social, cultural and political history, and explores more than a century of groundbreaking architecture. The journey begins with an up-close perspective of Chicago's internationally-known architecture as seen from the Chicago River. Then venture through the Chicago Lock on to the calm, cool waters of Lake Michigan for expansive views of Chicago's extraordinary 26-mile skyline. Take the selfie of a lifetime on this inspirational experience!
City: Chicago
Mon 30 Dec
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You can choose the date already on the booking website
Starting at $42.00
Mon 30 Dec
Starting at $42.00
Make a reservation
What's Included
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Additional Info
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Weapons prohibited by US Coast Guard
  • Outside alcohol is prohibited
  • All bags are 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
  • Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
  • Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
  • Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
What To Expect
1
Wendella
All tours depart and return to Wendella's Michigan Avenue Dock Located in the heart of Chicago's Magnificent Mile. Boarding for each tour will begin 15-30 minutes before the tour time. There is no reserved seating, as seating is first come first served. All groups should arrive 30 minutes prior to the tour time. All tickets are non-refundable, however, in the event you are unable to make your scheduled tour date or miss the boat, all tickets are transferrable to another time, date, or tour. Tours depart rain or shine. Located on the bottom deck of our climate-controlled lounge are restrooms and a full service bar with snacks, such as chips and candy (no meals or food are served), and a selection of beers, wines, cocktails and soft drinks. All vessel bars accept cash and all major credit cards.
2
Chicago River
Lake and River Architecture Tours begin at Michigan Avenue and explore Chicago's amazing architecture along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. All tours are narrated by professional tour guides.
3
Lake Michigan
Your tour travels along Lake Michigan and explores Chicago's beautiful skyline.
4
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.
5
Merchandise Mart
The largest commercial building in the world.
6
Marina City
Pass by these iconic mixed-use apartment buildings - "a city within a city" with their unique corn-cob exterior.
7
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.
8
Wrigley Building
This white, terra-cotta landmark was built in 1922 as headquarters for the Wrigley chewing gum company.
9
Chicago Riverwalk
An open, pedestrian waterfront called the city's 'Second Lakefront.'
10
The Lyric Opera House
Second-largest opera auditorium in North America, with an Art Deco interior
11
Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower
The tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.
Show 8 more stops
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Traveler Photos
Reviews (1000)
John4647
Oct 2019
When I booked this trip for my party of five, I explained that one of my party used a wheelchair. I was assured that this was not a problem . However, on arriving I was informed that the boat was wheelchair friendly but the access to the Dock was not. The person with the disability then had to walk down two long flights of stairs, whilst a other carried the wheelchair. This took in excess of twenty painful minutes . The trip itself was very Good and the captain brought us back to a different Dock where we could disembark with the wheelchair . Beware if one of your party is disabled.
Response from Host
Oct 2019
We apologize for the confusion and any difficulty this may have caused. We do offer a wheelchair friendly dock, with an elevator down to the boarding area and and elevator on the boat to travel between docks - the only boat company that has them in Chicago. We do try to prearrange the wheelchairs as not all our boats depart from our accessible dock (as you found out.) I apologize this did not happen in your case, especially as you mentioned you called first. We are committed to providing access to all, and will work with all staff and crew to ensure this does not happen to another guest. If you can provide me with a method of contact, I would like to discuss this to learn exactly what happened in your case. I am at [email protected]
KWCol
Oct 2019
We had the best time on the Architectural Boat Tour. David was the best tour guide! Our trip was delayed about 30 minutes while waiting to go through the lock into Lake Michigan, but we still got the full tour.
BronteBucket
Oct 2019
In Chicago for a long weekend we hit some stormy and drizzly rain so we hung out for the one sunny morning to do this tour. So glad we did as there was nothing nicer than sitting on top deck of a boat cruising up and down the river looking at the amazing mixture of architecture and learning more about the City from our Guide, John. To be honest Iā€™m not sure how he managed to get so many facts into the tour, he was like a fact machine! Also peppered with humour to make for a fun trip. This gives you a great view of the Art Deco alongside the modern. Great!

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