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

Wed 25 Dec

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $42.00

Make a reservation

Wed 25 Dec

Starting at $42.00

Make a reservation

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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

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.

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.

Lake Michigan

Your tour travels along Lake Michigan and explores Chicago's beautiful skyline.

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.

Marina City

Pass by these iconic mixed-use apartment buildings - "a city within a city" with their unique corn-cob exterior.

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.'

The Lyric Opera House

Second-largest opera auditorium in North America, with an Art Deco interior

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)

C102QNandrewm

Aug 2019

This is an absolute must if you are coming to Chicago for the first time OR if you have been to Chicago many times but have never seen the beautiful cityscape from the lake. Plus the views right up close of the downtown skyscrapers is excellent as you are close but from the vantage point of the river giving you enough distance to take them in slightly better than on the HOHO buses, walking or driving. There are many choices in the 'river architecture tour' offerings and I'm sure they are all good but I love that this one offers the loop through the lock and dam (educational if you or your children have never seen a working lock and dam system before) taking you out onto the lake for stunning views back at the cityscape that is one of my favorite views of any city in the world (Vancouver, Sydney, Hong Kong, Rio de Janeiro...NYC from Elias Island might be the only one that compares or tops it).

Lastresort88

Aug 2019

Our guide Molly was enthusiastic, welcoming, informative and passionate about Chicago. Oh ,and the boat ride was cool too.

armstl7

Aug 2019

The noise from the rear engines made it very difficult to understand what the guide was saying. I have not experienced this level of noise on other tours like this. I did not realize that to access Lake Michigan the boat had to go thru a lock system - for both entry and departure. This was ok on entering Lake Michigan but this created dead time when returning. The views of the buildings along the river were great but the loud engine noises took away from the experience.

Response from Host

Aug 2019

We do not have assigned seats on our vessels. Not sure why the reviewer couldn't simply moved forward, away from the engines? Or, said something to a crew member who could have assisted in finding a new seat?