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)

Sawsan J

Aug 2019

I don’t recommend this tour to anyone. The customer service was horrendous to say the least and it begins from the line. I purchased 25 tickets only to physically grabbed by the man scanning the tickets because he couldn’t simply say “excuse me, I need to scan your ticket.” I assumed tickets are scanned closer to the entrance of the boat. The tour guide on the boat was extremely rude and had no problem publicly humiliating people distastefully for talking despite seemingly light-hearted and social aura advertised. When I expressed my concerns to the captain of the boat, he took one looked at my headscarf and chalked it up to cultural differences. As a teacher, and someone who was born and raised in America, I take the greatest offense to this ignorant comment. We teach our youngest students to use their words and not their hands. Since when did putting your hands on people become acceptable in the American culture? I am so disgusted. You

Response from Host

Aug 2019

Wendella disputes some of the facts, especially the false claim that anyone is "physically grabbed" to have a ticket scanned. However, we do apologize for other issues this group experienced.

Jess L

Aug 2019

Highly recommend this tour! You get the best views of the city from the water and learn a lot of really interesting stuff about the city. Even if you have absolutely no interest in architecture this is an incredible tour! A full bar is available on the boat. The guide on the microphone was very good. It was the best afternoon we spent in Chicago.

Wava V

Aug 2019

This turned out to be better than expected. It was informative, fun and entertaining. Lots of information about the architectural buildings and overall history of Chicago. The guide used a humor infused narrative to make the historical information more enjoyable. He was very knowledgeable and informative in a very fun way. Loved going through the Chicago Harbor Locks and out into Lake Michigan!! I would recommend this tour to any Chicago visitor, especially first time visitors. It was a great way to see all the old buildings without having to walk the city.