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

Thu 24 Oct

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $42.00

Make a reservation

Thu 24 Oct

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)

Anna_N

Aug 2022

Great and educational cruise :) Amazing spots and comfortable boat! Now I have a lot of beautiful photos of Chicago :)

Donna K

Aug 2022

A difficult choice to make on choosing which Architecture Boat Tour to book. We made the right choice. First time to Chicago and on our first full day of sightseeing decided to see two sides of the Chicago landscape from the Lake and River with Wendella Cruises. It is a 90 minute boat tour but lasts longer as there is usually a wait at the locks to open with all the boat traffic. They recommend coming to the loading dock 15 minutes to 1/2 hour earlier than your boarding time. We came 1 hour earlier and were first in line but just a few minutes later people started to line up. So if you want a seat on the outside upper deck and the preferred seating on the right side of the boat then line up early. Most of what is explained is the buildings on the right side preferably in the middle rows. I found the back rows are to close to the noisy motor. The sound system can be muffled and people at the back could not hear the guide Phyllis until she higher the volume. Phyllis told us she has been doing this tour for 37 years. She gave very interesting commentary throughout the boat ride with a break in between to get alcoholic drinks, soda, or snacks. Soda from the fountain is reasonable at $2.00. They do check everyone's bags and purses before entering the boat. I did have a water bottle with me and they did not say anything.

Gary_E

Aug 2022

The scenery was awesome and guided tour educational. Enjoyed very much and would recommend to everyone