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Explore more things to do in Chicago

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Chicago: 1.5-Hour Lake and River Architecture Cruise

Top rated
4.742791 out of 5 stars
4.7
4.742791 out of 5 stars
1734 reviews
Activity provider:Wendella Tours & Cruises
Chicago: 1.5-Hour Lake and River Architecture Cruise
Likely to sell out
Top rated
4.742791 out of 5 stars
4.7
4.742791 out of 5 stars
1734 reviews

Skip the ticket line for Chicago’s only architecture cruise on both Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. Learn about Chicago's internationally-known architecture from expert local guides as you discover the city from riverfront to shoreline.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 1.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Skip the ticket line
Live tour guide
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

T
Tanna – United States

It was a fun view of the city and a great way to learn about the different buildings and parts of the city!

J
Julie – United States

Great tour guide - informative, incredibly engaging

Select participants and date

Participants

Itinerary

  • Timeline stop icon

    Starting location:

    Brainlab Training Center - Chicago

  • Timeline stop icon

    Marina City Goldberg

  • Timeline stop icon

    Merchandise Mart

  • Timeline stop icon

    Tribune Tower

  • Timeline stop icon

    Aon Center

  • Timeline stop icon

    NBC Tower

  • Timeline stop icon

    Aqua at Lakeshore East

  • Timeline stop icon

    Navy Pier

  • Timeline stop icon

    360 Chicago

  • Timeline stop icon

    Willis Tower

  • Timeline stop icon

    Adler Planetarium

  • Arrive back at:

    Brainlab Training Center - Chicago

Main sites passed

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Learn from expert tour guides about what makes Chicago's architecture so amazing
  • Choose between outside deck-top or indoor climate-controlled seating on world-class vessels
  • Journey through the legendary Chicago Lock, linking Lake Michigan with the Chicago River
  • Pre-purchase your ticket to skip the ticket line and guarantee your place on this often-sold-out tour
  • Enjoy a full service cash bar featuring authentic Chicago products, including local beer and spirits, and Garrett’s Popcorn

Full description

Experience an architecture cruise along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, a family tradition since 1935. Admire Chicago’s historic and ever-changing skyline with a local expert guide as you cruise through the city.
Choose between the open-air decks or the comfort of the climate-controlled interiors during the cruise. Start the cruise at Michigan Avenue (DuSable) bridge and go up the main branch of the Chicago River to Wolf Point before heading back past the Chicago Riverwalk towards Lake Michigan.
Learn about historic skyscrapers like the Wrigley Building and the Tribune Tower, the deco Merchandise Mart, mid-century skyscrapers like the Mies Van der Rohe AMA Building, the circular Marina City Towers, the AON Center, and modernist structures like Aqua, Trump Tower, Nuveen, and the Vista Tower.
After passing through the Chicago Lock and cruising past Navy Pier, admire the Chicago skyline from Lake Michigan, one of the largest bodies of fresh water in the world. Here you can also see the twin super-skyscrapers, the famous Willis (formerly Sears) Tower, and the John Hancock Building.
See the majesty of Grant Park with its famous Buckingham Fountain, and iconic Chicago venues such as Soldier’s Field, Adler Planetarium, and the Shedd Aquarium. Enjoy several vantage points for memorable pictures throughout, and finally arrive back at Du Sable Bridge on Michigan Avenue.

Includes

  • 1.5-hour cruise on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan
  • Local expert tour guide
  • Choice of outdoor deck or interior, climate-controlled seating
  • Beverages and snacks (available for purchase onboard)
  • Gratuities

Meeting point

The closest address to most docks is 400 N Michigan Avenue, Chicago (near the Wrigley Building). From there, you can check in with a dock employee who can direct you to your boarding area.

Open in Google Maps

Important information

Not allowed

  • Pets (assistance dogs allowed)
  • Weapons or sharp objects
  • Alcohol and drugs

Know before you go

  •  Passengers can bring their own non-alcoholic beverages and food
  •  This tour lasts about 90 minutes, but can run slightly longer in high summer when the Chicago lock is busy
  •  Vessels include restrooms with diaper changing tables, a cash bar, and climate control
Likely to sell out

From $45 per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 1734 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.8/5
  • Transportation
    4.8/5
  • Value for money
    4.6/5

Customer photos

+62
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T
Tanna – United StatesMay 21, 2025 – Verified booking
It was a fun view of the city and a great way to learn about the different buildings and parts of the city!
J
Julie – United StatesMay 18, 2025 – Verified booking
Great tour guide - informative, incredibly engaging
M
Matt – United KingdomApril 22, 2025 – Verified booking
Very informative and enjoyable tour, would recommend

Product ID: 293160

Activity provider:Wendella Tours & Cruises
  • United States
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