Water activity

Chicago River: 1.5-Hour Guided Architecture Cruise

4.8  / 55787 reviews
Certified by GetYourGuide
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Water activity
Chicago River: 1.5-Hour Guided Architecture Cruise
Certified by GetYourGuide
4.8  / 55787 reviews

Experience Chicago’s legendary architecture from the best seat in the house: the river. Enjoy a comprehensive tour with a live fun guide as you navigate through the heart of the city covering all 3 branches of the Chicago River.

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

E
Erika – United States

It was a great experience, we arrived a bit early so when we stood in line we were first to board, my husband googled where to sit. Which was advised to sit front right so that we could hear everything being said and everything being showed while the tour was mainly on the right. We chose the 4pm tour which was perfect we got to see everything in daylight and also dusk to night and the views were awesome. Our tour guide was great, very knowledgeable and funny! All in all it was a great experience highly recommend it!

E
Erika – United States
M
Marion – France

“An unforgettable experience! The architecture cruise along the Chicago River was absolutely amazing. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, offering fascinating insights into the city’s iconic buildings and architectural history. The views from the water gave a unique perspective that you just can’t get from the streets. I learned so much and truly appreciated the passion the guide had for Chicago’s architecture. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting the city!”

M
Marion – France

Experience

Itinerary

  • Timeline stop icon

    Starting location:

    Brainlab Training Center - Chicago

  • Timeline stop icon

    Marina City Goldberg

  • Timeline stop icon

    Merchandise Mart

  • Timeline stop icon

    Willis Tower

  • Timeline stop icon

    Chicago Board of Trade Building

  • 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

    Lake Point Tower

  • Arrive back at:

    Brainlab Training Center - Chicago

Main sites passed

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Pre-purchase your ticket to skip the ticket line and guarantee your place on this popular cruise
  • Experience the architectural river tour which started it all – back in 1935
  • Enjoy year-long cruising with a choice of outside deck-top or indoor climate-controlled seating
  • Learn from expert tour guides the importance of Chicago’s architecture and how it has developed over the years
  • Enjoy true Chicago hospitality with locally sourced food and drinks available at a full service cash bar

Full description

Experience more of Chicago by boat than on any other architectural cruise. See architectural highlights and enjoy an open-air deck or climate-controlled interior as you travel the main River and its north and south branches.

View all of Chicago's architectural highlights during this comprehensive sightseeing tour. Be entertained by the expert and friendly tour guides as they explain the 130 year-long history behind the skyline, while bartenders and staff keep you comfortable with refreshments.  Choose between the fresh air of the open-air decks or enjoy the comfort of the climate-controlled interiors during your cruise. The tour starts at the Michigan Avenue (DuSable) bridge and goes up the main branch of the Chicago River past Wolf Point.

It then cruises along the north and south branches of the river, before heading back past the Chicago Riverwalk towards Lake Michigan. On the way, learn about ornate, historic early skyscrapers like the Wrigley Building and the Tribune Tower, the imposing art deco Merchandise Mart, mid-century skyscrapers like the Mies Van der Rohe AMA Building.

Don't miss the circular Marina City Towers, the majestic Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower and the tallest building in Chicago) the soaring AON Center, and more modernist structures like Aqua, Trump Tower, Nuveen, and the new Vista Tower. During your cruise, have the opportunity to enjoy a full-service cash bar featuring authentic Chicago products, including local beer and spirits, and Garrett’s Popcorn.

Don’t forget to take a selfie at the Grand Staircase at the front of the boat or pose for photos at the picturesque stern or bow of this classic vessel.

Includes

  • 1.5-hour cruise
  • Boat trip along the main, north, south river
  • Access to open deck
  • Access to climate-conditioned interior deck
  • Local expert tour guide
  • Beverages and snacks (available for purchase onboard)
  • Gratuities

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

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.

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Important information

Not allowed

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

Know before you go

  • Children under 3 years of age are free
  • Seats on the decks are chosen on a first-come, first-serve basis
  • All bags are subject to search
  • Vessels include restrooms with diaper changing tables, cash bar, and climate control
  • Passengers can bring their own non-alcoholic beverages and food

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 5787 reviews

Review summary

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

Filter

By star rating

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E
Erika – United StatesNovember 13, 2024  – Verified booking
It was a great experience, we arrived a bit early so when we stood in line we were first to board, my husband googled where to sit. Which was advised to sit front right so that we could hear everything being said and everything being showed while the tour was mainly on the right. We chose the 4pm tour which was perfect we got to see everything in daylight and also dusk to night and the views were awesome. Our tour guide was great, very knowledgeable and funny! All in all it was a great experience highly recommend it!
Helpful?
M
Marion – FranceNovember 13, 2024  – Verified booking
“An unforgettable experience! The architecture cruise along the Chicago River was absolutely amazing. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, offering fascinating insights into the city’s iconic buildings and architectural history. The views from the water gave a unique perspective that you just can’t get from the streets. I learned so much and truly appreciated the passion the guide had for Chicago’s architecture. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting the city!”
Helpful?
C
Chelsea – United StatesNovember 18, 2024  – Verified booking
Our guide Joel was entertaining and funny and I can’t believe much we learned! 1.5 hours was the perfect length. We did the tour right at the start of our trip to Chicago which was so nice to have all that history and info as we walked around the city the other days!
Helpful?

Product ID: 290485

Activity provider:Wendella Tours & Cruises

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