Water activity

Chicago River: 1.5-Hour Guided Architecture Cruise

4.8  / 52978 reviews
Activity provider:Wendella Tours & Cruises
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Water activity

Chicago River: 1.5-Hour Guided Architecture Cruise

Activity provider:Wendella Tours & Cruises
4.8  / 52978 reviews

From US$ 42 per person

Certified
Certified by GetYourGuide

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.
Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 1.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Skip the ticket line
Live tour guide
English

Experience

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

What to bring

  • Sun hat

Not allowed

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

Know before you go

  • Children under 4 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 2978 reviews

Review summary

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

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The tour leader, Spiro, was very knowledgeable and funny. He kept our interest and his explanations were very good. I had missed lunch prior to the river cruise and was hoping there was substantial food availability. There was not, just chips and pretzels at the bar

September 19, 2023

M
Mark – United StatesVerified booking

Helpful?

I truly enjoyed this experience. The tour guide and the captain was funny and informative. This was my first trip to the Chi and I went work a native. This was her first time on the tour and even she learned something. It was great. I loved the views

September 10, 2023

T
Tiffany – United StatesVerified booking

Helpful?

Beautiful tour on the Chicago River. The guide was knowledgeable and well-spoken. As it was a hot day, we decided not to sit on the rooftop, and chose to sit on the outside deck at water level. Pro tip: Sit on the left side, because that's where you'll see most of the buildings. They're not visible on the right side at water level.

September 7, 2023

S
Sharon – United StatesVerified booking

Helpful?

Product ID: 290485

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