Things to do in

River North

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.

Admire Chicago’s impressive architecture from a unique perspective aboard a cruise sailing down the Chicago River, which features an indoor and outdoor deck, along with live commentary tailored to entertain the whole family. Treat yourself to a full-service cash bar at your own expense. Experience the best of the Chicago River from Lakeshore Drive to the Willis Tower, navigating along the South branch of the river, before heading back past the Chicago Riverwalk towards Lake Shore Drive and Lake Michigan. Be entertained by the fun and experienced tour guides as they explain the history behind Chicago’s buildings along the river and the exceptional architects who created this ever-changing skyline. Enjoy the most relaxing way to sightsee in Chicago, exploring the city free of traffic, noise, and congestion. Make sure to visit the full-service cash bar featuring authentic Chicago products, including local beer and spirits. Explore the open-air decks that allow you to feel the cooling river breeze and see the city from many vantage points that provide perfect photo opportunities.

Skip the ticket lines and step aboard for a 60-minute cruise covering all three branches of the Chicago River. Marvel at the architecture that has cemented Chicago's legendary status. Gain unique insights into the buildings and engineering feats of a city that birthed the skyscraper and is the spiritual home of modern American architecture. Your expert guide will navigate you through the Chicago River, highlighting hidden gems and iconic landmarks such as the John Hancock Building, Trump Tower, Marina City, Willis Tower, and more. As you cruise the Windy City's waterways, relax with a refreshing drink from the cash bar, and soak in the city’s history and its stature as a modern metropolis and one of the world’s most beautiful cities. End your adventure exactly where it began, enriched with newfound knowledge and a deeper appreciation for Chicago’s architectural wonders.

Experience the best of Chicago at your own pace from the unique vantage point of a Big Bus tour. Board our open-top, double-decker bus as you take a relaxing ride through the city's most iconic landmarks, from the Magnificent Mile to Millennium Park. Hop on and off at our convenient stops throughout the city to discover Chicago's vibrant neighborhoods and world-famous attractions including 360 CHICAGO, Willis Tower, the Chicago Riverwalk, Museum Campus, The Bean, and more. Spend your day shopping on Magnificent Mile, riding the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier, or sampling authentic Chicago Deep Dish Pizza. With our flexible and convenient tour, create your own itinerary and explore the city at your own pace. Track bus arrivals in real time with our free downloadable app so you always know when the next bus is coming. Marvel at the stunning skyline as you enjoy professional digital commentary in multiple languages, with earbuds provided. Hear expert insight into Chicago's rich history and culture, as well as tips on the best places to eat, drink, and shop. Top sights include: • Navy Pier • Millennium Park • Skydeck Chicago & Willis Tower • Chicago Riverwalk • Museum Campus • 360 CHICAGO • Chicago River Cruises • And more!

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.

This evening 1.5 hour tour offers all the best the Chicago River has to offer at sunset. Join us in the evening to sip cocktails while cruising the historic Chicago River! Join an in-depth, expert 90 minute architectural-based river boat tour that delves into one of the most remarkable American cities today. Known for unique, daring, and historical architectural pursuits, it’s hard to cover all of the design and building treasures that make up the Windy City today. If you’re ready to learning more about the designs, people, and innovations behind these creations, throw on your captains hat and get ready to cruise along the Chicago River and see what architects from around the world travel to see in Chicago. Chicago is known around the world for its architectural feats, both inside and outside of the buildings. From the 100-year-old Art Deco, Neo-Classical, and Gothic Towers, to some of the tallest modern-day skyscrapers, Chicago is where old meets futuristic architectural endeavors. It has something for everyone in a way that no other city replicates today. When in Chicago, cruising down the Chicago River is a must. Except with us, you’ll be taking in the architecture of the buildings that line the beautiful river. We provide detailed explanations of the construction and history of over 50 significant buildings, wrapping up at the end of the river. Each tour includes 1 or 2 complimentary cocktails or soft drinks with the tour (depending on which option you book). Additional drinks can be purchased via a premium bar on board with craft cocktails, wine and beer available for purchase. Drinks may be purchased individually with a credit card on the boat.

Take in the amazing fireworks display off Navy Pier on a boat cruise. Briefly explore the architecture on Chicago River’s main branch before either heading out through the Chicago Locks onto Lake Michigan or staying inside the Locks to watch the fireworks. All cruises start by sailing inland up the Chicago River to Wolf Point, with some light narration provided focusing on history and architecture. Admire Chicago’s impressive architecture at twilight from either the indoor climate-controlled cabin or the airy outdoor deck. The cruise then heads back past the Chicago Riverwalk towards Lake Shore Drive, the Chicago Lock, and Lake Michigan for the spectacular fireworks show by Navy Pier. While on the boat, make sure to visit the full-service cash bar featuring authentic Chicago products, including local beer and spirits. Choose from the following options: River Fireworks Cruise from either Michigan Ave or the Riverwalk This shorter 45 to 60-minute River Fireworks Cruise option watches the fireworks display from the mouth of the Chicago River before returning to the dock. This cruise is perfect for families with children, couples, or groups of friends who are enjoying a night out on the town. Lake Michigan Fireworks Cruise from Michigan Ave This 2 to 2.5-hour Lake Michigan Fireworks Cruise goes through the Chicago Lock System, an American engineering marvel, and out onto Lake Michigan. The vessel will cruise along the shoreline with contemporary music and will ultimately stop on the lake and float alongside the fireworks display.

Hop onboard the only cruise narrated by Chicago Architecture Center certified volunteer docents who will share their wealth of knowledge about Chicago’s “canyon of architecture” – the Chicago River. Cruise down all 3 branches of the Chicago River, with unobstructed, open-air, 360-degree views of the city’s wide variety of architectural styles, including Art Deco, neoclassicism, mid-century modernism, and postmodernism. Discover how design shaped history and influenced life. Enjoy guaranteed seating on the open-air upper decks and purchase items at the full-service cocktail and snack bars in climate-controlled interior salons. Listen as docents share stories of over 50 buildings and 13 bascule bridges along the river, and some of the iconic figures responsible for them. Choose an option to add the CAC (Chicago Architecture Center) general admission for only $5 compared to the normal $14 admission.

Experience Chicago’s underworld of criminals and gangsters on a luxury bus tour. Find out how some of the world’s most famous criminals, mobsters, and gangsters made Chicago internationally known for its true crime. Ride comfortably in an enclosed, climate-controlled bus as you see famous Chicago crime scenes that range from the 19th century through modern times. Learn from a local expert tour guide. Enjoy interactive live commentary about Al Capone, the Untouchables, the Chicago Mob, St. Valentine's Day Massacre, John Dillinger, Terrible Tommy O'Connor, H. H. Holmes, Leopold and Loeb, bank heists, Cap George Streeter, and more. Grab your camera for a drive-by shooting of the historic criminal courthouse, a Chicago architectural landmark where some of Chicago's most notorious cases were tried. You'll also view historic video footage, receive an informative pamphlet with photos, and participate in an exclusive crime quiz. Stake out crime scenes like the Biograph Theatre, Carbide and Carbon, the Jeweler's Building, Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse, Holy Name Cathedral, and other Chicago landmarks. See the site of the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, one of Chicago's most notorious crime scenes. Get off the bus and walk the path that notorious Chicago gangsters John Dillinger and Hymie Weiss followed just before their deaths. Travel into the criminal past of Chicago's River North, Streeterville, Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Old Town, Loop, and Magnificent Mile neighborhoods. Enjoy stunning views of the lakefront, tree-lined neighborhoods, skyscrapers and Chicago riverfront.

Join an in-depth, expert 90-minute architectural-based river boat tour that delves into one of the most remarkable American cities today. Hop aboard a 90-minute riverboat and witness Chicago from the river. Throw on your captain's hat and get ready to cruise along the Chicago River and see what architects from around the world travel to see in Chicago. Relax with onboard bar with soft drinks and snacks included. Learn why Chicago is known around the world for its architectural feats, both inside and outside of the buildings. From the 100-year-old Art Deco, Neo-Classical, and Gothic Towers, to some of the tallest modern-day skyscrapers. Witness a side of Chicago where old meets futuristic architectural endeavours. It has something for everyone in a way that no other city replicates today. Take in the architecture of the buildings that line the beautiful river. Receive detailed explanations of the construction and history of over 50 significant buildings, wrapping up at the end of the river.