Chicago Architectural River Cruise
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Take in the views on this award-winning 90-minute Architectural Tour, a jaw-dropping excursion through a city that defies all expectations!
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum drinking age is 21 years
Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
What To Expect
Chicago
Throughout our signature cruise one of our award-winning Docents will present more than 50 skyscrapers, bascule bridges, and historic sites.
Chicago River
On your Architectural Tour, you will learn how the Great Chicago Fire jumped a river and allowed for visionaries of structural steel and plate glass, such as John Wellborn Root, William Le Baron Jenney, Louis Sullivan (Wright’s mentor) and Daniel Burnham, in less than ten years, lift Chicago from the ashes of the fire to new heights. Chicago’s ascent continued into the 20th century with titanic figures such as Bertrand Goldberg, Fazlur Khan and Mies van der Rohe – (higher/taller) buildings, sleeker – and it has soared in the 21st century with audacious new steeples such as The Trump Tower and Aqua designed by Jeanne Gang, an internationally known artist of architectural design.
Options
Architecture River Cruise
What‘s Included
Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. Coffee. Lemonade. Coke products.
Live commentary on board
Beer, wine, and cocktails (available for purchase)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
828 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful experience!
Heather L,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful time! Great tour guide Tyler who did an amazing job! Great weather! Would recommend to everyone!
Great Experience
Donna H,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00One of the best tours I've taken. Absolutely do not miss this one! Had no idea Chicago was such a remarkable city with beautiful architecture! The tour guide was very knowledgeable.
Best choice for an...
Jacqueline W,May 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Best choice for an architecture tour because boat is smaller than other organizers. Excellent commentary. Free soft drinks. Very pleasant boarding location.
Great history
Lorna H,May 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Knowledgeable, tour was on time, great experience, weather was prefect and the boat is a nice intimate size
Boat tour is a must in chicago
Narine M,May 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very nice good size boat tour. Liked that it is not very large boat and very good tour guide. Really enjoyed.
Smaller boat, better experience
Matthew G,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tyler was amazing! Very knowledgeable and friendly! Highly recommend!
Great Chicago experience
Vicki,May 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very informative! The guide was an architectural expert and Chicago native. We enjoyed the boat ride and the beautiful weather. Would highly recommend this for all ages.
Architectural river boat cruise
Marcia H,May 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The Chicago Riverboat Architecture tour is a must do if you travel to or live near Chicago. I have taken these tours in past years when I lived in the city, and I’m always impressed with and proud of Chicago’s international renowned reputation regarding historic building architecture as well as the recent and ongoing architectural achievements that make up Chicago’s downtown and skyline. The tour I booked via Viator was excellent because of the docent’s knowledge of Chicago’s building history and architectural significance. I highly recommend this tour!
10/10
samantharW5128NE,May 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing tour of the beautiful city!! Ive lived in Chicago my whole life and learned a lot.
Boat cruise
Natasha D,May 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Tour guide and crew were amazing ! I’ve done the tour before but I really liked this company. Beauty day 10/10 recommend !
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Operated by Chicago Line Cruises