Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
An authentic Chicago tradition since 1935, this is the tour that started it all. This unique excursion tells the story of more than 200 years of fascinating social, cultural and political history, and explores more than a century of groundbreaking architecture. The journey begins with an up-close perspective of Chicago's internationally-known architecture as seen from the Chicago River. Then venture through the Chicago Lock on to the calm, cool waters of Lake Michigan for expansive views of Chicago's extraordinary 26-mile skyline. Take the selfie of a lifetime on this inspirational experience!
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Weapons prohibited by US Coast Guard
Outside alcohol is prohibited
All bags are subject to search
Arrive 30 Minutes prior to your departure time
Contact tour operator for wheelchair & ADA access
Indoor and outdoor seating is available on a first come, first served basis
Special requests entered at checkout cannot be guaranteed
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Outdoor and Indoor climate-controlled seating option
Local Expert Guide
Restroom on board
Alcoholic drinks, non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks available for purchase on board
Storage
What To Expect
Chicago River
Lake and River Architecture Tours begin at Michigan Avenue and explore Chicago's amazing architecture along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. All tours are narrated by professional tour guides.
Lake Michigan
Your tour travels along Lake Michigan and explores Chicago's beautiful skyline.
Options
Lake and River Tour
Reviews
2,188 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful Casino and Resort
Donald M,
Aug 15, 2025
- Viator
5.00Hospitality was top notch. All staff members at every encounter acknowledged me and asked if I needed anything. Quality cleanliness and organization.
Very good tour
Michael C,
Aug 15, 2025
- Viator
4.00Great tour. A bit hard to hear the tour guide. Maybe improve the speakers so that they are louder. It was even more difficult because of the air show practice going on but hard to hear even when there were no planes overhead.
Chicago River and lake tour.
Darryl T,
Aug 14, 2025
- Viator
5.00Awesome experience.. scenic and educational. Tour guide and boat crew were exceptional! I recommend this tour to anyone visiting Chicago.
It’s a must!
Maria H,
Aug 14, 2025
- Viator
5.00This is a fantastic experience. Seeing Chicago from the water is a must. The perfect plan for a summer evening. On top of that, the tour guy/guide was amazing. He knew everything, was talking for almost 2 hours providing all sort of data and details about everything we were seeing and was a fabulous entertainer too. So fun. I highly recommend this tour.
River and lake boat tour
DEBORA M,
Aug 9, 2025
- Viator
5.00Our 90 min tour was almost 2 hours. Dave our narrator was great. We spent a lot of time on the lake. There were many boats. Kayaks and wave runners on the lake. Learned a lot of Chicago history, some I knew some I didn't. I highly recommend it, however try not to go on a 95 degree day with a heat index over 105.
Related Experiences
Operated by Wendella Tours & Cruises