Chicago River 45-Minute Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile

Overview

Available languages

English

45 minutes

Mobile ticket

Experience Chicago's legendary architecture and the exceptional architects who created this ever-changing legacy for all to admire. This family-friendly introduction to the Windy City's rich history and architectural heritage features highlights from Wendella's full-length architecture tours. Hop aboard our world class vessels as our local authentic tour guides showcase our amazing city.

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 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 To Expect

Chicago River

Cruise along the main and part of the south branch.

45 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Chicago Riverwalk

Learn about the history of the Riverwalk.

Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

All Fees and Taxes

Restroom on board

Enclosed climate-controlled lounge/shelter from bad weather

Alcoholic, non-alcoholic drinks & snacks available for purchase on board

Storage

Options

45-Minute Architecture Tour

45-Minute Tour: This cruise is a family-friendly introduction to the Windy City's rich history and architectural heritage.

Reviews

4.66

2,878 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

2444

182

123

Awesome tour!
Julie C,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The views from anywhere on the boat were spectacular! We did the 6pm ride and it wasn’t as cold as I thought, but we were dressed for it. The tour guide was great. Very informative with some jokes! We learned a lot about the city’s history and architecture. Definitely worth the money
Enjoyable and Informative
G118TRhannaha,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was the perfect length of time for a boat ride in December. The guide was knowledgeable and funny. The docks were also conveniently located by everything we planned to see.
Wonderful tour and a beautiful experience!
GinaMarie R,,Dec 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
My teens and I had a fantastic time with tour guide Zach! Even on a frigid December night tour, he was able to keep us engaged and laughing. And the bartender was wonderful, as well! As stated in the ad, there are lots of stairs to navigate to get to the event, but there is also an elevator for accessibility.
Look at the city from a different angle
James E,,Dec 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Perfect day to get underway on the river. Our guide was awesome, very knowledgable and full of bad jokes :). I have lived here in Chicago before, but never took the river tours. Highly recommend it as there is a ton of history, beautiful architecture, and stunning views.
Great !👍
Gregory N,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
👍 Awesome trip I highly recommend it!!!!!!!!! Sit on the top deck so you can see better - although the btm deck is good too
Take the tour!
Annie E,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
My boyfriend and I took this tour in December when it was 9 degrees. IT WAS COLD!!!! We had the best time though. We got warm drinks at the bar and braved the cold! Our guide was funny and interactive with games and jokes. He knew so much about the city it was a joy to listen to him speak!! This tour might have been slightly more enjoyable in the summer but we still had a blast!!
Great experience for the...
Demorris P,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great experience for the price and surprisingly very informative of architecture in Chicago. Would do again, preferably in summer next time!
It was really nice to...
Valeria M,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was really nice to learn about the buildings and their history. Kenny, the tour guide, was very engaging.
So horrible,bad communication, no empathy and robbing prople
losizom,,Dec 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00
I was so excited for my family to do this mini experience as they were visiting form Texas, we have a 3month old baby and the weather was really bad to be out on the cruise,but we went there to try and change our tickets or atleast get ready booked for a different date ,we were denied both of that and they prolonged the response and made it look like we missed the trip, I was there on time by couldn't take the baby out on the rain and freezing wind ,I have been on cruises before and had times were I had to cancel last minute and still get your full refund ,this is daylight robbery, why should 1 suffer for not making it to board and with a good reason ,this is so unfair to run a business and take money from people by force ,iam so disappointed
The Best Tour
Maria R,,Dec 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was an amazing tour with an amazing tour guide! If you are going during winter-like I did-dress really warm, it gets freezing! I definitely recommend taking the tour at night.