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

2,921 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

2480

186

124

Be prepared to gawk! The...
Savannah W,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Be prepared to gawk! The views were stunning and the information was knowledgeable. Would recommend!
Everything was great,...
Cali I,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Everything was great, aside from the lower deck smelling highly of vomit. Otherwise, worth the $28! Tour guide was very knowledgeable.
This one’s a must!
Britney K,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Lovely experience, Tess was a great guide! There’s so much history behind the buildings in Chicago and she did a fantastic job explaining it in 45 minutes.
Can’t come to Chicago and not experience!
ericadavenport89,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was such a fun experience even in the freezing cold! I went solo and didn’t feel out of place. The directions were clear, the tour started on time with plenty of seating and options for alcoholic/non alcoholic beverages. Great information and stunning views along the river 10/10
January tour!
Jennifer W,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great information and well presented, we did a January tour and is was freezing but fun! Boat staff was friendly.
Wonderful
LaChelle J,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was a wonderful tour. I did it at 5:00 pm so the buildings were lit up and that was absolutely beautiful.
Chris was so much fun! He...
leticia T,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Chris was so much fun! He was very informative ! My friends and I booked this experience during the freezing cold and he was such a trooper ! We had so much fun !
Great Tour Experience, Must Do!
Safari657084,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great, the tour was perfect, the tour guide was awesome and we booked at 5pm so the time was perfect to see the lighted buildings in the night sky.
It was a well-organized...
Heiry G,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was a well-organized tour where I had the opportunity to learn, observe, and fully enjoy the experience. Everything was explained clearly, the schedule was well managed, and the overall atmosphere was pleasant and professional.
Great Experience Of Chicago
Alana P,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00
Great experience, definitely worth it and a must do when in Chicago! Just very chilling in January buh worth it.

From US$28.00

4.66

(2,921 reviews)

Check availability

Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour

Related Experiences

Operated by Wendella Tours & Cruises

Chicago River 45-Minute Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile

Overview

Available languages

English

45 minutes

Mobile ticket

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

2,921 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

2480

186

124

Be prepared to gawk! The...
Savannah W,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Be prepared to gawk! The views were stunning and the information was knowledgeable. Would recommend!
Everything was great,...
Cali I,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Everything was great, aside from the lower deck smelling highly of vomit. Otherwise, worth the $28! Tour guide was very knowledgeable.
This one’s a must!
Britney K,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Lovely experience, Tess was a great guide! There’s so much history behind the buildings in Chicago and she did a fantastic job explaining it in 45 minutes.
Can’t come to Chicago and not experience!
ericadavenport89,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was such a fun experience even in the freezing cold! I went solo and didn’t feel out of place. The directions were clear, the tour started on time with plenty of seating and options for alcoholic/non alcoholic beverages. Great information and stunning views along the river 10/10
January tour!
Jennifer W,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great information and well presented, we did a January tour and is was freezing but fun! Boat staff was friendly.
Wonderful
LaChelle J,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was a wonderful tour. I did it at 5:00 pm so the buildings were lit up and that was absolutely beautiful.
Chris was so much fun! He...
leticia T,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Chris was so much fun! He was very informative ! My friends and I booked this experience during the freezing cold and he was such a trooper ! We had so much fun !
Great Tour Experience, Must Do!
Safari657084,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great, the tour was perfect, the tour guide was awesome and we booked at 5pm so the time was perfect to see the lighted buildings in the night sky.
It was a well-organized...
Heiry G,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was a well-organized tour where I had the opportunity to learn, observe, and fully enjoy the experience. Everything was explained clearly, the schedule was well managed, and the overall atmosphere was pleasant and professional.
Great Experience Of Chicago
Alana P,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00
Great experience, definitely worth it and a must do when in Chicago! Just very chilling in January buh worth it.

From US$28.00

4.66

(2,921 reviews)

Check availability

Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour

Related Experiences

Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour

4.71