Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

1 hour 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

Marvel at the magnificent architecture on the Chicago River with expert tour guides! All ages welcome.

Each architecture river tour is narrated by a professional guide which leads passengers down the Chicago River to discover the city’s most renowned landmarks. In addition to historical insight on well known structures such as the Civic Opera House, Trump Tower & the Merchandise Mart, passengers will also get a chance to learn about current and upcoming developments. This Chicago River Cruise is the only cruise that navigates the three primary branches of the river including the main branch to Navy Pier, the north branch to Goose Island, and the south branch to Chinatown. It is also the cruise closest to Skydeck, has the least expensive parking, and is great for those coming from the suburbs due to its location off Interstate 290.

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Tour times cannot be changed

Cruises are on rain or shine

Minimum drinking age is 21 years

Please arrive 30 min before your cruise time

Seating is first come first serve. If you have a large group, arrive early

Child Ticket (3 and under) is for free but needs a registered ticket

Youth Tickets available on our main ticketing page

Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship

Vessel has full bar and restroom

Please take note that parking is about $12.00 - $15.00. Please go on this link for more info. Link: https://toursandboats.com/sogdirections

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Fully enclosed interior with air conditioning, seats, & windows

Outside seating available (seating is first come first serve basis)

Restroom on board

Guided architecture cruise of the historic Chicago River

Full bar & snacks (available for purchase)

Gratuities

$12 to $15 discounted parking lot connected to marina

What To Expect

Wrigley Building

Located in the center of the Magnificent Mile, and steps from the Michigan Avenue Bridge, The Wrigley Building has been a hallmark of Chicago’s skyline since 1920. Designed as the headquarters for the successful chewing gum, the building was modeled after the Seville Cathedral’s Giralda Tower in Spain. Today, it is still home to Wm Wrigley Jr. Company, and is perhaps best known for its dazzling white towers that illuminate the city at night.

•Admission Not Applicable

Willis Tower is the heart of downtown Chicago and the future of work and play. The 110-story building is one of the tallest buildings in the world and the second tallest building in Chicago, making it impossible to miss when appreciating the city’s skyline.

•Admission Not Applicable

Options

Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour

Reviews

4.85

1,439 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1335

Excellent tour with a great route
Jacqueline T,
Jun 30, 2025
- Viator
5.00
I had a fantastic time on this tour. Our guide did a wonderful job blending history and current events with the iconic buildings along the Chicago River. I thought the 90 minute tour was the right length to see all of the highlights at a reasonable speed. Shout out to our guide who kept up with a great tour even during a pop up shower!
Fun, educational experience!
Sharilyn P,
Jun 30, 2025
- Viator
5.00
This was a great tour, the guide was a local and very informative! At first you think how will this tour be 90 mins - and not because you want it to end - but it was a great 90 minutes. We enjoyed it and would definitely reccomend in any setting: alone, partner, friends, family, it works!
Love this tour.
Latina M,
Jun 29, 2025
- Viator
5.00
This was my first Chicago tour and I’m born and raised in Chicago. I learned things I didn’t know about my city. Best experience ever.
Excellent tour and guide...
Anastasia S,
Jun 29, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Excellent tour and guide was so knowledgeable ! Truly learned so much and enjoyed it. Highly recommend!
Architectural knowledge from the canal view reflecting past, present and future is shared clearly and with good humor
Nadejda J,
Jun 29, 2025
- Viator
5.00
We enjoyed the Architectural boat tour. It was 90 min of incredibly relevant information shared clearly and with good humor. The tour guide was knowledgeable and the boat ride was on time with boarding and onboarding, well organized and located at a convinient location to Grant Park.