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

Each guest needs a ticket including children & infants

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.

Cancellation Policy

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

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

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

Options

Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour

Reviews

4.84

1,635 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1510

It's worth it
anak637,,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very interesting tour that is worth doing. Hope to have a good day, of course, because then you can enjoy more. The boat seats are not very comfortable, but enough to enjoy. The tour features a guide who tells the stories of the buildings that make up the city. Tickets are purchased near the departure of the boats and have scheduled hours.
90 minutes well spent!
rohanj752,,Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our fantastic tour guide Hillary ensured that there was no dull moment aboard the vessel. Hillary taught us how to spot post-modernist architectural works, how to hear the language their designs speak, and also good deal about bridges (oh, and also how to wave like royalty)! The tour is definitely a must for for anyone interested in knowing more about the city's most famous buildings, and some history surrounding them. Seating was on the upper deck, but the boat also has a bar on the lower deck if that's more incentive :)
Fun For Everyone!
Krista K,,Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
I've lived in Chicago my whole life and I finally got to see my gorgeous city from the river! Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and made the experience so much fun! Make sure to bring a jacket just in case it's windy or cold - our tour guide lost his hat at Wolf Point.
10/10 would recommend
katedG2231TI,,Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We loved tour! Super informative and great views! We had Sean as our tour guide and he was awesome. So much information with lots of jokes! Can’t wait to do this again one day and see how much the city has grown!
Wonderful tour!
Joe H,,Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Sean is a phenomenal guide and captain Joe kept us safe throughout the trip. Chicago is a beautiful city in a garden. Well worth the price!
Chicago Boat Cruise
Jackie-Loren-Travels,,Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I did the sunset cruise with some friends and it was such a great experience . Kenny the tour guide was very knowledgeable about the city and kept everyone engaged . It was so beautiful . Highly recommend this tour .
Awesome time even in cold rain
Lauren B,,Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Loved the view of the city. I’ve been to Chicago many times and this was the best experience to date.
We literally did this...
Kenpril E,,Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We literally did this tour on this first snow of the season BUT IT WAS WELL WORTH IT. The 90 minute 3:00 pm tour turned out be the sunset tour due to it being november so we got amazing pictures! Heath was entertaining and informative!
It was wonderful! Loved...
Marielle C,,Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was wonderful! Loved learning about the buildings and the history of Chicago. Guide was very knowledgeable.
Great introduction to Chicago’s architecture
Yvonne D,,Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great architecture cruise. Our guide was entertaining and very knowledgeable about both the history and engineering of the buildings along the river and Chicago in general.