Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour
Overview
Available languages
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.
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.
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.
Options
Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,668 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent!
SFBayGirl68,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Architectural boat tour was absolutely amazing. Our guide was fabulous, incredibly knowledgeable and funny too. First trip to Chicago, would definitely do this tour again when I return.
Great activity for natives or tourists! Best company .
danin873,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00David, the guide was great. Knowledgeable, relaxed and fun. My parents from out of town loved the tour! My husband and I have lived in Chicago wince 2003 and hadn’t done this since we were dating. This company was excellent with a great family story to boot. My three kids aged 8-15 also had a great time. Highly recommend.
Take this tour!
bloomfield4,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Although Chicago is a beautiful city, it's even more impressive from its waterways and David, our docent, and Captain Joe, the pilot, did an amazing job of showing us the buildings and telling us the history of this wonderful town. David gave great background into the fire of 1871 that destroyed the city and the major investment and rebuilding that happened afterward, including the oldest and up to the most modern structures. We learned about Jeanne Gang, the first female architect in the world to design one of the tallest skyscrapers, how Chicago got its name, and many of the different types of architecture visible to visitors. It poured rain right before our tour and the staff dried of all our seats for us. They were very nice and personable. I read that some people had issues using their Groupons, but we purchased our tix through Groupon and had no problem using the voucher and getting tix for a next day tour. I did make sure there were tix available before ordering. Would highly recommend this tour and David, as your docent!!
Great tour with excellent views of Chicago architecture
Hcrewtrekkers,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Starting the boat tour farther south along the river gave us more time and views than those that start out closer to Michigan along the River Walk. Slight shower at the beginning allowed us to grab a drink at the bar in the covered cabin area. Bathrooms on boat were clean. Tour guide Heath did a great job with history and humor.
Great boat tour - do not use the bathrooms waiting in line
Therese D,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The boat ride was fantastic, the captain and crew were great, especially the tour speaker. The outside bathrooms were horrific
Great Tour
Ali F,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Hillary was a wonderful guide and taught me so much! I loved the structure of her tour and fun facts. Most enjoyable excursion of the trip!!
Fun and interesting tour
edgarrP5122PC,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very educational and interesting tour. Our tour guide, Hillary, was great and made the tour fun. I definetly will recommend to friends and family members.
Heath was the man
sammQ1048CM,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I’ve done a few of these in my day, and this one blows them out of the water (haha). Heath was an absolute pro, dude was the King’s storyteller in a past life.
Engineering
James C,May 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour guide had an engineering background. This added to the how these buildings were constructed.
Fantastic
John P,May 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00"David changed my life"...he was very knowledgeable about the different styles of architecture through the periods in Chicago's history. And David you were correct, the Monadnock Building was not the 1st skyscraper!!!
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