Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Be inspired by the captivating, visual art that is Chicago’s legendary architecture, and the exceptional architects who created this ever-changing, dynamic legacy for all to enjoy and admire. This comprehensive 90 minute tour will navigate through the heart of the city on all three branches of the Chicago River while your professionally-trained architectural guide tells the story of more than 130 years of innovation in design, style and technique and why it is important today. The Chicago River Architecture Tour is the most authentic and encompassing Chicago experience the city has to offer.
Additional Info
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
Maps are available with highlights in simplified Chinese. They can picked up per request at the ticket window.
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
Wendella
Vessels depart from Wendella's docks at the northwest corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge (DuSable Bridge), at the foot of the Wrigley Building.
Centennial Fountain And Water Arc
Dedicated in 1989 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, known for reversing the flow of the Chicago River in 1900. For the first five minutes of every hour, the fountain shoots a water arc across the river from a tiered waterfall.
What‘s Included
Indoor and outdoor seating available (indoor is climate controlled)
Narrated tour on board by professionally trained tour guide.
Expert Local Guide
Restroom on board
Drinks and snacks available for purchase on-board the vessel.
Gratuities
Options
Chicago River Tour
Reviews
9,767 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Must Do in Chicago
RachelM F,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic tour, great guide (Spiro!) - really learned a lot and enjoyed the ride. This is our second time doing a tour like this in Chicago.
Highly recommend
Lydia G,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely worth it! So much to see, learn & experience. We will do it again on our next visit too. Loved it!
Tour guide, Tess, was...
Ahmad B,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Tour guide, Tess, was very passionate and well informed. The boat itself was also very nice and did not rock much on the water.
highly recommended
Lynette P,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00the tour speaker was great and very knowledgeable. i loved the cruise and would recommend to the rest of my family and friends
Loved it
Sean M,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very informative, best chicago tourist experience John is the best narrator- very passionate about history and architecture!
Fun Facts and Jokes
jonathanpY959QL,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Scottie D. was an excellent guide. He shared many facts and fun-to-know tidbits into many buildings in Chicago. Scottie was also very funny and it was a pleasure to listen to him for 90 minutes.
the tour guide was great!...
Alicia T,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00the tour guide was great! super knowledgeable, funny and entertaining. definitely recommend dressing appropriately for the wind and weather.
I think the boat trip is...
Jennifer E,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00I think the boat trip is really worth doing. Let’s you see the city from a different perspective. One thing that was a bit disappointing was the sound could have been better on the lower deck. Felt like we were straining to hear and missed quite a bit of the commentary.
Very interesting and informative
Bill V,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very interesting and informative cruise along the river, particularly if you’re interested in architecture
Best ever!
Charles E,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our Aussie tour guide was very knowledgeable about the Chicago skyline and he is also the most fun and enthusiastic tour guide we've ever had
From US$45.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Wendella Tours & Cruises