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
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.
Options
Chicago River Tour
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
10,179 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing guide!
10RebeccaM,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jack was a phenomenal guide. A wealth of information on the history and architecture of Chicago all while being witty. He offered suggestions on places to visit in the neighborhoods and having lived here before, his advice was spot on. He’s an amazing guide!
Historical River Cruise in Chicago!
Keith L,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent cruise and very informative! The Tour Conductor was very well informed and added a lot of humor into his presentation. We thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it to anyone who likes to learn about historical architecture and Chicago history!
What a great tour!! A must!!
Terry S,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a sensational tour!! Kenny the tour guide was superb & really a great personality!! We loved the boat tour.
The tour guide was excellent, very knowledgeable and funny. Fantastic job. The city views were amazing from the river.
Andrew S,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour guide was excellent, very knowledgeable and funny. The city views were amazing from the river. Overall, a fantastic experience.
Great experience all...
Jenifer B,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience all around. I had to reschedule and they worked with me to do that without penalties. Our guide was very informative! Learned alot about each building. Went during twilight. Beautiful.
Awesome Experience
Lenois S,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The experience was awesome! It was a very relaxed and informative tour of the Chicago river. The river was beautiful and the architecture along the river was breathtaking!
Great tour! The lady was...
Richard L,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour! The lady was so sweet and knowledgeable. Cannot recommend this enough. I learned so much.
Excellent Boat Tour
Lori A,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was our second Architectural Boat Tour in Chicago, and it was different from the first, so don't worry about going twice! We loved it the second time just as much as the first.
Improper coordination and management
Yash B,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00The tour was supposed to start at 7:30. We were at the dock around 7:15 PM and the boat already left. So apparently there was some miscommunication and the boat left at 7:15 PM instead of 7:30 PM. After a lot of back-and-forth. The boat came back at 7:30 or something like that, then we boarded the boat, but there was no space at all on the boat at that time. Then once the boat left, we were stuck at the harbour for 45 minutes because the gates were locked and we could not go out into the lake over all. The experience got extremely bad because of some mismanagement. We also like we think we ended up missing 45 minutes, but they only gave us like 20 minutes extra. The experience was really bad.
We spent 90 minutes on...
Locita D,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We spent 90 minutes on the Architecture Tour with John, and it was an incredible experience! John’s knowledge and passion for the city’s history and iconic buildings made the tour both informative and entertaining. I enjoyed every minute and came away with a new appreciation for the beautiful architecture around us. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting the city!
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Operated by Wendella Tours & Cruises