Tour Finder
  1. Home
  2. Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour

Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour

Image 1
Image 2
Image 3
Image 4
Image 5
Image 6
Image 7
Image 8
Image 9
Image 10

Overview

Available languages

English

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‘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

What To Expect

1

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.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
2

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.

Admission Not Applicable

Options

Chicago River Tour

Reviews

4.71

9,424 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

7978
730
323
169
224
  • Get the tickets!!

    Angel W,

    Oct 23, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    Absolutely amazing tour and information about the city! Make sure to dress warm even in the fall months!

  • Wendella FTW

    Michael C,

    Oct 23, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    No better way to see a city - any city - than the Chicago Architectural Boat Tour. I take every out of town guest, and Wendella has always been the favorite. Spiro was a fantastic tour guide!

  • Wendell’s River cruise

    Ray W,

    Oct 23, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    This cruise travels the farthest north and south on the river and has some good information included.

  • Fun and educational

    DiegoRafael Z,

    Oct 22, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    Listen to every detail take time to walk around and see every angle of the city. The bar was very convenient.

  • A Chicago must do!

    Jessica M,

    Oct 22, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    We arrived early and had some time to kill so we opted to see if the tour was available for same day reservation. We were able to buy tickets easily and luckily we were able to book within the two hours before the time slot we wanted. The boat is large. The lower deck is indoor, heated, and has a small bar. The top deck is where all the action is and you get to see everything Chicago has to offer. Scotty D was the man. He was interactive with the group and knew much about the buildings and their history. It got really cold and windy on the tour so it is recommended you wear a weather appropriate outfit if traveling in the fall/winter season.

From $45.00

4.71
9,424 reviews
Check availability

Related Experiences

Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour

Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour

4.70
Chicago Architecture River Cruise

Chicago Architecture River Cruise

4.84
Chicago River 45-Minute Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile

Chicago River 45-Minute Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile

4.66
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady

Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady

4.93
Skydeck - Willis Tower Admission

Skydeck - Willis Tower Admission

4.25
Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago

Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago

4.44
Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise in Chicago

Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise in Chicago

4.53
360 CHICAGO Observation Deck Admission

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck Admission

3.87
Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour

Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour

4.69
Chicago Sightseeing River and Lake Cruise

Chicago Sightseeing River and Lake Cruise

4.70
Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour

Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour

4.59
Big Bus Chicago: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour, 24/48/72hr Pass

Big Bus Chicago: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour, 24/48/72hr Pass

3.89

Operated by Wendella Tours & Cruises

A product of Trip Social Group

Australia: Pavel Australia Pty Ltd

Việt Nam: Công ty TNHH Trip Social

top-50

Winner - HO CHI MINH INNOVATIVE STARTUPS IN TOURISM 2022.

Quick links

Destinations

Contact us

  • zalo
  • whatpsapp
  • messenger
Travelling effortlessly, together

© 2025 Trip Social Group. All rights reserved.

    Accepted Payment Methods

  • visa
  • visa
  • visa