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
9,747 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Informative and...
mistygg,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Informative and interesting your but guests need to be aware that the Chicago River is not pretty in many areas that boats passes through. Historical yes but not always pleasant on there. Gas fumes at back of boat can be a bit much.
Excellent tour!
emireed75,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Second time doing this tour and again such a hit.
Take this fantastic tour if you enjoy architecture and history!
karinjok,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We enjoyed learning about the local architecture and history of the buildings along the Chicago River. Kenny was an excellent, knowledgeable and engaging tour guide. This tour is well worth the reasonable ticket price. 90 minutes flies by. There is both indoor and top deck seating. There is a bar and restrooms available. We had a group of 8 and had no trouble getting seats by following the "show up 30 minutes before departure" guidelines.
Don’t ponder it, just go!
Jordan A,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent time spent. Dave our tour guide was amazing. More information you could ever remember in 90 minutes and all of it pretty interesting.
Kenny the tour guide
Sharri M,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Kenny the tour guide was as spectacular as the architecture! He was a wealth of knowledge. I saw things that I didn't expect.
Fun day!
Faye S,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great trip to take on a beautiful Chicago day. Guide was funny and knowledgeable. The boat was full, but still comfortable.
Kenny was an amazing tour...
Quan H,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Kenny was an amazing tour guide. He was so knowledgeable during the tour . He kept my daughter engage with the Fun Facts and Q& A while seeing such beautiful buildings. Learning the rich history of Chicago was such a phenomenal experience. Ask for Kenny !!!
Worth every cent
Hannah H,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Worth every penny. The tour guide was exceptional. The 90 minute tour covered a lot of the river and we were entertained from start to finish.
Be there 15mins early...
Gustavo R,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Be there 15mins early from time up to 30mins due to boat running on time they don’t wait not one minute
Totally recommend, awesome experience
Emma L,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Comprehensive tour, on time, super informative! Thank you Kenny for a splendid time! Second time taking this tour and highly recommend.
From US$45.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Wendella Tours & Cruises