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‘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
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
Reviews
9,523 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Was very Good not too...
Quentin I,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Was very Good not too many ppl at the time. The speaker was good and the ride was smooth the whole time. Very good views the entire way. It does get Really cold on the water
Nice ride
Julie S,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The seating is really all outside so dress appropriately. Otherwise this is a great educational experience.
This was a wonderful...
russell s,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a wonderful experience. Our boat tour guide was very, very thorough in explaining everything. It was a wonderful trip, even though it was a little cold this time of year it was beautiful.
Great city overview
Dara H,
Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Good overview of the city’s architectural styles, and better overview of the city’s history, including the things you won’t read about in the brochures. Our guide Alyssa had a great sense of humor! Warning to those riding on crisp days in the fall—bring a hat/scarf/gloves. It was colder on the river than on the streets!
#tourswithkenny
Palmer T,
Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Kenny was a great guide. Good personality and good information. Definitely made the experience worth it.
Great river tour
donnalh2025,
Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great experience! Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about Chicago's history and funny. Highly recommend this trip if you are visiting the windy city.
We had a great time! Good...
leslie e,
Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great time! Good for kids and adults! The tour guide was so informative and kept us entertained the entire ninety minutes.
Nice
jeffrey w,
Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00As an Architect, i enjoyed it. As a non-architect, my wife liked it, too. I do not have twenty seven more words to add ... that would be more of an essay.
Great experience
Bhanumati V,
Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The Chicago river 90 minute architecture cruise was well organized and informative. The tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly. The tour boat was clean and well maintained.
We learned so much more about the beautiful city of Chicago in such a fun way!
134sherris,
Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kenny was excellent tour guide! He was knowledgeable, fun and interactive! All the staff from beginning to end were very friendly.
From $45.00
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Operated by Wendella Tours & Cruises