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
9,656 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wendella River Architecture Cruise
Jeff W,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Alex was so very knowledgeable about the skyline and made the cruise very entertaining! Job well done!
This is a must!
Melinda S,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent tour providing detailed information with hilarious tour guide! This is a must while in Chicago!
Fun activity
Karla L,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very nice activity, l learned more about Chicago Buildings. Furthermore, the tour guide made the experience very enjoyable and had a great sense of humor.
Water Wonder!
MelissaKristiansen,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was FANTASTIC! Out tour guide was entertaining and very informative. I could walk around the boat easily and I got amazing photos. I learned so much in such a short time. I highly recommend this tour.
Great tour if you are visiting the city
Mia S,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a very nice tour of the city, and John, our tour guide, was very informative and funny.I would recommend
Great experience
Elizabeth S,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was wonderful. So informative. Our guide was fantastic and so knowledgeable. Learned a lot about the history of all the buildings. Only drawback was the freezing cold.
Outstanding tour guide
Maria A,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Tour guide is extremely knowledgeable about the history of Chicago and his narrative was exceptional
Arrived early
Claudia B,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a wonderful tour. The boat leaves exactly on time and unfortunately we did not find the location on time. It’s a little confusing trying to find the location so go early. We were able to get the next boat but it was a 45 min tour which was fine but we were not able to get the difference in price refunded. We were visiting so we were not able to go on another day for the 90 min b tour.
Great 💜
MelissaGrace A,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Thank you Zach (i hope i remember ur name correctly).... very informative tour and such a pleasant activity to do in chicago! well done wendella! ✨✨✨✨✨
Great boat cruise!!!!
AdviceBrampton,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great boat tour. Tess was very good and impressive with all of her knowledge of the buildings.
From US$44.00
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Operated by Wendella Tours & Cruises