Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour

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

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

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

9,545 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

8088

736

325

170

226

The boat tour you have to take!
Nina M,
Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The guide was great! Funny, knowledgeable and tons of energy. It was a cold windy day but having the main deck to warm up was perfect when it got a little too cold on the upper deck.
Chicago Architecture River Tour
Karen H,
Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It’s excellent! Dress warmly & wear a hat or sunglasses. Take a lot of pictures. Be respectful while the guide is speaking as the information is very interesting.
Cold but great
Charles W,
Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
John was entertaining and knowledgeable. It was freezing but the Irish coffee did the trick! I’d recommend it for families.
Architectural tour of Chicago
Michael M,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The tour was excellent filled with a lot of great architectural information as well as history of Chicago with a great tour guide Scotty, who was funny in an extremely well
A Must Do Tour
Marlene S,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Highly recommend! Get there early to get a seat on the top deck. The tour was exactly as described. Very informative and we learned an incredible amount of history about the architecture of this fabulous city. It really is the best way to view the skyline of Chicago. Must Do!!!
Wonderful experience.
Janet A,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Beautiful sites of the city. Great narrator and nice selection of snacks. Plenty of seats and places to stand.
Sisters traveling together
Andrea P,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Our first time visiting Chicago. This is a must! An amazing experience for the entire 90 minutes. We loved it!
Chicago
Janice G,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Beautiful and interesting tour of Chicago and it's history. Tour guide knowledgeable and engaging. !!
Our tour guide was...
LINDA P,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Our tour guide was excellent! He was informative, funny and talented. Really enjoyed our time on the tour.
Great tour
Patricia M,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The tour guide as informative and entertaining. He kept everyone engaged with funny stories and quizzes. Seeing the buildings and learning history behind them was a lot of fun.