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
9,803 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour guide! I’m...
Jaime K,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour guide! I’m glad we picked the evening trip so we could see the city lights at night. I would recommend that time!
We liked it
Maggie G,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Do the 45 minute tour if you can We did 90 and it was too long because it was so cold (April), but still worth it! Also we did the 6:15 tour so you leave at daylight and when you come back the skyline is lit up at night also pretty!
Best Chicago boat tour
Tracy D,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It’s a very engaging, informative and scenic tour. It’s safe and if you’re lucky the weather will be perfect! Excellent narrator!!
Great views of the city.Needed more history of the city and the buildings then his view on politics.
O7616PMjudyr,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Told more stories about his own life then architectural stories. I appreciated the ride but I left not knowing more then I could find on GP Chat.. He did give us an insight to Montgomery Ward and how he saved the river Too much politics in his opinion were expressed.
Terrible Travel Directions; excess security
Claire C,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00The tour itself was OK, too much talking. Getting there was awful. I had to take a CTA train and NO ONE INCLUDING YOUR OWN WORKERS, could tell me where to get off and how to get to your tour station. Nowhere in your website or emails did you say ON THE RIVER, NOT AT THE LAKE, which would have been extremely useful. I was sent to the Lake, of course, and then had to find my way to the river, which was a long exhausting haul, and I had to ask directions 3 more times. Everyone looks at their phone: the phone maps are pretty much useless. Your directions were aimed at cars and parking; not other ways to access the tour. You need to provide a CLEAR MAP in your publicity. And then I get there, finally, and four--count them, 4-- people ask me for my identification as I arrived and as I went down a ramp, all of 100 feet, and you needed security for me FOUR TIMES? I think you need to improve your directions, and lay off the extremist security. If you do--I'll check maybe--then maybe I'll recommend your tour to someone else.
Great tour guide and atmosphere
Tony A,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great price for the 90 minute tour, plus the tour guide made it more enjoyable and created a great atmosphere.
Fun, funny, and full of education
Dawn K,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide was FANTASTIC, he was lively and engaging and handled everyone very well. Make the experience even better
The best architectural boat cruise in chicago.
CHELELL G,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The architecture tour was amazing the tour guide was very knowledgeable about the towers when they were built and the history about it .the views are spectacular I highly recommend any one that has the love for architect and skylines to take this tour.
Best 90-minute tour on the Chicago river
Tina M,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Experience was absolutely amazing! The weather was perfect! Our tour guide Alicia is the best, super knowledgeable about the architecture, Architects and the history of Chicago. I highly recommend this and suggest taking the 90 minute tour. It’s worth it!
A great day in Chicago!
Dana H,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a fantastic experience. The guide was so funny and knowledgeable. Made the best jokes! I loved it.
From US$45.00
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Operated by Wendella Tours & Cruises