Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour

Overview

Available languages

Chinese

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

4.70

8,045 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

6780

654

276

150

185

Easy to purchase and use tickets.
Jill K,
Jul 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00
My tickets were in my email and ready to scan for our boat cruise. You do have to login and establish an account.
Better boat options
Heather D,
Jul 1, 2025
- Viator
4.00
Lovely ride but we had to sit on the bottom. You couldn’t really see it all from one seat. Other boats have an open bottom area in the middle of the boat. This one had a closed cabin and benches on the outside. Tour guid was good.
Beautiful day for a boat ride in Chicago.
Chris P,
Jul 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Sunny day on the hot side. Clear view of the city. The tour guide was very friendly and informative. What's nice is you can go below to cool off and get a drink at the bar.
Great way to learn about Chicago architecture
Stephanie L,
Jul 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Fabulous knowledgeable guide, fascinating architectural history; great value and price for the event and duration!
While the ride was...
Kaylee S,
Jun 30, 2025
- Viator
3.00
While the ride was beautiful if you actually want to see both sides the ride and hear what they were saying, I'd suggest getting in line 30-45 mins before it starts. I was in line 20 mins before and their was no seats available up above so I got to sit at the bottom on the side. Couldn't see what was going on. Only got about half of the info. Was a shame that I got to waste $45. Maybe the company shouldn't sell more tickets than they have available seats up on top