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 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

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

4.71

9,649 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

8181

739

328

172

229

Great tour! Our guide was...
Miranda H,,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great tour! Our guide was full of information on the buildings, but also fun stories and a great sense of humor
Fun but Cold!
Justin J,,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was a fun and informative trip down three legs of rivers in Chicago. It was a cold trip and started snowing, but the views and discussion were worth it. The narrator was not only knowledgeable, but comedic, giving us time to understand the architectural history of Chicago without droning on.
Fantastic! I really...
Chris R,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Fantastic! I really enjoyed it. Well paced and really interesting facts. There is a bar on-site and toilets.
Nice view
shengyun z,,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Impressive, you will never have those views on the road. I really enjoy the tour. Feel like the city is in water.
Great intro to Chicago
Meghan S,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Deeply informative tour. The tour guide’s love for his city is evident in his retelling of the history of Chicago and other interesting stories. This tour is a great way to get introduced to what this lovely city has to offer.
Beautiful and informative!
Tara H,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
The city is beautiful and this tour really enhances it! The tour guide Lucas was amazing and we learned so much about beautiful Chicago!
Take this Tour First
amberbD3308AI,,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
DO THIS FIRST! We took the tour per a recommendation. Besides being a bit freezing it was fun and wildly educational. We now have a new list of stops for the time we all make it out.
Very Knowledgeable Tour Guide
Lupe F,,Feb 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
It’s such a great tour to learn about the architecture of the buildings in Chicago along the river, and the tour along the river is fun
Awesome guide!
Karyn P,,Feb 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
The tour guide was fantastic! We loved the 90-minute Chicago architecture tour! We definitely recommend it!
Fantastic experience, ...
LeeAnne V,,Feb 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Fantastic experience, even in the cold weather. Tour guide was outstanding...very fun and educational