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
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.
Options
Chicago River Tour
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
10,310 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
History and Entertainment
John T,Jul 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Knowledgeable and personable tour guide. Despite hot day, shade and breeze made temperatures bearable.
Perfect way to see...
Emma A,Jul 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Perfect way to see Chicago's architecture! Even in December it was pretty chilly, but the experience was great and worth it.
The host was AMAZING!!!...
terrell j,Jul 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The host was AMAZING!!! She was well knowledged about many aspects of the city as well as the buildings.
The weather was very hot....
SABRINA L,Jul 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00The weather was very hot. We were obliged to sit inside the lounge. Fellow passengers were speaking very loudly, so it was difficult to hear the tour guide.
Amazing Tour Guide
Nick M,Jul 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Everyone was very helpful and the host did a great job on all details of the tour. Definitely recommend.
Had a great experience!...
Sylvia M,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Had a great experience! Learned so much from Jake (our tour guide) who made the whole experience very interactive and informative.
Cruisin Around
Jason S,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Although it was close to 100 degrees out during the recent heat-wave hitting Chicago we had an educational, enjoyable time viewing the city’s historical architectural skyline!
Great Architecture Boat Tour of Chicago
cherylhJ6202MB,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A very interesting tour. Our tour guide, Spiro, was knowledgeable about the Chicago buildings and archicture. We went by train to the city then took a river taxi to our meeting place. Everyone was helpful in answering questions and getting us to where we were going!
The tour guide was very...
Ulrike S,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour guide was very knowledgeable, however we were seated downstairs on the left side, while she was only talking about buildings on the right hand side. So next time we visit Chicago we’ll have to take the tour again and sit on the other side of the boat :)
Great way to start your trip to Chicago
Julia O,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I’ve never been to a city where one activity is so universally recommended, but everyone I talked to (whether local or previous visitors) said I should do a boat tour. And they weren’t wrong! I recommend doing this as one of your first activities when you get to Chicago, because it really helps orient you in the city, explains the most iconic buildings, and gives the city’s history at a basic level. Our guide Jack was also full of recommendations for other things to see, do, and eat. The inner cabin is climate controlled but can get a bit too loud to hear the guide. The river breezes will keep you cool if you ride on the deck, and you can move around throughout the voyage for the best view
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