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.
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.
Options
Chicago River Tour
Reviews
10,046 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful tour
Sue M,May 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful architectural and historical knowledge given. The tour guide was hilarious as well. Nice to have indoor and outdoor.
Fun
Megan H,May 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Had a great experience! Tour was informative, but not boring or too much. Get there super early if you actually want a good seat! Highly recommend going at sunset too.
Chicago River
Muhammad S,May 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We really loved the activity overall especially the guide was super friendly and knowledgeable I would highly recommend it to all
Nice tour! Night time it...
Rajesh K,May 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Nice tour! Night time it gets dark but it’s also beautiful. It takes a while so prepare to enjoy the ride! It takes you through much of the river in Chicago downtown so it’s very fun!
Worth It
Tiara H,May 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The boarding was easy and there was plenty of space to sit. It was a good ride with great information and history about all of the architecture. And the bar did the job!
Great experience! The...
Tiffany B,May 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience! The tour guide was very entertaining and informative about the history of Chicago.
Parking issue
263pattys,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The tour itself was great, however they gave us a voucher for $15 parking and the lot did not accept the voucher and we had to pay $42!! Tried contacting someone at the parking lot with no luck. Was not happy about this.
Superb Architecture Boat Tour
Roam27100088737,May 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely, excellent! Our guide was Dave. He was informative, had a great sense of humor, and kept our attention. The 90 minute tour was worth every minute. The boat was extremely clean and staff was helpful. The tour was full, but there was plenty of room, and chairs were spaced well apart. The chairs were also comfortable. Pricing was reasonable. I highly recommend this tour. Note: We took an Uber to and from the area. This worked out very well.
Very informative
Chris B,May 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very nice tour with very interesting facts about the buildings and the city as a whole. Highly recommend
360 Architecture Tour through Chicago
marcevacs,May 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a MUST do if you are in Chicago. Excellent way to learn about several downtown buildings and its related history. Nice accommodations and the tour guide was very entertaining and knowledgeable. Well worth the time and cost.
From US$45.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Wendella Tours & Cruises