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
9,832 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fantastic architecture tour of Chicago!
Roma B,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Jack did an excellent job and made the tour enjoyable. It was fun and entertaining. Jack is knowledgeable about Chicago’s architecture, and it’s the history and culture. He also provided great food recommendations.
River cruise
Jane B,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guy was GREAT. Very knowledgeable and funny. The boat was clean and semi comfortable. The trip was exactly what I expected
Exceptional Experience
Marcie J,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The sunset architectural cruise was an exceptional experience. Ticket scanning and boarding was organized. Seating is comfortable and you can take in the beauty no matter where you sit, although recommend sitting upstairs so that you can see both sides of the river. The host was engaging and provided interesting and fun facts about the buildings along the river. Our group was 33 people and everyone loved the cruise. They still talk about how much they loved the cruise. Highly recommend for solo travel, couples, friends and groups.
It was cold but a cool...
Erika T,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00It was cold but a cool experience for us! There’s a bar and restrooms downstairs. Would consider in the future when it’s warmer out.
Great trip with...
Alan S,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great trip with knowledgeable guide. Sit on right hand side of top deck for best views. 90 minute cruise is best.
Super interesting and informative
Helena G,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A wonderful way to see Chicago and learn about the architecture. Alex was so knowledgeable (this was his 3000+ cruise!) and super friendly. Highly recommend!
Great tour. The narrator...
Tommy M,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour. The narrator was funny and very knowledgeable. The boat was clean and easy to get around. The only negative is that there should better signage on where to go. One of the young ladies sent us in totally the wrong direction to get to the boat
Fun tour guide, beautiful ride
Tsela B,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Be prepared for chilly weather , it's about ten degrees cooler on the boat. Great experience, well run! We really enjoyed the tour guide. He was very well informed and also very entertaining!
Enjoyed the boat tour,...
Tiffany N,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Enjoyed the boat tour, the narration was interesting, beautiful views, relaxing way to take in sights and learn a bit
Awesome experience!!
Alexandra G,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was one of the highlights of our trip! It was my first time in Chicago and everyone had recommended doing an architecture riverboat cruise and it didn’t disappoint! The 90 minutes flew by and our tour guide, John, was hilarious and incredibly knowledgeable. I learned so much about Chicago and I would recommend this cruise to anyone! My fiancé did this tour maybe 15 years ago and loved it then (which is saying something since he usually hates organized tours) but he was the one who suggested we do it again and he loved it just as much as I did! Incredible architecture and history— 10/10!
From US$45.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Wendella Tours & Cruises