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
9,936 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour! It’s a great way to see all the amazing buildings near the riverfront
Laura J,May 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Knowledgeable guide who kept us all engaged. He clearly loves what he is doing.
Fantastic entertaining and educational boat ride.
Gary S,May 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A very fun and educational boat ride around Chicago. Our tour guide was Tess, and she was very knowledgeable and had a great talking/teaching voice. We highly recommend this tour.
The tour was pleasant and...
Kathy H,May 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was pleasant and informative. Lots of steps at the Wrigley Building to get up and down to the boat. At 70 years old, was out of breath coming up from the boat. Tour was great, Viator website was terrible. Had to call to get tickets as website to download tickets to the phone would not work.
Great Tour
Ronald H,May 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We can't remember her name, but she was absolutely fabulous. Very knowledgeable about the buildings, who built it, how old, and sometimes their original purposes
Better in the sun and not the rain!
Ellen H,May 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00It would have been a great tour if the weather had been nice and we could understand what the tour guide was saying. People around us were rather rude... non-stop talking and the microphone system needs work so we couldn't hear much. But the sites were great.
Great boat, great crew....
Abu M,May 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great boat, great crew. Your guide Dave was the absolute man!!!! Knowledgeable and infused comedy throughout.
The best.. Highly recommended
Toni M,May 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00There are a lot of stairs down to the boats. It is a fantastic historical boat ride.. guide was excellent and very informative. The architecture is phenomenal.. Worth the time and money..
Fun without the sun.
John B,May 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Pay attention to the weather forecast …………………………………/……………………………………………. Get ready for bad puns……………….
Entertaining and fun experience
Bruce G,May 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide (narrator) made it a great experience. He provided so much information, never referring to any notes, and did so in a very entertaining way. We could have done several hours more, well worth the price.
Beautiful Mother's Day Tour
momospad,May 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our 90-minute architecture tour on the Chicago River was absolutely amazing! John was a fantastic tour guide — extremely knowledgeable about the city’s architecture and history, and he added just the right amount of humor throughout the experience, which made it even more enjoyable. The tour was engaging from start to finish, and we learned so much while still having a fun, relaxed time on the water. Highly recommend this tour for anyone visiting Chicago, whether you’re in a group, a couple, or going solo.
From US$45.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Wendella Tours & Cruises