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
9,627 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The Chicago River architecture tour
Caraus,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Chicago River architecture tour is absolutely amazing—especially in the summer. The architecture is beautiful, the buildings are fascinating, and the guides explain the story behind each one. It’s 90 minutes of great vibes and memorable moments. Chicago, you’re the best!
Inland non-panoramic vessel
Sylvie Q,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00In Chicago, temperatures are too cold in January to stay on deck and the inner boat has no panoramic roof, which does not offer visibility to fully enjoy such an excursion.
Our guide was amazing! He...
Halle B,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide was amazing! He was very funny and kept us entertained. We went on a Thursday at noon, and there weren’t an overwhelming amount of people on the boat.
90 minutes I won’t get back
Sarah S,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00With temperatures at 10° and a windchill of -15 they had about twice as many people on the boat as they had indoor seats. So your options were sit outside in the cold and get frostbitten, or stand and only be able to see the river banks because most of the windows are where people are sitting, and you can’t get to them if you’re standing. They should have enough indoor seats for everyone who booked. Very disappointed.
Great experience. Very...
jose c,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience. Very educational but beware to bundle up. Riding on the upper level was nice but we had to go inside on the lower level a couple times to warm up.
A great time!
Laresa P,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It’s a very informative tour. The host was enthusiastic and funny. Bundle up if you do this tour in the winter, it gets cold out on the water.
The tour and tourguide...
Jody P,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour and tourguide were great! The time flew by and it was very interesting. If you have someone who needs the elevator to get to the dock, be sure to call the company for detailed instructions on how to get there. The staff was very helpful.
Highly recommend - great way to see the city
Stacy G,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great time. The guide we had was great and explained the history and other great information along the tour. A great way to see the city and get some history too
Amazing!
Sheba T,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience! I did this in January so it was cold but so worth it. The architecture is breathtaking. Being on the boat brings it all up close. I will do this again this summer for sure.
A nice way to see parts of Chicago
Danielle K,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00My boyfriend and I were visiting Chicago and decided to do a boat tour, even if it was January. However, if you want a good view, you really do have to sit on the top deck, which is exposed to the elements. The lower deck indoors is climate-controlled, but there's very little seating, and you don't get much of a view, so keep that in mind when you book. We also had a bit of difficulty finding the pick-up location. It would be helpful if the site told us to look for the Wallenda sign and that it's below street level. With those two minor points out of the way, it was a lovely cruise, and we got to see a lot of buildings and hear a bit of history. Our guide, Lucas, was entertaining. He clearly enjoys what he does. If I'm back in Chicago, I'll definitely take another tour.
From US$45.00
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Operated by Wendella Tours & Cruises