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90-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour

star-4.51,637 Reviews
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Chicago, United States
90-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour
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90-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour
View Chicago's history and architecture from the best seat in the City.
Explore Chicago's legendary architecture and history.
Authentic local tour guides lead the tour.
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Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

From $42.00

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Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
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Safety measures
icon1 hour 30 minutes  (approx.)
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English and 2 more

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Overview

Discover the architectural gems of the Windy City from an ideal vantage point on a cruise down the Chicago River. Offered several times throughout the day, it’s easy to fit the leisurely excursion into your itinerary. Covering more than 130 years of architectural history, the tour is the perfect opportunity to see a huge area of the city without the hassle of taxis and public transit.
  • Enjoy unobstructed views of the city’s top attractions
  • Gain an in-depth understanding of local architecture
  • See the sights of Chicago without getting worn out
  • Take the tour when it’s convenient for you
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From $42.00

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Indoor and outdoor seating available (indoor is climate controlled)
Narrated tour on board by professionally trained tour guide.
Alcoholic Beverages
400 N Michigan Ave , 400 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Depart and return to Wendella's Michigan Avenue Docks located in the heart of Chicago's Magnificent Mile, at the base of the Wrigley Building. Look for the blue "Wendella" awning over the dock staircase. Descend the stairs to the river-level dock.

This activity will end right where it started.
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Weapons prohibited by US Coast Guard
  • Outside alcohol is prohibited
  • All bags subject to search
  • Near public transportation
  • Increased sanitation
  • Arrive 15-30 Minutes prior to your departure time.
  • Contact tour operator for wheelchair & ADA access
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 300 travelers
  • OPERATED BY Wendella Tours & Cruises
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
Where do we meet for the 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour?
A:We are located at 400 N Michigan Avenue at the historic Wrigley Building. Wendella has four dock locations that extend west from the Michigan Avenue (DuSable) Bridge to Wabash Avenue.
Apr 2021
Q:
Is there parking available for the 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour?
A:There are two parking garages near the departure point: AMA Plaza parking at 401 N. State Street and InterPark Public Parking at 430 N. Rush St. (Parking fees apply at both locations.)
Apr 2021
Q:
Is the 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour handicap accessible?
A:We operate 3 boats with wheelchair lifts between decks. All our boats can accommodate wheelchairs & have toilets that are ADA compliant. For guests who are deaf or hard of hearing, a written script of the narration is available at the ticket office.
Apr 2021
Q:
Can I bring my service animal with me on the 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour?
A:A service animal is a dog that is trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Pets and dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA and are not allowed.
Apr 2021
Q:
Are there restrooms available on board the 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour?
A:Yes. Restrooms are located on the lower deck of each vessel; changing tables are also available in each restroom.
Apr 2021
Q:
How early should I arrive for the 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour?
A:Boarding begins 15-30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.
Apr 2021
Q:
Does the 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour operate in bad weather?
A:Our cruises depart rain or shine. Our vessels include sheltered areas and climate-controlled lounges. Ponchos are available for purchase onboard. However, in cases of severe weather where the cruise must be canceled, all guests will be refunded.
Apr 2021
Q:
Is the boat climate controlled during the 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour?
A:Most of our vessels feature an enclosed climate-controlled lounge on the lower deck with speakers to hear the tour guide’s narration. If you have a concern about whether your vessel has an interior lounge, please call the phone number on your ticket.
Apr 2021
Q:
Is food/drink available during the 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour?
A:A full-service bar is available onboard. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as an assortment of snacks, are available for purchase. Bar sales are credit cards only. No cash purchases.
Apr 2021
Q:
Can I store my luggage during the 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour?
A:There is no storage area on our dock, but guests may bring their luggage aboard keeping in mind it is subject to inspection.
Apr 2021
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during 90-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour?
A:The policies on sanitization are:

  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
See all safety measures taken by 90-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour.
Q:
What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during 90-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour?
A:The policy on staff health & safety is:

  • Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
See all safety measures taken by 90-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour.

Traveler Photos

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Traveler Tips

  • "Call ahead if you have mobility issues as there are a lot of stairs to get to the boat." See review
  • "If you planning during the winter, a hat and gloves are on the must do list." See review
  • "I highly recommend this tour to all visitors to Chicago." See review

Reviews

4.5
star-4.5
1,637 Reviews
5 stars
1,382
4 stars
155
3 stars
45
2 stars
18
1 star
37

Reviews by Viator travelers

Showing 1-10 of 1,637 reviews
star-5
Don’t Miss This!
Anne_W
, May 2022
Great tour! Jack was our tour guide and he was excellent. I would tell anyone going to Chicago not to miss this tour.
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star-5
I loved it!
LeeAnn_S
, May 2022
The narrator was very entertaining & informational. He had great jokes & knew a lot about each building.
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star-5
Will do it again
Dolan_P
, May 2022
Chicago is Beautiful, great skyline!! Our guide was awesome! Lots of facts and history. Will do it again.
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star-5
Fun time
Paige_C
, May 2022
Excellent tour! We loved our guide, Kay. She was fun, entertaining, and informative! I learned a lot more than I expected about the architecture of Chicago. I highly recommend this tour!
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star-5
On the River
Jerrol_K
, May 2022
John, our tour guide was great. Very knowledgable and funny and responsive to the crowd. A natural...
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star-5
Great tour
Becky_A
, May 2022
Great tour. We luckily had a beautiful sunny day. So informative. What a beautiful way to see Chicago.
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star-5
A must-do in Chicago
Diana_Y
, May 2022
Bobby was a great guide and we loved the cruise. Great info and impressive skyline. Beware, lots of stairs to descend to dock and no elevator.
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star-5
Great Chicago Experience!
Rosalyn_Z
, May 2022
I have been to Chicago many times but this was the first time I arranged to go on a tour and I am so glad that I chose the Architectural River Cruise. The Tour Guide was excellent and he provide a good overview of Chicago.
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star-5
Excellent tour...
Tim_K
, May 2022
Excellent tour The guide was very informative Beautiful day Accommodations were excellent Staff was friendly
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star-5
Excellent n must do tour in Chicago
Somal_V
, May 2022
Loved it. Must do for sure, it’s a tour you will gain lot of knowledge, wonderful views n have a great time. Must do if you are with family for sure.
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star-5
A river runs through it: How a winding river tells a windy tale
Chris_B
, May 2022
What better way to learn about a city and it’s people buy traveling a main ancestral artery? Our tour guide “Joe” was charming and disarming. His narration was seamless, wholistic and appropriately humorous.
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star-5
Boat trip
Jeff_C
, May 2022
The history the beautiful weather, all and all pleasant experience. Great accommodations , pleasant staff , prompt and covid safe
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star-5
Great tour, we even were...
Trish_C
, May 2022
Great tour, we even were late (we couldn't find are way around from parking garage) and they let us transfer our tickets to a different time
... MoreLess
star-5
It’s a must!
Taira_H
, May 2022
The best part of the Architecture Tour was our guide! He was an older gentleman with a lot of knowledge and charisma! It was such an excellent experience. A must!
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star-4
Nice boat ride
Dipak_M
, May 2022
It’s nice boat ride but only problem is when you seat in top deck it’s hard to hear narrator because of engine noise otherwise in the bottom air conditioning was really good and boat was very well maintained
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star-5
Great experience
Kelly_S
, May 2022
We are new to the Chicago area and someone recommended we go on this tour. We couldn’t have asked for a better night & the tour was wonderful. The guide was so knowledgeable and funny as well. We will definitely take family on this tour when they visit. Highly recommend.
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star-5
The best trip we took in Chicago!
alan_k
, May 2022
The best trip we took in Chicago. So much better than expected. Highly Recommended. Our guide, Bobby, was absolutely amazing!
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star-5
Worth the ride!!!
Emily_O
, May 2022
Boat was spacious but upper level fills up fast so arrive early for a good seat. The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable about the city, personable, and easy to understand. Alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages are for sell. Great opportunities for photos! Would definitely recommend!
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star-5
Architecture cruise in Chicago
Ted_S
, May 2022
The captain was excellent. The lady who narrated the tour had a very negative attitude. She knew everything she was telling us about but it was like "oh I have been here so many times". This was my first time and she should talk like it was her first time also. The tour would have been much more exciting.
... MoreLess
star-5
Wonderful tour
yeinet_o
, May 2022
Great tour! We get to see 3 cities in one day. Wonderful guide great wine tasting and food! I highly recommend it!
... MoreLess

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