Chicago River Architecture Tour: 130-Year Design Legacy
4.7
5,390 Ratings
Chicago
Discover the captivating, visual art of Chicago's legendary architecture on a comprehensive 90-minute tour of the Chicago River. Be inspired by the 130-year design legacy and learn why it's important today.
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- 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.
What's Included
- Choice of indoor or outdoor seating
- Climate-controlled indoor environment
- Professionally narrated tours
What's Not Included
- Drinks and snacks available for purchase on-board the vessel.
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Be fascinated by Chicago’s iconic architecture, a magnificent example of visual art and the remarkable architects behind this dynamic and ever-evolving treasure. On this extensive 90-minute tour, you’ll voyage through the city’s core covering all three branches of the Chicago River. Your professionally trained architectural tour guide will narrate more than a century’s worth of innovative designs, stylistic approaches, and techniques, explaining their relevance today. The Chicago River Architecture Tour offers the most genuine and comprehensive experience you can find in the city.
- 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
Location
400 N Michigan Ave
North Michigan Avenue
Arrive at 400 N Michigan Avenue 30 minutes before your departure and you will be directed to your boarding dock. Please allow yourself plenty of time to arrive if driving. We do not have parking. It is recommend that you book parking in advance.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(5390 Ratings)
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Alejandra_e
May 30, 2024
You can't miss this experience. - The tour guide was very excited, he shared very interesting details. Despite the rain, it was a very entertaining ride. I loved every second of it. The service aboard was excellent as well.
Review provided by Viator
Ivelina_r
May 29, 2024
Great experience! - Great experience, a lot of interesting information, awesome views. Duration is great so it's totally worth it!
Review provided by Viator
Victoria_j
May 29, 2024
10/10 experience! - Beautiful view, smooth ride & the tour guide was very knowledgeable. The drinks are fairly priced & decent sizes if you choose to partake. Also the bathroom is a plus if need to go before the ride is over.
Review provided by Viator
Fealia_p
May 29, 2024
Mommy + Daughter Day 🌷 - Beautiful views of my city. Incredibly grateful to have seen such beauty!! The guide was very knowledgeable as well. So,you're in for a mini history lesson. 👌
Review provided by Viator
Stan_s
May 28, 2024
Fantastic tour - The tour guide was very good and knowledgeable. Had a lot of good insight that I would have missed if I would went on my own. I definitely enjoyed the history of Chicago
Review provided by Viator
Deepak_c
May 28, 2024
Architectural Tour - A must for Chicago Visitors - Tour was very informative. Tour Guide shared the city history in a entertaining and to a great detail. Staff was courteous.
Review provided by Viator
Hannah_h
May 28, 2024
Amazing Tour with Phyllis - This tour was probably our favorite things we did in Chicago. Our tour guide Phyllis was incredible and very knowledgeable on the city of Chicago. She made the experience go to the next level. We left with a lot more history of the city/buildings, and appreciation for Chicago. Would not miss this stop.
Review provided by Viator
Rita_b
May 30, 2024
Found the tour very... - Found the tour very interesting and informative. Good to see the various buildings and history behind them. Would recommend to others
Review provided by Viator
Wren52681
May 29, 2024
90 minute Tour - Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and excited to share facts about the architecture of the buildings and history of the river. It was a great tour with beautiful buildings. Finding where we were supposed to queue for the tour was a little difficult and the staff at the stop of the steps were not as "friendly" as the staff on the boat. The boat itself was clean and safe, and even served snacks and drinks o board. I would recommend this tour as a great way to see the city from the water.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robert_r
May 30, 2024
When we were not... - When we were not distracted by 100 elementary students who were well under the age of understanding an architectural tour, it was interesting
Review provided by Viator
