Chicago Architecture Tour: Discover Iconic Landmarks

Embark on a family-friendly Chicago River architecture tour and discover the city’s rich history and architectural heritage. Join our knowledgeable tour guides on a captivating journey through the Windy City’s iconic buildings and landmarks.

Duration: 45 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Chicago River - Cruise along the main and part of the south branch.
  • Chicago Riverwalk - Learn about the history of the Riverwalk.
  • Michigan Avenue Bridge - Hear the history of the bridge.
  • Wrigley Building - The Wrigley Building at 400 N Michigan Ave is named for one of Chicago’s most famous industrialists.
  • Merchandise Mart - One of the largest buildings in Chicago, and the country, the Merchandise Mart is a sight to behold.
  • Lyric Opera of Chicago - Learn about the Lyric Opera House, Chicago’s grand venue for live performance, business, and entertainment.
  • Marina City - Pass by these iconic mixed-use apartment buildings - “a city within a city” with their unique corn-cob exterior.
What's Included
  • All fees and/or taxes
  • On-board restrooms
  • Enclosed climate-controlled lounge/shelter from bad weather
What's Not Included
  • Alcoholic, non-alcoholic drinks & snacks available for purchase on board
  • Storage
Additional Information

Explore the iconic buildings of Chicago and the extraordinary architects behind these masterpieces. This family-oriented primer on Chicago’s profound history and architectural prowess includes key points from Wendella’s comprehensive architecture tours. Join us on our top-notch fleet as our genuine local tour guides reveal the wonders of our remarkable 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
  • 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
(1658 Ratings)
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Hanna_h
Oct 1, 2024
Highly recommend - The city lights on the river at night were magical, and our guide was both knowledgeable and very funny! Learning some of the history behind the iconic skyline was fascinating.
Review provided by Viator
Kristina_d
Oct 1, 2024
First Time Riverboater's - Girl's Trip 2024 in the books! What a great way to start off our get-a-way with an awesome riverboat tour of downtown Chicago! Matthew, our "Guide Extraordinaire" was simply amazing and funny! We had a really great time and really glad the rain held out! Would definitely recommend as a "must do" on your vacay to Chicago!
Review provided by Viator
Jill_b
Oct 1, 2024
Amazing time. - Amazing time. We had a great time and the information we received was great. Meet great people on the boat from all over. Take the trip!!!
Review provided by Viator
Twyling_b
Oct 1, 2024
Awesome - It was very informative and our host was great and you could understand her very good .. She made you pay attention her soup was high and it seemed as if she loved everything about what she was saying
Review provided by Viator
Gabriel_r
Sep 30, 2024
Must do - Great way to learn about the city and appreciate the culture and the history behind Chicago and very cheap.
Review provided by Viator
Aidalys_c
Sep 30, 2024
Good - Good! The experience was so amazing and the tour Girl was super knowledgeable and fun! We enjoy or time
Review provided by Viator
Janice_h
Sep 30, 2024
Great tour for everyone! - What a great tour!! Our tour guide shared historic info on all of the amazing buildings along the river. She knew the year built, uses of the buildings and many of the architects. She shared the history of Chicago in a way everyone could enjoy, and pointed out the best photo locations!! We really enjoyed this excursion!!😊😊
Review provided by Viator
Natalie_r
Oct 1, 2024
Too crowded - 730pm Oversold, not enough chairs so had to stand for entire ride, started over 15 Min late, had to be there early for no reason except to wait in a along line. When standing on front side of bot could not hear any of what the tour guide said. Could see alot of the city, could have been an awesome tour
Review provided by Viator
612malloryk
Sep 30, 2024
Our trip was CANCELLED and refunded after checking in and standing in line for 40 minutes - We stood in line and started to load the boat. Before we could all get on they kicked everyone off due the engine problems. At first we were told we would get a replacement boat. After getting false hope we were told we would be refunded and would have to come back another time. This was our first time visiting and we were going to end the day having fun. Instead we ended our trip disappointed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fritz_v
Sep 30, 2024
No tour fail - Boat wasn’t working. First they said they were swapping it with another boat then after 20 minutes of waiting in line they said the next boat was coming 2 hours later. They said if we couldn’t wait (how can you wait for 2 hours with a 2 year old?) we would be refunded without having to contact them but that hasn’t happened yet.
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
October 2024
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