Chicago Architecture Tour: River and Lake Views

Discover Chicago’s history and architecture on a river and lake tour. Capture stunning skyline views and unforgettable selfies on this iconic journey.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Chicago River - Lake and River Architecture Tours begin at Michigan Avenue and explore Chicago’s amazing architecture along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. All tours are narrated by professional tour guides.

  • Lake Michigan - Your tour travels along Lake Michigan and explores Chicago’s beautiful skyline.

  • 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.

  • Merchandise Mart - The largest commercial building in the world.

  • Marina City - Pass by these iconic mixed-use apartment buildings - “a city within a city” with their unique corn-cob exterior.

  • Michigan Avenue Bridge - Michigan Avenue is home of the Chicago Water Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and the shopping on the Magnificent Mile.

  • Wrigley Building - This white, terra-cotta landmark was built in 1922 as headquarters for the Wrigley chewing gum company.

  • Chicago Riverwalk - An open, pedestrian waterfront called the city’s ‘Second Lakefront.’

  • The Lyric Opera House - Second-largest opera auditorium in North America, with an Art Deco interior

What's Included
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Outdoor and Indoor climate-controlled seating option
  • Local Expert Guide
  • On-board restrooms
What's Not Included
  • Alcoholic drinks, non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks available for purchase on board
  • Storage
Additional Information

Embarking on a journey since 1935, this much-loved Chicago ritual is the very tour that pioneered the way. This intriguing voyage narrates the tale of over two centuries of absorbing socio-cultural and political history while delving into over a hundred years of avant-garde architecture. The tour kicks off by offering a detailed view of Chicago’s world-renowned architectural beauty from the vantage point of the Chicago River. It then proceeds through the Chicago Lock, leading to the serene surroundings of Lake Michigan, presenting panoramic vistas of Chicago’s incredible 26-mile skyline. Capture a memorable selfie on this inspirational journey!

  • Weapons prohibited by US Coast Guard
  • Outside alcohol is prohibited
  • All bags are 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
(1969 Ratings)
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1 star
Kari_p
Sep 25, 2024
Rainy day fun. - Super rainy day but still a good tour. The host was very knowledgeable and you pass by most areas twice
Review provided by Viator
Adrianna_g
Sep 23, 2024
FUN and informative. - Great tour guide. Saw a lot of things Nf the lake was beautiful. Only one extra comment. It was 89 degrees and waiting in line was really hot. I would be nice if Wendell could put up a few umbrellas or canopies for shade. Also gate 4 needs to be marked better. We saw a flag for gate 3 but not for 4. Just would have helped us to make sure we were in the right place. But it was still a beautiful day and a wonderful cruise
Review provided by Viator
David_l
Sep 22, 2024
Great trip, so informative. Highly recommended - Brilliant trip, which is highly recommended. Well organised and extremely informative. Good seating and drinks easily available. Great value for money. Did the lake and river trip which was great and I feel would be better than just the river trip.
Review provided by Viator
Anne_l
Sep 22, 2024
Great day on the lake! - Our tour guide was fantastic and kept everyone engaged. I was traveling with my parents and it was their first time in Chicago. They really enjoyed this tour which was casual, fun and enjoyable. It was a beautiful day on the lake and river and we learned a lot about the city and its unique and iconic buildings.
Review provided by Viator
Robin_d
Sep 21, 2024
For n - Our guide was excellent, the trip was fun & informative. They want me to say more but I don’t know what else to say other than it was fun & I’d recommend it
Review provided by Viator
Casey_a
Sep 21, 2024
Family reunion - It was a beautiful day and an amazing tour! Tour guide was excellent - informative and fun!!!! Highly recommend this to any in Chicago!!!
Review provided by Viator
Phyllis_l
Sep 19, 2024
Learning experience, ... - Learning experience, river and lake color are beautiful. Boat ride was very smooth. Captain was very knowledgeable but I failed to ask about beaches on lakefront, he didnt comment on them.
Review provided by Viator
Bonniej725
Sep 19, 2024
Flew into Chicago but was visiting family in Michigan City. Spent the afternoon exploring downtown Chicago. - Never been to Chicago and was told the river cruise is the best way to get info about downtown Chicago. Great your. Excellent tour narrator also.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lidia_t
Sep 25, 2024
Architecture and Lake Michigan Tour 2024 - The tour was great, there were two reasons why I gave the 4 Star rating rather than a 5. The meeting place was not described very well. I had to ask around to find out where the meeting location was. The name of the boat tour was not really obvious either on the ticket or at the location. The sign was rathe small. The parking location, the instructions say "430 N Rush St. Validate your parking at the Wendella ticket office which gives you 12 hours of parking for $12." I had a very difficult time finding this parking place. Better instructions are needed. I ended prking somewhere else and paid $33 and they did not take parking validations. Other than that, the tour was great. The tour guide gave great historical information and the tour was very enjoyable, I would go again but I would first find out where this parking is way before I needed to go there.
Review provided by Viator
Jaysoncolin
Sep 22, 2024
Highly recommended! - Amazing Tour! I recommend the lake extension, the skyline view is spectacular and totally worth it. They will take turns so that no matter where you’re sitting you’ll get a good view. Theres a bar below the deck and the option to use the bathroom. Definitely a good way to get off your feet and sit back and enjoy. I would rate the tour 5/5, if there wasn’t the 30 min wait in line, at 86°F/30°C. Maybe put up some umbrellas during the summer, like the other companies that offer boat tours. Other than that, highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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