Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour

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
(1929 Ratings)
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1 star
Mrjamegumb
Jul 18, 2024
Must Do Tour - I am a Chicagoan. I hate going downtown. I hate people in general. I finally went down and did the tour. It was wonderful. Joe was a great tour guide. He demonstrated vast knowledge of the city’s history and the buildings that said history produced. I will do this tour again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rashida_s
Jul 16, 2024
Nice tour - Very informative and a nice way to learn about Chicago’s history. I would definitely go again. I appreciated everyone’s kindness and generosity.
Review provided by Viator
Felicia_r
Jul 14, 2024
Great way to see the city highlights! - Wonderful tour! Great way to learn some Chicago history and see the most iconic buildings in the city. Kenneth was the best tour guide!
Review provided by Viator
Jeff_k
Jul 13, 2024
I'm on a boat - I liked being on both lake and river. Great views and information from both. Had a great time being on the water.
Review provided by Viator
Kathy_b
Jul 12, 2024
Limited time in Chicago - Only had a few hours in Chicago and went on their architectural boat tour. Absolutely loved it. Gave us a great feel for the city and history.
Review provided by Viator
Michelle_l
Jul 11, 2024
Great tour! - The tour guide was amazing and it was a fantastic tour. We learned a lot about Chicago in a way that it was fun and entertaining.
Review provided by Viator
Julie_f
Jul 18, 2024
Nice tour, not ADA friendly. - The ride was very entertaining. Our tour guide Zack was amazing. I would give the tour a perfect five, but for one huge issue. The boats ARE NOT HANDICAPPED ACCESSABLE. Actually, the furthest thing from it. The only way on the boat is to decend two levels of cement stairs for about 75 stairs. This is down and back up again. We had two mobility challenged people and it was a nightmare.
Review provided by Viator
Deven_n
Jul 15, 2024
Great way to start a visit to Chicago - Tour guide was knowledgeable and engaging, and according to my kids, talked way too much. That said, he did a nice job of keeping us informed of what was around us and was open to taking questions between sites. Enjoyed seeing buildings in the city along the river as well as structures out in Lake Michigan. Very well-balanced tour. And the info on the canal/river locks was very informative as well.
Review provided by Viator
Candice_s
Jul 12, 2024
Great view of Chicago’s beautiful downtown - Nice experience of Chicago. Could have spent more time on the lake but overall it was nice. Great views of downtown from the lake and great information on the a architecture.
Review provided by Viator
Joaquin_h
Jul 13, 2024
Very disappointed I had family from out of town and wanted them to have a great experience - I paid for a tour to the river and lake and 5min before boarding the told us that it won’t go to the lake because they were having issues I asked for my refund and they told they couldn’t give my refund because it was bought thru a 3rd party that I had told call you because they couldn’t do anything so I had no other choice to do the lame ride, it was like getting a hamburger without meat so disappointed.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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