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Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour
4.7
6,392 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
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Highlights
- Wendella - Boats set sail from Wendella’s docks located at the northwest corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge (DuSable Bridge), right by the Wrigley Building.
- Centennial Fountain And Water Arc - Established in 1989 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, which famously reversed the Chicago River’s flow in 1900. Every hour, for the first five minutes, the fountain creates a water arc across the river from a tiered waterfall.
- Merchandise Mart - The world’s largest commercial building.
- Michigan Avenue Bridge - Michigan Avenue features the Chicago Water Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and the shopping district known as the Magnificent Mile.
- Wrigley Building - This white, terra-cotta landmark, constructed in 1922, served as the headquarters for the Wrigley chewing gum company.
- Chicago Riverwalk - A pedestrian-friendly waterfront often referred to as the city’s ‘Second Lakefront.’
- Lyric Opera of Chicago - The second-largest opera auditorium in North America, boasting an Art Deco interior.
- Marina City - Admire these iconic mixed-use apartment buildings, known for their distinctive corn-cob design, often described as “a city within a city.”
What's Included
- Indoor and outdoor seating available (indoor is climate controlled)
- Narrated tour on board by professionally trained tour guide
- Expert Local Guide
- On-board restrooms
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
(6392 Ratings)
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Eric_f
Aug 3, 2024
Great ride in Chicago! - Great view of the buildings which were spectacular and great speaker who knew great stories about them.
Review provided by Viator
189susanr
Aug 3, 2024
Views of the past and present on the River - Hillary, our guide, was wonderful. She was knowledgeable, pleasant and answered any question given to her. The views of the buildings were spectacular and I would definitely recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Octavia_a
Aug 3, 2024
Great for business trip offshoot - Beautiful, took many photos, but would rather you see it for yourself! Great tour guide! Loved the old bridges
Review provided by Viator
N2688nqameliaa
Aug 3, 2024
Chicago’s best! - This is the best activity to do if you have family visiting Chicago. The weather was perfect. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kameron_h
Aug 3, 2024
Great first time! - Took my daughter for her first time on the water, she had an amazing time!!! 10/10 would recommend to anybody
Review provided by Viator
Monet_w
Aug 3, 2024
Fun and informative - Fun and interesting history on the buildings. Great way to see some of Chicago’s architecture. Definitely recommend….great price
Review provided by Viator
Charlene_e
Aug 3, 2024
Interesting and Educational - Loved everything about this tour. Very interesting and full of historical information. We enjoyed seeing all the different architectural styles.
Review provided by Viator
Angela_s
Aug 3, 2024
Delightful, especially in morning - Delightful trip! Has shaded, covered outside seating on bottom in case of bright sun or rain, plus inside. Guide was informative and funny. Captain great as well.
Review provided by Viator
Harrison_l
Aug 3, 2024
Super fun and well paced. Great views especially at night. - Took the tour with my girlfriend cuz we couldn’t get into Lolla. Craig did an amazing job going through Chicago-an history and the architecture was beautiful. Was a good replacement.
Review provided by Viator
Karen_k
Aug 3, 2024
Please do not use Viator.... - Please do not use Viator. I was overcharged. Terrible customer Service There is no one to talk to so please beware when using Viator
Tour was great but do not use viator
Review provided by Viator
