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Chicago River 45-Minute Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile
4.7
1,533 Ratings
Chicago
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
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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.
![](https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/attractions-splice-spp-720x480/0b/94/34/06.jpg)
What's Included
- All fees and/or taxes
- On-board restrooms
- Enclosed climate controlled lounge
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
(1533 Ratings)
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Kathy_b
Jul 26, 2024
Highly recommended! All worth it. - Our tour guide (the Teacher) was so knowledgeable, upbeat, fun and entertaining! She was so clear about explaining the history behind the different buildings surrounding the Chicago River. We learned so much from her. She is excellent and it shows she loves doing the tours. Thank you for a wonderful experience. I will be strongly recommending your company to everyone I know 😊
Review provided by Viator
Tia_b
Jul 25, 2024
Great ride - It was so much fun!!! And the tour guide was very knowledgeable and it was a fun time seeing all the buildings and waving at the people and we go by I would recommend it and do it again
Review provided by Viator
Davemoss72211
Jul 25, 2024
Great boat tour - The trip was exactly what we were looking for. Time on the river, an entertaining host loaded with lots of cool Chicago facts. Definitely recommend!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sabie1105
Jul 25, 2024
Best Tour to See Chicago - Im a Chicagoan and I still love taking this tour!! It’s always a hit for those that come on the tour with me. We always have such a great time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kennedy_s
Jul 25, 2024
Tour 100% worth it! - The tour was ABSOLUTELY beautiful at night. I went with my boyfriend and my good friend, we thought it would be a simple boring tour of the architectures around the lake. But It was actually entertaining; our tour guide was pretty fun and explained a few architectural structures to us. But if you plan on going i’d 100% recommend going at night.
Review provided by Viator
Marites_g
Jul 25, 2024
Awesome and learned a lot about Chicago and it’s building. - Easy to find and exactly what i expected. Thanks. Love the tour recommend it for visitors of Chicago- a must do.
Review provided by Viator
Jennifer_r
Jul 25, 2024
River boat tour - Awesome experience, would recommend it to friends and family. Beautiful views of the entire city. I’m in love with Chicago
Review provided by Viator
Melissa_m
Jul 25, 2024
Go at night!! - Jay was our host & she was very informative while also being entertaining and funny. We went on the 9pm tour & the views from the river of the city of Chicago all lit up at night were gorgeous!
10 out of 10 highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Ali_m
Jul 26, 2024
River Ride - Well organized. Informative. Clean, spacious ship. Pretty views.
Hard to understand tour guide as speaker had a muffled quality. River was a bit overcrowded with boat operators & kayakers/should be limited.
Review provided by Viator
Margaret_h
Jul 26, 2024
Dock difficult to find. Arrive at least 30 minutes early. - I had tickets for the 5pm tour. The dock was hard to find- essentially we had to go under the Wrigley building to get to the dock. The other Wendella docks were easy to find, but our dock was not. Because of this we arrived just just a few minutes before 5pm and our boat had already left the dock. So frustrating!
Review provided by Viator