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Chicago River Architecture Tour
4.7
6,823 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:
24 hours
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
(6823 Ratings)
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Juliet_c
Oct 9, 2024
Worth It - I liked the narration of the architecture, history and general feeling of the trip. We were not in chicargo long, so this was a pleasant way of seeing the city.
Review provided by Viator
Kelly_a
Oct 9, 2024
Great day for a tour! - This was my first time in Chicago and was glad to have the chance to see all the architecture buildings while traveling down the river. The weather that day was perfect, and the tour guide was very knowledgeable and funny!
Review provided by Viator
Gerritts2016
Oct 9, 2024
Glorious weather, terrific architecture, excellent guide! - We took our friend from Australia, who had never been to the US before, on this river cruise as a great introduction to Chicagoand its architecture. We picked a terrific day, with sunshine and warm weather in October. Our Guide was encyclopedic in his knowledge of Chicago history and the architecture along the river. we have always enjoyed this trip, and no doubt will come back again.
Incidentally, we previously had taken friends from Belgium on this tour. While they enjoyed it, it would be nice if there were a multilingual option for the commentary as they primarily were French speaking.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kimberly_r
Oct 9, 2024
Lovely and relaxing! A... - Lovely and relaxing! A smooth ride, bar was a great touch. We want during the right season so it wasn’t too hot or too cold
Review provided by Viator
Candee_o
Oct 9, 2024
Lovely Afternoon- Well worth it! - Alyssa on the 4:00pm Oct 8th tour was informative and entertaining at the same time. The 4:00 time of day perfectly positioned the sun that made viewing the passing buildings more visible.
Review provided by Viator
David_r
Oct 9, 2024
Nice day for a boat ride - A great trip very informative
The boat left on time and was clean . The guide really knows his stuff
Review provided by Viator
Spud0018
Oct 8, 2024
Educational Architectural Tour - Booked tour through Get Your Guide. Had a beautiful day for the tour. Knowledgeable guide. Very full boat though. Arrive early.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Caio_c
Oct 9, 2024
Nice experience overall, but a bit expensive. - Overall, it was a good experience and I would recommend it to others. I think it would have been even better if the sound wasn't that loud or if the guide were talking lower. Besides, some of the comments were unnecessary, in my opinion. Such as exalting historical figures (specially politicians). Other than that, he was a good guide.
If you are taking the tour on a sunny day, make sure you have a hat, sunglasses, and, sunscreen. The price could also be a bit lower. $44 for a 90-min tour is not exactly cheap.
Review provided by Viator
Nola_h
Oct 9, 2024
Beautiful architecture - The guide was very knowledgeable. She spoke very fast and half of what she said I could not follow. I ask some folks around me and they could not follow all.
Review provided by Viator
Shashikantj_a
Oct 9, 2024
No proper details on... - No proper details on where to meet and boat company details. My parents missed the boat. Moreover there was no one to assist from viator at the spot.
Review provided by Viator
