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.
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.
- 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…
- 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.”
- Indoor and outdoor seating available (indoor is climate controlled)
- Narrated tour on board by professionally trained tour guide
- Expert Local Guide
- On-board restrooms
- Indoor and outdoor seating available (indoor is climate controlled)
- Narrated tour on board by professionally trained tour guide
- Expert Local Guide
- On-board restrooms
- Drinks and snacks available for purchase on-board the vessel.
- Gratuities
- Drinks and snacks available for purchase on-board the vessel.
- Gratuities
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…
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
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
