Chicago River Cruise: Historic Architecture Tour

Explore Chicago’s iconic architecture on a guided river tour. Discover historic landmarks, new developments, and enjoy a unique cruise experience through the city’s three river branches.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Wrigley Building - Situated in the heart of the Magnificent Mile and just steps from the Michigan Avenue Bridge, the Wrigley Building has been a prominent feature of Chicago’s skyline since 1920. Originally designed as the headquarters for the successful chewing gum company, the building was inspired by the Giralda Tower of Seville Cathedral in…
What's Included
  • Fully enclosed interior with air conditioning, seats, & windows
  • Outside seating available (first come, first serve)
  • On-board restrooms
  • Guided architecture cruise of the historic Chicago River
What's Not Included
  • Full bar & snacks (available for purchase)
  • Gratuities
  • $12 to $15 discounted parking lot connected to marina
Additional Information

Marvel at the magnificent architecture on the Chicago River with expert tour guides! All ages welcome.
Each architecture river tour is narrated by a professional guide which leads passengers down the Chicago River to discover the city’s most renowned landmarks. In addition to historical insight on well known structures such as the Civic Opera House,…

Location
Tours & Boats Architecture Tours
South Wells Street
Please enter 900 S Wells Chicago, IL 60607 to your GPS for directions to the boat dock. Go through the parking lot behind the River City condominium building. The parking lot is located across from the soccer field on 9th St and Wells.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(1361 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
815reecel
Jan 22, 2025
A Must-Do Experience - I recommend an architecture tour for any first-time Chicago traveler! My college honor society went during our business conference to Chicago and this was by far the highlight of the entire weekend! Our tour guide Dave was incredibly knowledgeable and engaging with the entire crowd. His jokes were great and the way he told the story of the city's history was rich and engaging. We were able to see everything interesting in the city and also get great recommendations for food and sight-seeing. Going right before sunset is by far the best time of day to ride; you get to see the buildings in the daylight and at night when they are all lit up! Smooth ride, and the bar at the bottom of the boat had nice staff. I would definitely go again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Benjamin_c
Dec 2, 2024
Highly Entertaining and Informative - Guide was friendly and approachable. I brought my parents and a friend on a perfect, sunny day. I would highly recommend this group for the Chicago tour (this is the second Chicago boat tour I have taken).
Review provided by Viator
931laurencep
Nov 26, 2024
A lot to look at - You get to see a lot on this tour. The tour had plenty of information and was very interesting. The speed boat used dose a quick spin along the water front after the tour. And you may get wet. Great fun going up the river to see the building from below. Quite amazed at how much British history got this far inland.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wannaleavetown
Oct 31, 2024
Amazing day out with my Besty - I was born in old town and have lived in Chicago and suburbs for over 65 years and had a wonderful, informative, and Beautiful view of the best city on earth. If you haven’t been on an architectural tour recently, you need to take this one to see all of the new buildings, there inspiration, and Beauty. Highly highly.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Yadiaz1026
Oct 28, 2024
Definitely a must to learn! - Great information and well guided tour! Weather was good, but I must say bundle up as the Windy City truly holds up to its name! Loved understanding the different types of architectural designs.
Review provided by Viator
Sue_l
Oct 28, 2024
Memorable River Tour - Book.this tour! We're not architecture people, but the guide, the river, and the evening were perfect! Book an evening tour to view the spectacular neighborhoods in lights.
Review provided by Viator
Linda_w
Oct 28, 2024
Great tour - Awesome tour and amazing guide. It was funny and I learned so so much. Would 100% recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Suzan_d
Oct 27, 2024
Must do! - Great tour! Dave was our guide and he was very knowledgeable! Great way to see Chicago from the river!
Review provided by Viator
Roving13480026787
Oct 26, 2024
Special way to see Chicago - Just back from the Summer of George boat tour w/ David as the the Docent, he was really knowledgeable and funny. We had a Great time, went @ 6 PM the Lights of the Buildings were amazing it was a great way to see Chicago. We will definitely do it again! Thanks David & Captain Joe.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stojcevic
Oct 26, 2024
Highly recommended - Highly recommended and interesting! It was very informative and the host was very funny and also very likeable!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1
Adult
February 2025
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today