Chicago River Architecture and History-Private Boat Tour

Embark on a private boat tour in Chicago to explore its architectural marvels and uncover its fascinating history. Discover iconic landmarks and hidden gems with a local guide!

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • The Chicago Theatre - This is where your tour begins - underneath the iconic neon sign made famous in both movies and musicals! Here, you’ll meet your tour guide and then set off through bustling downtown Chicago.
What's Included
  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Explore the Chicago Loop by foot and pass by its architectural marvels
  • Private Boat Transportation
  • Hear the history of the Chicago River and how it has shaped the city’s identity
  • See top Chicago attractions like Willis Tower and Union Station
  • Get to know the history of Chicago’s growth from pre-settlement to current day
What's Not Included
  • Food and drink
  • Gratuities for the guide
  • Souvenirs
Additional Information

Embark on a private boat tour of Chicago, with a local resident who will reveal the enticing background stories and architectural wonders of the city as you voyage!

Prior to embarking, enjoy a brief stroll through the lively Chicago Loop area, where you’ll encounter treasures like the grandiose Marshall Field structure, the stunning stained-glass-domed Cultural Center, and the iconic marquee-lit Chicago Theatre.

Upon reaching the dock, you’ll enter your exclusive boat and launch an adventure down the Chicago River. As the cityscape unfolds, your guide will introduce you to the intriguing landmarks speckling the skyline. Marvel at the towering Willis Tower, once the tallest structure in the world, see the famed Union Station, a frequent setting in cinema, and witness an imposing Art Deco edifice that previously claimed a unique zip code!

You’ll also experience Wolf Point’s historical significance, initially a Native American settlement then the site of some of Chicago’s pioneering commercial edifices. Following the tour, you may wish to revisit these landmarks for a more leisurely, up-close exploration!

Location
The Chicago Theatre
North State Street
In front of the theatre under the marquee
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(28 Ratings)
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Ellece0
Aug 8, 2024
GREAT Tour - Chicago Dave was GREAT! So knowledgeable and fun! Even my young children had a good time. It was BYOB. It was my favorite tour that I’ve ever been on.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Scottfo7698mq
Aug 7, 2024
Best tour guide in Chicago!!!! - Chicago Dave was incredibly friendly knowledgeable, possibly one of the best boat tourist I’ve taken!!! I would recommend him highly!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lbarcs
Aug 6, 2024
Don’t miss this!! - Best experience with my family!! Chicago Dave was the perfect host. He was kind, accommodating, knowledgeable, and funny. Everyone keeps talking about it being the best thing we’ve done in Chicago!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Companion13981536075
Aug 6, 2024
Captain Dave delivers! - Captain Dave was great! He did everything he could to personalize our experience. It definitely made a big difference!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Thewelltraveledkids
Aug 2, 2024
Chicag Dave is the BEST Chicago tour guide! - Chicago Dave is simply the BEST! He created a custom food tour by boat for my group and it was terrific! Highly recommend!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shannon
Aug 1, 2024
Chicago unique food tour - Dave was fun, energetic and adapted well to whatever our group needed. We had a wonderful food tour. Highly recommend the experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
696hayleyf
Aug 1, 2024
Dave is the best! - Chicago food + Chicago architecture + rose = amazing experience. Captain Dave customized the trip for us, and brought so much warmth and charisma to our tour. Could not have asked for a better experience. Would recommend for any friend group, business group or family. Amazing!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jennifer_d
Jul 28, 2024
Lovely tour - Excellent tour by Chicago Dave! He is personable, reliable and knowledgeable. We will book him again.
Review provided by Viator
Ambassador289360
Jul 1, 2024
Best Chicago Tour - Dave is amazing! He was kind and knowledgeable— he knew the history of the city and clearly has a passion for sharing his hometown. By far my favorite way to see Chicago!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cbtooley85
Jun 28, 2024
Best of the Bunch! - We wanted a private tour because a few of us have hearing issues and would not be able to easily hear on the larger boats. We were so happy that we decided to do this, because we passed many, many larger boat tours on the river and they seem to be all sharing from the same script. Our boat trip was personalized for us, and not just a scripted tour. It was informative and fun! Dave is a GREAT tour guide!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 11 guests
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September 2024
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