Recently Viewed
Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour
4.9
1,263 Ratings
Chicago
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:
1 day
learn more
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 Spain. Today, it remains the home of the Wm Wrigley Jr. Company and is renowned for its brilliant white towers that light up the city at night.
- Willis Tower - Willis Tower stands at the core of downtown Chicago, representing the future of work and leisure. With 110 stories, it is one of the tallest buildings globally and the second tallest in Chicago, making it a standout feature of the city’s skyline.
- Aqua Tower - Aqua Tower is an 82-story mixed-use residential skyscraper located in the Lakeshore East development in downtown Chicago, Illinois.
- Chicago Chinatown - The Chinatown neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois, situated on the South Side, exemplifies an American Chinatown or ethnic-Chinese community.
- Merchandise Mart - Chicago’s Merchandise Mart is a landmark building that hosts premier home showrooms and ample office space.
- Navy Pier - Attracting visitors for over a century, Navy Pier is a must-visit destination on any trip to Chicago.
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, Trump Tower & the Merchandise Mart, passengers will also get a chance to learn about current and upcoming developments. This Chicago River Cruise is the only cruise that navigates the three primary branches of the river including the main branch to Navy Pier, the north branch to Goose Island, and the south branch to Chinatown. It is also the cruise closest to Skydeck, has the least expensive parking, and is great for those coming from the suburbs due to its location off Interstate 290.
- Tour times cannot be changed
- Cruises are on rain or shine
- Minimum drinking age is 21 years
- Please arrive 30 min before your cruise time
- Seating is first come first serve. If you have a large group, arrive early
- Child Ticket (3 and under) is for free but needs a registered ticket
- Youth Tickets available on our main ticketing page
- Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
- Vessel has full bar and restroom
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
(1263 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Chicalee
Aug 8, 2024
Awesome tour in Chicago - It was a great night cruise. Absolutely loved it. Second time doing this cruise. Highly recommended. Check Groupon for deals!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pammangum
Aug 8, 2024
Great a guide and Captain Joe! - The information was detailed and interesting on the buildings and architectural features. I found myself, afterwards seeing the buildings with new eyes and a wealth of knowledge. The guide we had was also a teacher and he was very knowledgeable and a great speaker.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Scott_b
Aug 8, 2024
Must experience no matter where you’re from…locals definitely included. - Great guide. Stunningly knowledgeable. The most information-packed 90 minutes I have ever experienced. I see Chicago in a whole new light.
Review provided by Viator
M6022ilstephaniem
Aug 6, 2024
I didn't give a f*** about architecture before this tour! - I'm going to be honest. I didn't give a f*** about architecture before this tour but everyone recommended going on this boat tour and I'm sad I didn't do it sooner. If you ever visit Chicago, this is the BEST architecture boat tour! Hillary, our tour guide, helped me see the beauty, magic, and artistry of the buildings surrounding us. Chicago's rich history makes this the perfect, first stop on your trip here. Book early because spots fill up fast. 10/10! I can't wait to go again and experience the awe all over again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Camille_o
Aug 6, 2024
Memorable - Excellent & knowledgeable tour guide. Learned a lot about the architectures designs & reason for different types of buildings.
Review provided by Viator
Alma_b
Aug 6, 2024
Had a great time, knowledge and experience! - It’s a great experience! Had the tour with my family from Canada. Thank you. The Captain and staff were good snd nice!
Review provided by Viator
Njokim778
Aug 5, 2024
BOOK NOW!! - This was such a great tour!! Hillary is the BEST!! She was fun and very knowledgeable... She knew her stuff.
HIGHLY recommend!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Regore
Aug 5, 2024
Fantastic Chicago River Architecure Boat Tour - Amazing tour. The guide did excellent job of describing the different buildings and insight of the area. It was a tour to remember and most likely to do again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tiara_q
Aug 4, 2024
A “must do” when visiting Chicago! - Dave is Dave!!! 😅
Great job in explaining everything. Very knowledgeable of Chicago’s History!
Did not feel like 90mins at all! Great for people on vacation or staycation!
Review provided by Viator
A4029ijjp
Aug 8, 2024
Too far from the main destination - I purchased a Groupon for this boat tour. Overall, it was great but I really didn’t save a lot of money because it was really far from Michigan Ave. Needed to pay again to the site. It was a little bit complicated to get to the departure.
Review provided by Tripadvisor