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Chicago Architectural River Cruise: Award-Winning Tour
4.7
794 Ratings
Chicago
Experience the panorama on this recognized 90-minute Architectural Journey, a staggering venture through a metropolis that surpasses all anticipation!
Experience the panorama on this recognized 90-minute Architectural Journey, a staggering venture through a metropolis that surpasses all anticipation!
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Chicago - During our renowned cruise, one of our acclaimed Docents will showcase over 50 skyscrapers, bascule bridges, and historic landmarks.
- Chicago River - On the Architectural Tour, participants will discover how the Great Chicago Fire crossed a river, paving the way for pioneers of structural steel and plate glass like John Wellborn…
- Chicago - During our renowned cruise, one of our acclaimed Docents will showcase over 50 skyscrapers, bascule bridges, and historic landmarks.
- Chicago River - On the Architectural Tour, participants will discover how the Great Chicago Fire crossed a river, paving the way for pioneers of structural steel and plate glass like John Wellborn Root, William Le Baron Jenney, Louis Sullivan (Wright’s mentor), and Daniel Burnham to elevate Chicago from the fire’s ruins to new heights in under a decade. Chicago’s rise continued into the 20th century with monumental figures such as Bertrand Goldberg, Fazlur Khan, and Mies van der Rohe, leading to taller and sleeker buildings. The city has continued to soar in the 21st century with bold new structures like The Trump Tower and Aqua, designed by Jeanne Gang, a globally recognized architectural artist.
What's Included
- Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages including coffee, lemonade, and Coke products
- Live commentary on board
- Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages including coffee, lemonade, and Coke products
- Live commentary on board
What's Not Included
- Beer, wine, and cocktails (available for purchase)
- Beer, wine, and cocktails (available for purchase)
Additional Information
- Minimum drinking age is 21 years
- Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
- Minimum drinking age is 21 years
- Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
Location
465 N McClurg Ct
North McClurg Court
Address is 465 N. McClurg Court (on a hidden branch of the Chicago River called the "Ogden Slip") behind Pinstripes Cafe Please note we are not located at Navy Pier. There is street parking on Illinois. The ticket office is no more than 300 feet from the vessels.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(794 Ratings)
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Douglas_m
Sep 28, 2025
Great tour - Highly recommended! Incredibly knowledgeable guide and breathtaking views on this unforgettable tour.
Review provided by Viator
Therese_r
Sep 21, 2025
I was a lovely tour. I... - I was a lovely tour. I speaker was well informed and we could hear him well downstairs. Weather was perfect to be outside.
Review provided by Viator
Lorraine_w
Sep 14, 2025
Great trip - highly recommended - What a lovely trip.
Easy to book through Viator. Great communication. Tickets easy to access and cruise very informative.
Review provided by Viator
Bridgette_h
Sep 7, 2025
Exceptional Tour - Tyler was very informative and entertaining tour guide. I would definitely take another guided tour with him.
Review provided by Viator
Jill_m
Sep 7, 2025
Very knowledgeable. ... - Very knowledgeable. Bring a jacket. It was chilly. Loved all the details and learned a lot. Perfect amount of time.
Review provided by Viator
Michael_t
Sep 6, 2025
New Information - The tour was very informative about the history and architecture of Chicago! The changes of the Chicago river was such a surprise !
Review provided by Viator
M1580pgjordand
Sep 2, 2025
Great cruise! - Wonderful way to see downtown. Not big into architecture but seeing the buildings and hearing the history was quite entertaining. Tour is very well done. Length is perfect. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Guide was enjoyable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Beth_c
Sep 2, 2025
Our tour guide, Jim, was... - Our tour guide, Jim, was amazing & so knowledgeable about the history & architecture throughout Chicago.
Review provided by Viator
Drigo23
Sep 2, 2025
Great Chicago Architectural Tour - Awesome tour. Our tour guide was fantastic. She explained all the different types of architectural buildings along the riverwalk. Very informative. I will do it again
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Annette_c
Oct 2, 2025
A lovely boat ride with a disappointing tour! - The boat ride was lovely, the tour guide Al, was not very good. He spoke in a monotone voice and just recited information. I did this tour years ago it was fun and interactive. The tour guide was an overall disappointment, at times we were unable to hear him and he did not even pause for passing trains. I have booked any tours thru Viator and we have always been very satisfied.
Perhaps a different guide would have made the tour much more enjoyable. He reminded us of a boring college professor, you can see others on the tour were also disinterested. The man who gave the safety briefing was more engaging.
Review provided by Viator