Chicago Architecture Boat Tour: Discover Renowned Landmarks
4.9
1,071 Ratings
Chicago
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Situated in the heart of the Magnificent Mile and a short distance from Michigan Avenue Bridge, The Wrigley Building has been a notable feature of Chicago’s skyline since 1920. Originally built as the head office for the well-known chewing gum brand, its design was inspired by Seville Cathedral’s Giralda Tower in Spain. Presently, it continues to serve as the base for Wm Wrigley Jr. Company and is widely recognized for its glowing white towers that brighten the city after sunset.
- The Willis Tower, standing proudly at the center of downtown Chicago, embodies the future of professional and recreational activities. With its 110 stories, it ranks as one of the world’s tallest buildings and holds the position of the second tallest facility in Chicago, adding a distinctive feature to the city’s impressive skyline.
- The Aqua Tower, a multi-purpose residence with 82 floors forms part of the Lakeshore East project in downtown Chicago, Illinois.
- Chinatown in Chicago, Illinois, located on the South Side, is a typical representation of an American Chinatown, or ethnic-Chinese community.
- The iconic Merchandise Mart in Chicago accommodates top-ranking home showrooms as well as extensive office spaces.
- Attracting visitors for a century, the Navy Pier is an essential destination for anyone exploring Chicago.
What's Included
- Fully enclosed interior with air conditioning, seats, & windows
- Outside seating available (seating is first come first serve basis)
- 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
Be awed by the imposing structures along the Chicago River under the insightful guidance of experienced tour professionals! Visitors of all ages are welcomed.
Each architectural river cruise is expertly narrated by a seasoned guide who escorts travelers down the Chicago River, revealing the city’s most iconic landmarks. Besides historical details about famous structures such as the Civic Opera House, Trump Tower, and the Merchandise Mart, guests will also get an understanding of present and future city developments. The Chicago River Cruise traverses the three main branches of the river which include the main branch to Navy Pier, the north branch to Goose Island, and the south branch to Chinatown.
- 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
900 S Wells St
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
(1071 Ratings)
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Donnamx2761cn
Jan 31, 2024
Chicago Architecture River Tour - Was in Chicago with my daughter, who’s an architect, and her family to support her ruining the Chicago marathon. Bought tickets for the whole family and did the noon tour. It was a must do in Chicago and well worth the time and money
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lorriew2019
Nov 27, 2023
A Must Do - What an amazing trip. This tour is amazing!!! The information was incredible. The views were amazing. I would highly recommend this tour if you visit Chicago.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stellaskim
Nov 2, 2023
Not just for fans of architecture! - This was a wonderful tour, and a great way to spend 90 minutes on the Chicago waterways. Our guide was informative and funny and held everyone’s interest during the entire trip. 10/10 I would do it again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
564aamirr
Nov 2, 2023
An exciting and informative tour of the wonderful architecture of Chicago - The architecture tour was superb! Dave was a great tour guide and his enthusiasm and passion for Chicago and its history was infectious! I really enjoyed learning about all the various buildings in Chicago, their histories and the future of the city in terms of upcoming projects and developments. Would definitely recommend to any people visiting Chicago in the future!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hanif_r
Oct 30, 2023
Must Do if Visiting Chicago - Visited Chicago for the first time from Canada. Tour was awesome. The key I believe is having an enthusiastic, knowledgeable and humorous guide - which fortunately is what we had. Dave really made the tour great. The views were spectacular and the architectural overviews were really interesting. Was glad we had a lower deck to 'warm up' as it does get very cold up at the top (even for us Canadians! lol). However, if you bundle up head to toe then upper deck is great. All in all was a great trip and the Viator experience was great - from the text updates to the ease of having the Viator tickets added to our Apple wallet, to the communication provided. Two thumbs up. Hopefully this review helps other viewers as it helped me in deciding to do this excursion.
Review provided by Viator
Nataliar2029
Oct 27, 2023
Great experience!! - Great tour! It was well worth it! My family and I enjoyed the view as well as the historical facts and explanations about the buildings and areas of Chicago.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Debra_g
Oct 25, 2023
A conversation on the Chicago River - Our guide Dave was funny, knowledgeable, and articulate. I learned that architects design new buildings to have a conversation with existing structures, and I love that image and idea. The boat was comfortable and clean. Great value for the price.
Review provided by Viator
Prrios
Oct 24, 2023
Must Do while in Chicago - We did the 6:00 tour which was the "romantic" cruise since it begins at dusk and ends with all the buildings lit up beautifully. Hillary was our guide and she was very entertaining and informative. We will book with Tours and Boats when we are back in Chicago.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
159breet
Oct 24, 2023
Best tour I’ve done! - This tour was great! I’ve done so many since moving to Chicago and this by far was my favorite. Hillary was the tour guide and she’s amazing!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Roving62778304336
Oct 24, 2023
Great Way to See the City - Hillary did an amazing job talking about the beautiful architecture of Chicago. The boat ride was comfortable. We learned so much while enjoying a beautiful day on the river. I'd highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor