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Chicago Architecture Tour: Discover Iconic Landmarks
4.7
2,169 Ratings
Chicago
Embark on a family-friendly Chicago River architecture tour and discover the city’s rich history and architectural heritage. Join our knowledgeable tour guides on a captivating journey through the Windy City’s iconic buildings and landmarks.
Embark on a family-friendly Chicago River architecture tour and discover the city’s rich history and architectural heritage. Join our knowledgeable tour guides on a captivating journey through the Windy City’s iconic buildings and landmarks.
Duration:
45 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Chicago River - Cruise along the main and part of the south branch.
- Chicago Riverwalk - Learn about the history of the Riverwalk.
- Michigan Avenue Bridge - Hear the history of the bridge.
- Wrigley Building - The Wrigley Building at 400 N Michigan Ave is named for one of Chicago’s most famous industrialists.
- Merchandise Mart -…
- Chicago River - Cruise along the main and part of the south branch.
- Chicago Riverwalk - Learn about the history of the Riverwalk.
- Michigan Avenue Bridge - Hear the history of the bridge.
- Wrigley Building - The Wrigley Building at 400 N Michigan Ave is named for one of Chicago’s most famous industrialists.
- Merchandise Mart - One of the largest buildings in Chicago, and the country, the Merchandise Mart is a sight to behold.
- Lyric Opera of Chicago - Learn about the Lyric Opera House, Chicago’s grand venue for live performance, business, and entertainment.
- Marina City - Pass by these iconic mixed-use apartment buildings - “a city within a city” with their unique corn-cob exterior.
What's Included
- All fees and/or taxes
- On-board restrooms
- Enclosed climate-controlled lounge/shelter from bad weather
- All fees and/or taxes
- On-board restrooms
- Enclosed climate-controlled lounge/shelter from bad weather
What's Not Included
- Alcoholic, non-alcoholic drinks & snacks available for purchase on board
- Storage
- Alcoholic, non-alcoholic drinks & snacks available for purchase on board
- Storage
Additional Information
Explore the iconic buildings of Chicago and the extraordinary architects behind these masterpieces. This family-oriented primer on Chicago’s profound history and architectural prowess includes key points from Wendella’s comprehensive architecture tours. Join us on our top-notch fleet as our genuine local tour guides reveal the wonders of our remarkable…
Explore the iconic buildings of Chicago and the extraordinary architects behind these masterpieces. This family-oriented primer on Chicago’s profound history and architectural prowess includes key points from Wendella’s comprehensive architecture tours. Join us on our top-notch fleet as our genuine local tour guides reveal the wonders of our remarkable city.
- Weapons prohibited by US Coast Guard
- Outside alcohol is prohibited
- All bags subject to search
- Arrive 30 minutes prior to your departure time
- Contact tour operator for wheelchair & ADA access
- Indoor and outdoor seating is available on a first come, first served basis
- Special requests entered at checkout cannot be guaranteed
Location
400 N Michigan Ave
North Michigan Avenue
Arrive at 400 N Michigan Avenue 30 minutes before your departure and you will be directed to your boarding dock. Please allow yourself plenty of time to arrive if driving. We do not have parking. It is recommend that you book parking in advance.
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
(2169 Ratings)
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Richard_s
Apr 29, 2025
the tour guide was very... - the tour guide was very well spoken and knowledgable about the surrounding buildings. and the boat was very clean.
Review provided by Viator
Magdalena_b
Apr 29, 2025
Entertains and knowledgeable tour - The tour guide was knowledgeable, engaging, and entertaining. I recommend this tour 10/10. I would recommend to my friends and family.
Review provided by Viator
T526iybrucec
Apr 29, 2025
Great sights, fun experience. - Great scenic tour of the river. Guides are very informative, really know their history of the city and its architecture. Lots of puns and light banter made it engaging and entertaining.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Polly_p
Apr 28, 2025
Nice intro to chicago - Get there early to get a seat on the top deck, and dress warmly. Our guide was terrific! Very knowlegdable and even recommended follow up reading.
Review provided by Viator
Lazaroluis_d
Apr 27, 2025
Excellent dining experience - Courteous -Friendly and food excellent taste and presentation …. Victor made it a great experience …
Review provided by Viator
Joyce_f
Apr 27, 2025
Good experience about browsing Chicago river view - The Chicago River 45-Minute Architecture Tour, departing from the Magnificent Mile at 400 N Michigan Avenue, offers a captivating introduction to the city's renowned architectural landscape. Operated by Wendella Tours & Cruises, this family-friendly cruise provides an engaging exploration of Chicago's iconic structures along the river.
During the 45-minute journey, passengers are treated to live commentary highlighting significant landmarks such as the Wrigley Building, Willis Tower, Merchandise Mart, and the Michigan Avenue Bridge. The tour offers both open-air top deck and sheltered bottom deck seating options, accommodating various weather conditions and personal preferences. Onboard amenities include restrooms and a climate-controlled lounge, ensuring comfort throughout the experience. Additionally, snacks and beverages are available for purchase during the cruise.
This concise yet informative tour is ideal for visitors with limited time, providing a comprehensive overview of Chicago's architectural heritage. Guests are advised to arrive 30 minutes prior to departure, as seating is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The tour's engaging narration and scenic views make it a popular choice for both tourists and locals seeking to appreciate the city's architectural marvels from a unique vantage point.
Review provided by Viator
Huida_h
Apr 26, 2025
First time in Chicago. - The tour on the boat ride was very amazing. We got to see a lot of different buildings and locations and people the culture of this area is really really good. The only downfall was the bartender kind of made a racial assumption when asked if they do shots the first thing he assumed was that we were asking for Don Julio, and that was an immediate turn off. Before you make assumptions, please ask what the customer is looking for because that was very rude and distasteful.
Review provided by Viator
Quentin_i
Apr 26, 2025
Great Experience, Go During Summer - Very informational and relaxing. I would recommend going during the summer. We went during April and it was still COLD lol
Review provided by Viator
Andrei_n
Apr 28, 2025
Not stroller/handicap friendly - Advertised as stroller friendly and it was not. They told us after checking in there are a few steps. “A few” was meaning a larger stairwell on the way down and after departing the boat there was absolutely no stroller or handicap way to exit. They told us we had to carry our stroller up a grand outdoor winding staircase. I asked again, is there really no other way for handicap or strollers? Was told no. Fortunately, the man working was extremely kind and helped my husband carry it up the stairs. To get to the elevator there was another small stairwell in the tunnel that he helped us to. Absolutely not stroller/handicap friendly.
Review provided by Viator
Jigger_a
Apr 27, 2025
Not so handicap friendly - Tour was great. The tour guide did a great job and we gave him a huge tip. The workers down the dock were helpful with our friend with the wheelchair and so were the girls working the ticket booth/stand downstairs. The top had a rude guy who was giving us crap for showing up 1 hour early for our reservation after I explained that we just wanted to know where the elevator was for our handicap wheelchair friend. Made her feel bad about being in a wheelchair and he should go kick rocks. Everyone else is having a good day except him and thought it was appropriate to take it out on a handicap woman.
Review provided by Viator
