Chicago River Architecture Tour: 130-Year Design Legacy
4.7
5,161 Ratings
Chicago
Discover the captivating, visual art of Chicago's legendary architecture on a comprehensive 90-minute tour of the Chicago River. Be inspired by the 130-year design legacy and learn why it's important today.
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Wendella - Vessels depart from Wendella’s docks at the northwest corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge (DuSable Bridge), at the foot of the Wrigley Building.
What's Included
- Choice of indoor or outdoor seating
- Climate-controlled indoor environment
- Professionally narrated tours
What's Not Included
- Drinks and snacks available for purchase on-board the vessel.
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Be fascinated by Chicago’s iconic architecture, a magnificent example of visual art and the remarkable architects behind this dynamic and ever-evolving treasure. On this extensive 90-minute tour, you’ll voyage through the city’s core covering all three branches of the Chicago River. Your professionally trained architectural tour guide will narrate more than a century’s worth of innovative designs, stylistic approaches, and techniques, explaining their relevance today. The Chicago River Architecture Tour offers the most genuine and comprehensive experience you can find in the 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
- Maps are available with highlights in simplified Chinese. They can picked up per request at the ticket window.
- 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.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(5161 Ratings)
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Jesica_r
Apr 1, 2024
You will learn a lot about Chicago and will enjoy the great safe ride. - Tour was long enough, tour guide was very knowledgeable. We had a great time although it was a very cold day.
Review provided by Viator
Laura_e
Apr 1, 2024
Awesome - Even though it was cold, our host and tour was excellent! Highly recommend! This is great for out of town travelers who would love to learn more about Chicago architecture.
Review provided by Viator
Douglas_e
Mar 31, 2024
Phenomenal - The guide was exceptional and the cruise was phenomenal. The amount of information and the variety of architectural types was well worth the price and time.
Review provided by Viator
Constance_b
Mar 31, 2024
Open hidden secrets - History of the building and Guild knowledge. Great information. I’m looking forward to taking the tour again in the near future.
Review provided by Viator
Gloriane_n
Mar 31, 2024
Lovely experience seeing the sights. - Our guide (silver hair) was fantastic. I learned a lot. I am so glad we did this tour. Even my 18 y.o. liked it.
Review provided by Viator
Amylouise_b
Mar 31, 2024
Very interesting and enjoyable - Jack, the tour guide, was absolutely amazing. He really made the trip. He was so funny and engaging and we actually learnt things!
The architecture is really interesting to see and definitely worth the trip.
Review provided by Viator
Megrkat
Mar 31, 2024
Must See - Beautiful and scenic trip! Our guide was knowledgeable and funny. He interacted with the riders. Would highly suggest going. You will learn a lot about Chicago’s history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Donnaht6259ko
Mar 30, 2024
St Patricks weekend extravaganza!!! - This tour was the best. I have been on 2 previous architectural tours and this one was the best. Our guide was very seasoned and knowledgeable! Also loved the location of where we got on the boat😩
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jon_b
Mar 30, 2024
Wonderful, Warm, Engaging Tour on a Cool Day - Our tour guide was incredible. He was knowledgeable beyond expectation, both kind and professional (which is no easy feat). This was the highlight of our Spring Break in Chicago. Thank you.
Review provided by Viator
Maria
Mar 30, 2024
Great tour guide - The tour guide was very knowledgeable and funny and kept us entertained throughout the tour. I would say the 45 minute tour would maybe be long enough as it was a bit too long for me.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
