Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour
Description
An authentic Chicago tradition since 1935, this is the tour that started it all. This unique excursion tells the story of more than 200 years of fascinating social, cultural and political history, and explores more than a century of groundbreaking architecture. The journey begins with an up-close perspective of Chicago's internationally-known architecture as seen from the Chicago River. Then venture through the Chicago Lock on to the calm, cool waters of Lake Michigan for expansive views of Chicago's extraordinary 26-mile skyline. Take the selfie of a lifetime on this inspirational experience!
Tour Options
Itinerary
Lake and River Architecture Tours begin at Michigan Avenue and explore Chicago's amazing architecture along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. All tours are narrated by professional tour guides.
Your tour travels along Lake Michigan and explores Chicago's beautiful skyline.
Dedicated in 1989 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, known for reversing the flow of the Chicago River in 1900. For the first five minutes of every hour, the fountain shoots a water arc across the river from a tiered waterfall.
The largest commercial building in the world.
Pass by these iconic mixed-use apartment buildings - "a city within a city" with their unique corn-cob exterior.
Michigan Avenue is home of the Chicago Water Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and the shopping on the Magnificent Mile.
This white, terra-cotta landmark was built in 1922 as headquarters for the Wrigley chewing gum company.
An open, pedestrian waterfront called the city's 'Second Lakefront.'
Second-largest opera auditorium in North America, with an Art Deco interior
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Weapons prohibited by US Coast Guard
- Outside alcohol is prohibited
- All bags are 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
Reviews(2,350)
Wonderful way to see Chicago and learn so much about the city and the buildings . Jim the tour guide was so knowledgeable and humorous. He also gave us time to just enjoy the view !! We had a little confusion with family meeting us …. Because there are two places to board boats and they had to do a lot of stairs after going to the wrong boat.! Luckily they were able to get over to the right area in time to meet us !
Highly recommend this tour! Our guide Kenny was excellent! Kept things interesting and fun. Will tell anyone I know that’s headed to Chicago this is a “must do” event 😁
Great views and history regarding the architecture of Chicago. Got to go out on the lake and see the river.
This is a super informative tour made highly entertaining by John! He was hilarious and at the same time very knowledgeable. This tour included a time on Lake Michigan which included some spectacular views of the city skyline. Then on the river with all the architecture - overall great tour!
Very family friendly. Wheelchair accessible. Our family had a good time. Lots of great information shared.
Our narrator Kenny was AMAZING! Very knowledgeable of the architecture and other fun Chicago trivia. Kept us all engaged and laughing. One of the best tour guides we have ever had!
This tour is very interesting and enjoyable. The guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining.
The tour guide was knowledgeable and engaged with the tour, crew was kind and the ship was clean, I highly recommend this tour
Kenny was a great tour guide! Every time we do the Wendell’s tour we learn new things! The weather was perfect and our friend visiting for the first time loved it! A must tour when in Chicago. Definitely do the River and Lake tour!
This is the best way to see all the different architecture in Chicago. You will learn so much about the city & architecture.
