Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour
Description
Be inspired by the captivating, visual art that is Chicago’s legendary architecture, and the exceptional architects who created this ever-changing, dynamic legacy for all to enjoy and admire. This comprehensive 90 minute tour will navigate through the heart of the city on all three branches of the Chicago River while your professionally-trained architectural guide tells the story of more than 130 years of innovation in design, style and technique and why it is important today. The Chicago River Architecture Tour is the most authentic and encompassing Chicago experience the city has to offer.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Vessels depart from Wendella's docks at the northwest corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge (DuSable Bridge), at the foot of the Wrigley Building.
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.
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
Pass by these iconic mixed-use apartment buildings - "a city within a city" with their unique corn-cob exterior.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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
Reviews(10,690)
Our tour guide, Alex, was PHENOMENAL. Our group was diverse in age ranging from seniors to elementary school. Everyone had a great time and my kids thought Alex was hilarious. Staff were all very kind!
Nice tour, great narrator. We enjoyed this very much, especially if you take it close to sunset, the views are great
Wendell’s River Boat cruise boat crews were so unprofessional. So different from City Shoreline Boat Crews. Very disappointed.
Informative, interesting and entertaining. If you have the time it’s worth your while. Easy to bored and the staff are helpful.
It was pouring rain when we arrived for our excursion. The ticket office was incredibly helpful and helped us change to a later tour the same day. Our tour guide was Alex and he was hands-down one of the best tour guides I have ever experienced on any excursion and definitely on the Chicago river tours. When you schedule your trip, I believe you can call and request Alex and if they need to reschedule you for a different tour that day that may be a possibility. The weather was perfect, the cocktails were delicious and we have incredible memories. The only thing I would suggest is that the tour guides have an option for collecting tips other than cash as we had no cash with us.
When you’re looking to find the meet up spot just make sure you’re looking for the big sign. Other than that, it was perfect!
The tour was pretty decent, ours was on a very sunny day but they do not even offer a free water bottle. Everything on board is ridiculously priced. Also the 90mins felt too long, went to uninteresting areas which could be easily skipped. You have to get there atleast 30mins before if you want a seat on the open top deck.
This was the best experience. One complaint. Its not accessible for disabilities or handicap. Not sure why that has not been considered.
Good information and interesting. Guide very personable. Enjoyable 90 minutes. Speaker in food area was not working though.
Would highly recommend this boat trip. Our guide (I think it was Coleen) was really knowledgeable and made the trip really enjoyable. Definitely put this on you list to do.
