Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour
Description
Marvel at the magnificent architecture on the Chicago River with expert tour guides! All ages welcome. Each architecture river tour is narrated by a professional guide which leads passengers down the Chicago River to discover the city’s most renowned landmarks. In addition to historical insight on well known structures such as the Civic Opera House, Trump Tower & the Merchandise Mart, passengers will also get a chance to learn about current and upcoming developments. This Chicago River Cruise is the only cruise that navigates the three primary branches of the river including the main branch to Navy Pier, the north branch to Goose Island, and the south branch to Chinatown. It is also the cruise closest to Skydeck, has the least expensive parking, and is great for those coming from the suburbs due to its location off Interstate 290.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Located in the center of the Magnificent Mile, and steps from the Michigan Avenue Bridge, The Wrigley Building has been a hallmark of Chicago’s skyline since 1920. Designed as the headquarters for the successful chewing gum, the building was modeled after the Seville Cathedral’s Giralda Tower in Spain. Today, it is still home to Wm Wrigley Jr. Company, and is perhaps best known for its dazzling white towers that illuminate the city at night.
Willis Tower is the heart of downtown Chicago and the future of work and play. The 110-story building is one of the tallest buildings in the world and the second tallest building in Chicago, making it impossible to miss when appreciating the city’s skyline.
Aqua Tower is an 82-story mixed-use residential skyscraper in the Lakeshore East development in downtown Chicago, Illinois.
The Chinatown neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois is on the South Side and is an example of an American Chinatown, or ethnic-Chinese neighborhood.
Chicago's Merchandise Mart is an iconic building housing top home showrooms and plenty of office space.
Drawing crowds for over 100 years, the Navy Pier is a must-see on any visit to Chicago.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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
- Each guest needs a ticket including children & infants
- 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
- Please take note that parking is about $12.00 - $15.00.
Reviews(1,858)
The Guide was fantastic. Very knowledgeable and able to keep the attention of her audience. I would definitely go again.
This was unfortunately the worst boat tour experience I’ve had. I went with a friend who was visiting Chicago for the first time, and I was really hoping she would enjoy the experience. My issue was not with the company or the boat itself, but specifically with our host, Hilary. Throughout the tour, she came across as rude, and passive-aggressive. She was not very welcoming or friendly, and at times it felt like she made it difficult for people to simply relax and enjoy the tour. I have personally done similar tours in Chicago with other companies and have had amazing experiences with hosts who were friendly, engaging, and made the tour enjoyable. Unfortunately, that was not the case this time. I’m disappointed because this could have been a great experience, especially for someone visiting Chicago for the first time.
We really enjoyed the cruise, our guide Hillary was amazing, she shared so much information.,
We really enjoyed our tour. Heath was our tour guide and he was very informative not to mention funny! My husband and grown kids were the ones who wanted to do the tour and all I kept thinking was, oh god I really have to listen to them talk about the buildings for over an hour. Little did I know, it was all very interesting and enjoyable! The cost was not bad at all, I paid around $135 for 5 people, can’t beat that!
Heath was great - he shared a wealth of information. The crew was great as well. The weather corporated which was nice.
it was our first visiting Chicago most visitors consider it the top attraction in Chicago because it combines skyline views, history, and expert narration and it was on point!
Interesting, good overview to get to know the city, guide was very helpful………………………………………………………………..
Bring sunscreen or wear a hat! Tour guide was informative and funny! Definitely recommend for newcomers and repeat visitors!
The sun came out for our afternoon cruise. And our tour guide, Heath, has done over 1500 tours so he was very knowledgeable about all the buildings about the history about the river. It was really a great time all the way around..
Wow, even the two teenagers loved it! Scenic, informative, and fun with our excellent tour guide, Hillary. A must see in Chicago. The 90 minutes goes by quickly. Very inexpensive especially with Groupon. Be sure the date you want is available before you buy on Groupon. And follow all the directions carefully. Arrive early to get good seats. It was about a 20 minute walk from Union Station.
