Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour

4.8 (1,956 reviews) 1 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

1,956 reviews

4.8

Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

Day Cruises Night Cruises Sunset Cruises Architecture Tours City Tours Likely to Sell Out Seasonal Sightseeing Cruises

At a glance

Duration: 1 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 150 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Tours and Boats

Ages: Adults (0–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Fully enclosed interior with air conditioning, seats, & windows
Included: Outside seating available (seating is first come first serve basis)
Included: On-board restrooms: Restroom on board
Included: Guided architecture cruise of the historic Chicago River

Not included

Not included: Full bar & snacks (available for purchase)
Not included: Gratuities
Not included: $12 to $15 discounted parking lot connected to marina

Itinerary

Wrigley Building

Passing by

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.
Stop 2

Passing by

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

Passing by

Aqua Tower is an 82-story mixed-use residential skyscraper in the Lakeshore East development in downtown Chicago, Illinois.
Chicago Chinatown

Passing by

The Chinatown neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois is on the South Side and is an example of an American Chinatown, or ethnic-Chinese neighborhood.
Merchandise Mart

Passing by

Chicago's Merchandise Mart is an iconic building housing top home showrooms and plenty of office space.
Navy Pier

Passing by

Drawing crowds for over 100 years, the Navy Pier is a must-see on any visit to Chicago.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Registration takes place in the parking lot connected to the marina.

Please note that parking typically costs between $12.00-$15.00. For more details on directions and parking.

End point

Registration takes place in the parking lot connected to the marina.

Please note that parking typically costs between $12.00-$15.00. For more details on directions and parking.

Using your ticket

Cruises are on rain or shine.

All tours are non-refundable and non-transferable.

We will always send an e-mail if there are any changes to your booked tour. Please do not call/text to inquire if a cruise will be cancelled. Always assume the cruise is going on unless you get a cancellation e-mail from us.

Ticketed Passengers MUST be boarded 10 min before departure time! Standby boarding starts 10 min before the departure time. Late ticketed passengers will be placed at the end of the standby line. There are no refunds or if you miss the boarding time indicated above.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

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.