Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour

4.7 (11,156 reviews) 1 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

11,156 reviews

4.7

Explore Chicago's legendary architecture and history. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Experience Chicago on this world famous tour. . — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

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At a glance

Duration: 1 h 30 min
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 300 people
People per booking: 1–30
Guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: Wendella Tours & Cruises

Ages: Infants (0–3 years) · Children (4–12 years) · Adults (13–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Indoor and outdoor seating available (indoor is climate controlled)
Included: Narrated tour on board by professionally trained tour guide.
Included: Expert Local Guide
Included: On-board restrooms: Restroom on board

Not included

Not included: Alcoholic beverages: Drinks and snacks available for purchase on-board the vessel.
Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Wendella

15 min

Vessels depart from Wendella's docks at the northwest corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge (DuSable Bridge), at the foot of the Wrigley Building.
Centennial Fountain And Water Arc

Passing by

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.
Merchandise Mart

Passing by

The largest commercial building in the world.
Michigan Avenue Bridge

Passing by

Michigan Avenue is home of the Chicago Water Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and the shopping on the Magnificent Mile.
Wrigley Building

Passing by

This white, terra-cotta landmark was built in 1922 as headquarters for the Wrigley chewing gum company.
Chicago Riverwalk

Passing by

An open, pedestrian waterfront called the city's 'Second Lakefront.'
Lyric Opera of Chicago

Passing by

Second-largest opera auditorium in North America, with an Art Deco interior
Marina City

Passing by

Pass by these iconic mixed-use apartment buildings - "a city within a city" with their unique corn-cob exterior.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

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.

End point

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.

Using your ticket

Your ticket will be scanned from your phone, so you do not need to exchange anything at the window. All guests need a ticket to board, including children & infants.

The closest address to most docks is 400 N Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60611 (near the Wrigley Building). From there you can check in with an employee who can direct you to your boarding area. You must arrive at least 30 minutes before the departure time to be directed to your dock.

If driving, note that Downtown Chicago traffic can be slow and congested. Please allow yourself plenty of time for traffic and parking if driving. Wendella does not have parking. We recommend that you park at InterPark Public Parking located at 430 N Rush Street, Chicago, IL 60611. Wendella guests may park for up to 8 hours at a discounted rate of $14.00 with a parking chaser coupon from our ticket office. You may also park at Trump International Hotel & Tower located at 401 N Wabash, Chicago, Il 60611. Wendella guests may park for up to 6 hours at a discounted rate of $18.00 with a parking chaser coupon from our ticket office. Parking is subject to availability and will fill up on holidays and weekends. If these lots are full, you are responsible for booking your own parking. We cannot validate parking booking in advance. If you are late due to traffic, parking, etc., you must contact us before your departure time to discuss your rescheduling options. If you arrive late, with no notice, you will not be compensated or rescheduled. Please plan accordingly.

Some docks require that you walk down many stairs to the boarding area. If you need an ADA-accessible dock, please call us at 312-337-1446 with at least 24 hours’ notice.

Seating is general admission and is based on a first-come, first-served basis.

Alcohol & weapons are prohibited. All bags are subject to search.

Tours are rarely cancelled due to weather and are only cancelled if weather conditions are unsafe (tornado warnings, extreme ice or subzero temps, etc.)

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.

Good to know

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