Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour

4.7 (2,465 reviews) 1 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

2,465 reviews

4.7

This tour cruises the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

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

About this activity

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!

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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: All taxes, fees and handling charges
Included: Outdoor and Indoor climate-controlled seating option
Included: Local Expert Guide
Included: On-board restrooms: Restroom on board

Not included

Not included: Alcoholic drinks, non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks available for purchase on board
Not included: Storage

Itinerary

Chicago River

45 min

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.
Lake Michigan

45 min

Your tour travels along Lake Michigan and explores Chicago's beautiful skyline.
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.
Marina City

Passing by

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

Passing by

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

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.)