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Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour

4.7
(6.3k Reviews)
Price From
USD 44

About the place

Be inspired by the captivating visual art that is Chicago’s legendary architecture, and the exceptional architects who created this ever-changing legacy! 🏙️ This comprehensive 90-minute tour navigates through the heart of the city on all three branches of the Chicago River. 🚤 Your professionally-trained architectural guide will share the story of more than 130 years of innovation in design, style, and technique. 🏛️ Discover why this architectural heritage is important today. 🌟 The Chicago River Architecture Tour is the most authentic and encompassing experience the city has to offer! 🎉
Location
400 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Timing
Check timings

What people are saying?

Based on the recent visits

F
Federico_M
Jan 05, 2026
5
Very nice everything is...
Very nice everything is amazing beautiful place people very kind whit my family probably be back next year
D
D8092ORleof
Jan 05, 2026
5
Love River Boat Tour!
I took my mom on the Chicago River Architecture Tour for her 74th birthday, and we both absolutely loved it. The location is perfect—right in downtown Chicago—so it’s easy to grab a bite to eat, walk around, or do some shopping before or after the tour. What really made the experience stand out was our guide, Alyssa. She was fantastic. Not only was she incredibly knowledgeable about the architecture, but she also wove in Chicago history in a way that added real depth and context. On top of that, she was genuinely funny. I even asked her if the jokes were written for her—turns out they were her own. Her sense of humor kept the tour engaging from start to finish. The boat itself was great: two levels, with an open-air upper deck offering amazing views, and a heated lower level with a small bar and snacks. I got my mom a hot chocolate, which she loved—perfect for a January tour. The overall vibe was wonderful. We met people from all over who were traveling through Chicago, and it was fun chatting and sharing the experience with them. The tour felt relaxed, social, and very picturesque. Although I’m from Chicago and wouldn’t normally do something like this, a friend of mine who’s a travel agent highly recommended it. Given how much she travels, that endorsement meant a lot—and the tour absolutely lived up to expectations. We went in January, so it was cold, but the upside was that it wasn’t crowded. My mom said she wouldn’t have minded it being busier, but I personally loved how easy it was to move around and take everything in. Great location, great host, tons of interesting information, and a memorable experience from beginning to end. I highly recommend it.

Inclusions & Exclusions

🏙️ Explore a wide range of architectural styles, from historic to contemporary, showcasing Chicago's design evolution.
📚 Learn about the city's rich history, including key events and figures that shaped its architectural landscape.
🌊 Navigate through all three branches of the Chicago River, providing unique perspectives of the city.
🖼️ Capture stunning views of iconic buildings and landmarks, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
🌟 Ideal for both architecture aficionados and casual tourists, making it an enriching experience for all.
🎉 Suitable for visitors of all ages, ensuring a fun outing for families, friends, and groups.

Itinerary

1

Wendella

Chicago, United States

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

2

Centennial Fountain And Water Arc

Chicago, United States

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.

3

Merchandise Mart

Chicago, United States

Merchandise Mart

4

Michigan Avenue Bridge

Chicago, United States

Hear the history of the bridge.

5

Wrigley Building

Chicago, United States

Taste Chicago's iconic deep dish pizza at one of our most beloved pizza restaurants, and see the first major skyscraper north of the Chicago River.

6

Chicago Riverwalk

Chicago, United States

Learn about the history of the Riverwalk.

7

Lyric Opera of Chicago

Chicago, United States

Lyric Opera

8

Marina City

Chicago, United States

Highlights include Marina City, a mixed-use residential-commercial building designed by architect Bertrand Goldberg, envisioned as an urban experiment designed to draw middle-class Chicagoans back to the city after more than a decade of suburban migration.

9

Wendella

Chicago, United States

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

10

Centennial Fountain And Water Arc

Chicago, United States

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.

11

Merchandise Mart

Chicago, United States

Merchandise Mart

12

Michigan Avenue Bridge

Chicago, United States

Hear the history of the bridge.

13

Wrigley Building

Chicago, United States

Taste Chicago's iconic deep dish pizza at one of our most beloved pizza restaurants, and see the first major skyscraper north of the Chicago River.

14

Chicago Riverwalk

Chicago, United States

Learn about the history of the Riverwalk.

15

Lyric Opera of Chicago

Chicago, United States

Lyric Opera

16

Marina City

Chicago, United States

Highlights include Marina City, a mixed-use residential-commercial building designed by architect Bertrand Goldberg, envisioned as an urban experiment designed to draw middle-class Chicagoans back to the city after more than a decade of suburban migration.

Additional Information

🚍 Public transportation options are available nearby for easy access to the tour location.
🏋️‍♂️ Suitable for participants of all physical fitness levels, making it accessible for everyone.
🔒 Weapons are prohibited as per US Coast Guard regulations for safety.
🍷 Outside alcohol is prohibited on board.
🎒 All bags are subject to search for security purposes.
⏰ Arrive 30 minutes prior to your departure time for a smooth boarding process.
🪑 Indoor and outdoor seating is available on a first come, first served basis.

Activity tags

Architecture ToursCruisesBoat toursOutdoor

Hotels near this place

400 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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From
USD 44

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