Sightseeing Cruises

75-min Chicago River Architecture Cruise

Name: 75-min Chicago River Architecture Cruise
Start: 2025-09-11T19:30:00
End: 2025-09-11T20:45:00
Location: Chicago

Tour guide speaking on a Chicago River Architecture Cruise with skyscrapers in the background.

Tour boat cruising on the Chicago River with city skyline and bridge in the background.

Cruise boat on Chicago River with city skyscrapers and Wrigley Building in view.

Cruise boat on Chicago River with city skyscrapers in the background.

Duration

1 hr - 1 hr 15 min

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Embark on a 75-min cruise along the Chicago River, witnessing over 40 iconic landmarks while delving into the city's architectural history with a guide.

4.3/5

(89)

Sasha

Sep 2025

Verified booking

5/5

Our experience was amazing. This was our second architectural river cruise since coming to regularly since 2004 - so glad we did the "updated" version! We chose the sunset cruise this time. Our docent was so entertaining and informative, the ties to art and history were fascinating. We did have an issue with a family seated directly in front of us, using selfie sticks with extremely bright light attachments to the point that it was difficult to see at times. We (and other passengers) dealt with it and certainly don't blame the staff, but an announcement regarding lighting on the sunset cruise might be of help! Otherwise most passengers were very respectful and polite. 10/10 would recommend this event!

Jonathan

Jul 2025

Verified booking

5/5

It was bad that I could receive my tickets only through the app, which did not work for me (always just went back to my home screen whenever I tapped it), but it was good that attendant at meeting point was able to print my ticket, and also that she volunteered to give me an earlier time, which was especially useful because it began to rain during the cruise.

Dave

Aug 2025

Verified booking

5/5

Everything was great. I most enjoyed the educational and informational part of the cruise from Mary Rose. The attempts at comedy were a little more eye-rolling for me. Over-all, great.

Set sail from Michigan Avenue dock in the heart of Chicago for an insightful 75-min architectural river cruise.

Board a vessel offering unparalleled views of over 40 landmarks including the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower and the 398-feet Wrigley Building.

The cruise features live English commentary from a knowledgeable guide, vividly depicting Chicago's architectural history and evolution.

You also have the option to embark from the Navy Pier dock, positioned at the entrance of the renowned Navy Pier boardwalk.

Did you know? The Tribune Tower has fragments of famous world structures like the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal embedded in its walls."

75-minute boat tour

Live commentary in English

Departure from Michigan Avenue

Live commentary in Spanish (As per option selected)

Departure from Navy Pier (As per option selected)

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

How do we collect reviews?
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Marcia
Aug, 2025Verified booking
5/5
It was an amazing experience. We loved it.
Teresa
Jul, 2025Verified booking
5/5
Great boat tour!! Learned so much and the beautiful city of Chicago!!
Miguel
Jun, 2025Verified booking
5/5
Few passengers, excellent tour guide (Sam?).
Sasha
Sep, 2025Verified booking
5/5
Our experience was amazing. This was our second architectural river cruise since coming to regularly since 2004 - so glad we did the "updated" version! We chose the sunset cruise this time. Our docent was so entertaining and informative, the ties to art and history were fascinating. We did have an issue with a family seated directly in front of us, using selfie sticks with extremely bright light attachments to the point that it was difficult to see at times. We (and other passengers) dealt with it and certainly don't blame the staff, but an announcement regarding lighting on the sunset cruise might be of help! Otherwise most passengers were very respectful and polite. 10/10 would recommend this event!
Bebs
Sep, 2025Verified booking
5/5
The tour gave us an amazing experience and a picturesque view of the Chicago architecture which is really awesome. Natalie the tour guide was the best! 😊

Heart of Chicago's architectural marvels

As you step off the Magnificent Mile and onto the dock, your architectural journey on the Chicago River begins. Set sail on a 75-min guided tour, offering unparalleled views of more than 40 of the city's iconic landmarks from a vantage point like no other. As you traverse all three branches of the river, your expert guide will regale you with the tales of Chicago's architectural wonders — from the Tribune Tower, housing fragments from world-famous structures like the Great Wall of China, to the Wrigley Building, which was the city's first office building to be air-conditioned.

Sailing through history

Soak in the skyline view, and watch as the city's history unfolds before your eyes. As you glide by Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), learn about its history as the world's tallest building. Pass by the East Bank Club, the old Post Office Building, and the fascinating Marina City, known for its corn-cob design and its cinematic history. The cruise culminates with a return to the dock, leaving you with a greater appreciation of why the Windy City is a beacon of modern architecture.

Accessibility

This experience is wheelchair accessible. Keep in mind, the ramps are accessible only to wheelchairs with a narrow base and not to motorized vehicles.

Additional information

Life jackets are available on board. However, they are only passed out in an emergency.

Leashed dogs are allowed on board.

Children 2 years old and under can accompany ticketed parents for free.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the boarding point.

Please arrive at the boarding point 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your cruise to avoid any delays.

Boarding point

Please check your final voucher for the boarding point details and specific instructions.