Duration
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
Guided tour
Do more than just a standard Chicago River cruise, & sail onto Lake Michigan for a comprehensive exploration of Chicago's skyline.
4.6/5
(31)
Connie
Briseyda
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Enjoy a 90-min guided boat tour on the Chicago River and one of the five Great Lakes, Lake Michigan, with skip-the-line entry.
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Take in the city’s famous skyline and architectural icons from both the river and lake while relaxing indoors or on open-air decks.
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Learn how Chicago’s skyline came to life with engaging narration as you cruise past historic buildings and modern skyscrapers.
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This extended cruise offers more than standard river tours, covering additional landmarks and panoramic lakefront city views.
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Perfect for first-time visitors, architecture buffs, and photography enthusiasts looking to explore Chicago from a different perspective."
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90-min architecture cruise
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Boat cruise on Chicago River & Lake Michigan
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English-speaking tour guide
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- Food and drinks (Available for purchase on board)
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
How do we collect reviews?
Christina
Aug, 2025Verified booking
Everything was smooth and easy. Enjoyed it very much!!!
Kathleen
Jul, 2025Verified booking
Hearing about the building and their history was very interesting. Tour guide was very knowledgeable.
Lissa
Sep, 2025Verified booking
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Fantastic 90-Min Architecture Cruise — Jack Made It Unforgettable! This cruise was the highlight of our Chicago trip! Jack, our tour guide, was absolutely amazing—his deep knowledge of the city’s architecture, history, and culture made every minute fascinating. He didn’t just recite facts; he shared personal stories and anecdotes from past tours that added a warm, human touch to the experience. You could tell he genuinely loves what he does, and it made all the difference. A special shoutout to our boat captain as well, who skillfully navigated a tricky lock situation with calm and precision. It was impressive to watch and added a little adventure to the ride! The views from both the river and Lake Michigan were stunning, and the entire experience was smooth, informative, and thoroughly enjoyable. Highly recommended for locals and visitors alike!
Connie
Sep, 2025Verified booking
We had such a wonderful time on the Chicago River architecture Cruise experiencing the city from the water, gave us a whole new perspective, and the views were absolutely stunning. The guide was knowledgeable, engaging, and made the history of the building's came to life with fun facts and stories. It was a perfect outing for family and friends, relaxing, scenic, and full of wow moments as we cruise past Chicago's iconic skyline. The boat was comfortable, clean and easy to move around for taking photos. Everyone in our group from kids to adults really enjoyed it. I'd highly recommend this Cruise to anyone visiting Chicago or even locals who want to see their city in a new light. It's a must do experience.Briseyda
Jul, 2025Verified booking
The architectural tour is one of my favorite tours ever. The tour guide, Snacks, really made this tour extra enjoyable! He was so knowledgable and entertaining, kept the tour alive and amazing.
Experience Chicago’s iconic skyline
The 90-min Chicago River and Lake Michigan Architecture Cruise offers a unique dual-perspective journey, showcasing the city's most renowned skyscrapers and historic buildings from both the river and the lake. Unlike standard river tours, this extended cruise includes a stretch onto Lake Michigan, delivering panoramic views of the entire skyline and allowing for exceptional photo opportunities. Navigate through the heart of Chicago via the Chicago River, passing beneath iconic bridges and right alongside legendary structures like the Wrigley Building and Willis Tower.
Expert-led architectural insights
Knowledgeable guides provide engaging commentary throughout the cruise, offering fascinating stories and historical context behind Chicago’s architectural evolution—from early 20th-century landmarks to cutting-edge modern designs. This cruise is an ideal introduction to the city’s rich design heritage and urban beauty, blending sightseeing with educational value in a relaxed, scenic setting.
What's not allowed
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Alcohol, weapons of any kind, flammables, and explosives are not allowed on this experience.
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Smoking cigarettes (including e-cigarettes) is prohibited on board.
Accessibility
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This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
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Your guide dogs are welcome on board the boat.
Additional information
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The Captain may adjust the tour route as needed to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers.
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Safety comes first. All bags are subject to inspection.
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The crew reserves the right to deny entry to anyone who appears intoxicated, impaired, or may pose a safety risk.
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Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
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Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.
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Please arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.
Meeting point
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Meet your guide at Wendella Tours & Cruises.
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Address: 400 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States.
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Landmark: The dock is located at the northwest corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge (now called the DuSable Bridge), at the base of the Wrigley Building on the Chicago River.
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