Sightseeing Cruises

90-min Chicago River and Lake Michigan Architecture Cruise by Wendella

Chicago River cruise boat with city skyline, part of 90 Min Chicago River and Lake Michigan Architecture Cruise.

Chicago River with skyline view, featuring modern skyscrapers on a 45min architecture cruise.

Chicago skyline with Willis Tower viewed from the river, featuring a raised railway bridge.

Chicago skyline with boats on the river during architecture cruise.

Duration

1 hr 30 min

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

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

Guided tour

90-min architecture cruise

Boat cruise on the Chicago River & Lake Michigan

English-speaking tour guide

Food and beverages (available for purchase onboard)

TOTAL DURATION90 minutes
FREQUENCYOnce per day
1 Boarding point
Wendella's Michigan Avenue Docks
Get direction
Sights covered
Chicago Harbor Lock
Navy Pier
Oak Street Beach
Chicago Lighthouse
Museum Campus
Buckingham Fountain

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

62 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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Guests from United Kingdom, France, Germany and over 8 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Kelly H
Couple
Verified booking
4 days ago
Our tour guide knew so mich about the city and the history surrounding it! Never boring! Our first trip here and can't wait to come back.
Javier A
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
Amazing and a very dedicated staff
Tyler P
Couple
Verified booking
Oct 2025
Such a great trip and vantage point of the city. We stood at the back of the boat on the bottom deck and had unobstructed views the entire time!
Suryanarayana M
Group
Verified booking
Oct 2025
I absolutely loved my experience on the Wendella Chicago River Architecture Cruise! The tour was both relaxing and educational, offering an incredible perspective of Chicago’s iconic skyline and its rich architectural history. Cruising through the river gave me a completely different appreciation of the city’s design — from the classic art deco buildings to the stunning modern skyscrapers. What I enjoyed the most was seeing the downtown view open up as we entered Lake Michigan — the panoramic view from the water was breathtaking. The guide was knowledgeable and engaging, making the entire journey both fun and insightful. A truly memorable Chicago experience!
Traci U
Solo
Verified booking
Oct 2025
The tour guide was exceptional - highly knowledgeable, very engaging, and personable for the entire 90 minutes. I wasn't expecting to laugh as much as I did - but he kept the mood light throughout! We did the River/Lake Michigan tour and the additional history and geographical context that was shared was a highlight for me! Highly recommend the 90 minute tour!

What's not allowed

Alcohol, weapons of any kind, flammables, and explosives are not allowed on this experience.

Smoking cigarettes (including e-cigarettes) is prohibited on board.

Accessibility

This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.

Your guide dogs are welcome on board the boat.

Additional information

The Captain may adjust the tour route as needed to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers.

Safety comes first. All bags are subject to inspection.

The crew reserves the right to deny entry to anyone who appears intoxicated, impaired, or may pose a safety risk.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

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

Please arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

Meeting point

Meet your guide at Wendella Tours & Cruises.

Address: 400 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States.

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.

Get directions to the meeting point