Sightseeing Cruises

90-min Chicago River Architecture Cruise

Visitors on Chicago River cruise viewing city architecture.

Chicago River cruise boat passing under a bridge with city skyscrapers in the background.

Wrigley Building and Chicago River view on 90-minute architecture cruise.

Visitors on Chicago River architecture cruise viewing skyscrapers.

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

Put the focus on Chicago's architecture on this 90-minute cruise with an expert guide by your side.

4.8/5

(100)

Frank

Jul 2025

Verified booking

5/5

This was our first visit to Chicago and we were overwelmed. We chose the Rivercruise because the Chicago river floats right in the hart of Chicago and such a cruise offers a much better view at the intetesting buildings. Top it of with a proffesional narritor Alex and wr had a superb excursion. Very special was to see to clouds float in between the skycrapers. That made it all a kind of mystic. Very tecomendable to do this cruis Thanks Frank Hoffman (Netherlands)

David

Aug 2025

Verified booking

4/5

Everything was good, except it was a hassle to find where the tour began! This could be easily remedied by simply putting the address on the ticket or in the confirming email. Instead, I had to call somebody, probably from some far off foreign country, to give me the address. Really? it's not rocket science guys. If you make it a hassle to even get to the boat, people aren't gonna do it. Just sayin'.

Sandra

Aug 2025

Verified booking

5/5

everyone was super nice. I had forgotten how to get to my tickets and they were able to get a copy for me without any issue. The narration was so great as well. Really enjoyed it! Would recommend it to anyone visiting Chicago. We also had the thunderbirds practicing when we were on the cruise and the narrator handled it so well--she even enjoyed them!

Enjoy a 90-min guided architecture cruise on the Chicago River, complete with expert commentary, skip-the-line access, and onboard refreshments.

Sail through the main river and its north and south branches, taking in Chicago’s skyline from an open-air deck or a climate-controlled interior.

The tour highlights 130 years of Chicago’s architectural history as expert guides share fascinating stories behind the city's most famous and innovative buildings.

90‑min Chicago architecture cruise

Boat tour with an expert tour guide

Food and beverages (available for purchase with cash or card on the boat)

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

How do we collect reviews?
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Guests from Canada, United Kingdom, Italy and over 16 countries have loved this experience
James
Aug, 2025Verified booking
5/5
My wife and I really enjoyed the architectural boat tour. Lots of very interesting facts related to Chicago's history that most people will never have a clue about. Quite the shame as there's so much there. Tour just touched the surface I'm sure but a big eye opener for sure.
Nataliia
Aug, 2025Verified booking
5/5
The cruise was just amazing ! Despite of being late for a ticket time, I was allowed to take a next scheduled ride which was spartacular!!!!! 90 minutes of stannic views , well delivered guide support and best memories created ! Highly recommend for all!
Frank
Jul, 2025Verified booking
5/5
This was our first visit to Chicago and we were overwelmed. We chose the Rivercruise because the Chicago river floats right in the hart of Chicago and such a cruise offers a much better view at the intetesting buildings. Top it of with a proffesional narritor Alex and wr had a superb excursion. Very special was to see to clouds float in between the skycrapers. That made it all a kind of mystic. Very tecomendable to do this cruis Thanks Frank Hoffman (Netherlands)
Dominic
Aug, 2025Verified booking
4/5
Good tour ... great city......
Minsung
Aug, 2025Verified booking
5/5
Many Skyscrapers and history!!

Enjoy breathtaking views of Chicago’s iconic skyline from the unique vantage point of the Chicago River. As you cruise through the heart of the city, marvel at world-famous architectural landmarks, including the Willis Tower, Tribune Tower, and the Wrigley Building.

Expert-led architectural insights

Let the experts take over and give you fascinating insights into Chicago’s rich architectural history with engaging commentary during your cruise. Learn about the evolution of the city’s skyline, the vision behind its most famous buildings, and the significance of architectural movements that shaped modern Chicago.

Relaxing and comfortable experience

Sit back and enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Chicago River, offering a stress-free way to explore the city’s stunning architecture. With open-air and climate-controlled seating options, you can take in the sights comfortably in any weather.

What's not allowed

Keep in mind outside alcohol, weapons of any kind, flammables, and explosives are not allowed on this experience. Pack wisely!

Smoking cigarettes and e-cigarettes is not allowed on board.

Accessibility

This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.

Your guide dogs are welcome on board.

Additional information

The Captain reserves the right to adjust the tour route as needed to ensure passenger safety and comfort.

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 cruise departs and returns to Wendella's Michigan Avenue Docks, 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