Sightseeing Cruises

Chicago River Architecture Cruise

4.8/5(645)

Joseph D

Solo

Verified booking

2 days ago

There were so many things I enjoyed about the forty-five minute architectural tour. It was an superb value, the length was just right for all the other things we wanted to do that day, super-easy to get to by public transit, and Kaye, our guide, was informative, fun, and humorous. We wanted to adopt her! I would definitely take this tour again with other vistimg guests!

Joao B

Group

Verified booking

Sep 2026

We had an absolutely wonderful experience on the 45-minute architecture boat tour in Chicago. It was one of the highlights of our visit to the city. The tour offered a fantastic and unique perspective of Chicago’s incredible skyline and allowed us to appreciate the architecture from a completely different angle. The guide was excellent, very knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging. We learned so many interesting facts about the history of the buildings, the architects who designed them, and how Chicago’s skyline has evolved over the years. The explanations were clear and entertaining, making the entire experience enjoyable from beginning to end. The boat was comfortable, the views were spectacular, and the 45 minutes passed incredibly quickly. Seeing the magnificent buildings from the river was truly unforgettable, and we took some amazing photos along the way. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Chicago. It is a great way to discover the city, learn about its remarkable architecture, and enjoy a relaxing and memorable experience on the river. Definitely worth it!

Patricia L

Family

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

We had a fabulous time! We were celebrating my 70th birthday - WOW! Kenny was very knowledgable, entertaining, and just, absoultely made the cruise fun! I learned that the Chicago River is 22ft deep and the name Chicago means "smelly onion" - LOL, LOL It is true, Chicago has incredible architecture! We would definitely recommend this cruise and we will be repeat customers next summer! The photo is of my son-in-law, daughter and son (left to right). Thank you :) patty

Lilia C

Solo

Verified booking

Sep 2026

The tour is amazing, the boat is very well equipped and our guide is the shining star who guides us during the tour, very humorous and for my first time in Chicago provided me with information that I could not be able to do alone. Next time I'm going for a longer tour

Cheyanne W

Couple

Verified booking

Sep 2026

Awesome tour , the tour guide was very knowledgeable and interesting . Chicago has alot of interesting history . I've been there several times but this was the first time I did the tour . I learned a few things this go round ;)

Andrenna H

Solo

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

My first time in Chicago and Itwas suggested to use this company for this cruise. It was an amazing cruise. It was well organized, on time, plenty of space while being educational. Would recommend!

Discover Chicago's architectural wonders on a guided cruise along the Chicago River with live commentary.

As you set sail, enjoy insights from your local guide on Chicago's architectural heritage.

Take the cruise to gain a deeper appreciation of Chicago's legacy by exploring its most famous landmarks from a unique vantage point on the river.

See over 50 landmarks, including the Wrigley Building, Chicago Riverwalk, Michigan Avenue Bridge, and Willis Tower, offering a blend of educational insights and comfort.

Choose to upgrade from a 45-min cruise to a 60-min or a 90-min cruise for a more in-depth exploration of Chicago's history.

45-minute narrated architecture boat tour along the Chicago River (as per option selected)

60-minute narrated architecture boat tour along the Chicago River (as per option selected)

90-minute narrated architecture boat tour along the Chicago River (as per option selected)

Expert English-speaking guide

Access to the upper deck for fresh air and views

Access to the climate-controlled lower deck lounge

Full-service bar onboard (available for purchase with a valid ID)

Food and beverages (available for purchase at the bar)

Parking fees

Refunds or transfers after the scheduled departure time

Gratuities

TOTAL DURATION45 minutes
1 Boarding point
Wendella's Michigan Avenue Docks
Get direction
Sights covered
London Guarantee Building
Carbide and Carbon Building
Crain Communications Building
35 East Wacker
Leo Burnett Building
77 West Wacker
Chicago Riverwalk
LaSalle/Wacker Building
333 West Wacker
Civic Opera Building
CME Center
Willis Tower
2 North Riverside Plaza
100 N Riverside Plaza
150 N Riverside Plaza
River Point
Merchandise Mart
Reid-Murdoch Center
Marina City
AMA Plaza
Trump International Hotel & Tower
Wrigley Building
Tribune Tower
NBC Tower
Centennial Fountain
Lake Point Tower
TOTAL DURATION1 hour 15 minutes
MODE OF TRANSFERBoat
2 Boarding points
Michigan Avenue
Get direction
Navy Pier
Get direction
Sights covered
Tribune Tower
Lake Point Tower
Centennial Fountain
NBC Tower
Wrigley Building
Trump International Hotel & Tower
AMA Plaza
Marina City
Reid-Murdoch Center
Merchandise Mart
Wolf Point Development
River Point
333 West Wacker
Chicago Riverwalk
77 West Wacker
Leo Burnett Building
35 East Wacker
Carbide and Carbon Building
London Guarantee Building
Crain Communications Building
Aon Center
Aqua Tower
Chicago Marine Safety Station
TOTAL DURATION1 hour 30 minutes
1 Boarding point
Wendella's Michigan Avenue Docks
Get direction
Sights covered
Lake Point Tower
Centennial Fountain
NBC Tower
Tribune Tower
Wrigley Building
Trump International Hotel & Tower
AMA Plaza
Marina City
Merchandise Mart
Reid-Murdoch Center
Residences at River Bend
Kinzie Park
River Point
150 N Riverside Plaza
100 N Riverside Plaza
2 North Riverside Plaza
Old Post Office
Union Station Power House
Canal Street Railroad Bridge
River City
The Southbank
311 South Wacker
Willis Tower
Chicago Board of Trade
CME Center
Civic Opera Building
333 West Wacker
LaSalle/Wacker Building
Chicago Riverwalk
77 West Wacker
Leo Burnett Building
35 East Wacker
Carbide and Carbon Building
London Guarantee Building
Aon Center
Aqua Tower
Vista Tower
Crain Communications Building
Chicago Marine Safety Station
Goose Island
The Domain

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

645 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 Canada, Mexico, Spain and over 37 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Patricia L
Family
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
We had a fabulous time! We were celebrating my 70th birthday - WOW! Kenny was very knowledgable, entertaining, and just, absoultely made the cruise fun! I learned that the Chicago River is 22ft deep and the name Chicago means "smelly onion" - LOL, LOL It is true, Chicago has incredible architecture! We would definitely recommend this cruise and we will be repeat customers next summer! The photo is of my son-in-law, daughter and son (left to right). Thank you :) patty
Joseph D
Solo
Verified booking
2 days ago
There were so many things I enjoyed about the forty-five minute architectural tour. It was an superb value, the length was just right for all the other things we wanted to do that day, super-easy to get to by public transit, and Kaye, our guide, was informative, fun, and humorous. We wanted to adopt her! I would definitely take this tour again with other vistimg guests!
Rachel A
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
If you just want to see the beautiful architecture from the river, this cruise is great! However, I would recommend the 1.5 hour cruise if you are more interested in the history of the buildings. The 45 minute one felt very rushed with the history of the buildings and hard to keep up when you are trying to listen and capture the views with your camera.
Andrenna H
Solo
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
My first time in Chicago and Itwas suggested to use this company for this cruise. It was an amazing cruise. It was well organized, on time, plenty of space while being educational. Would recommend!
Arshdeep B
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
The guide/host on the ferry was amazing and he had a lot of knowledge about the skyscrapers. I also had a personal chat with him and it was overall a nice experience.

What to bring

Carry a valid photo ID for ticket verification.

Dress according to the weather and consider bringing sunscreen if needed.

What’s not allowed

Outside food and alcohol are not permitted onboard.

Weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited on the cruise.

Accessibility

The tour is wheelchair accessible from the West Dock.

Select boats feature an elevator between decks.

ADA-compliant restrooms are available onboard.

Additional information

All bags are subject to mandatory security screening.

Children under 4 can ride for free.

Snacks and beverages are available for purchase on board.

The tour operates rain or shine, with most boats offering climate-controlled indoor seating.

Guests should arrive 45 minutes before departure, with boarding typically starting 15 to 30 minutes prior.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

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

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.