Sightseeing Cruises

Lake Michigan Cruise

Chicago Harbor Lighthouse with city skyline during architecture tour.

Group enjoying a sunset cruise on Lake Michigan with Chicago lighthouse in view.

Chicago skyline at sunset with Ferris wheel on a cruise.

Tour guide speaking on Chicago Lake & River Architecture Tour with skyline in background.

Duration

45 min - 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.

Audio guide

Enhance your experience with multilingual audio guide

Meals included

Indulge in a sumptuous meal as a part of your experience

4.7/5

(85)

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!

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!

Terry M

Couple

Verified booking

Oct 2025

The view was exceptional! Wish the boat had priority boarding as an option. The boat was crowded. Overall the trip was memorable!

Amanda G

Solo

Verified booking

Oct 2025

Highly recommend this experience! Alex was superb learnt so much about this beautiful city in such a short amount of time..

Experience Chicago’s iconic skyline from the water on a Lake Michigan cruise, offering a unique vantage point and engaging narration that brings the city’s history and architecture to life.

Enjoy skip-the-line entry, onboard commentary (live or pre-recorded in English), and seasonal perks like complimentary hot chocolate on select December evening departures.

Enjoy well-rounded inclusions such as expert-guided or narrated tours, scenic cruising durations of 45 to 90 minutes, and access to onboard amenities like a full-service bar (on select cruises).

Sail past landmarks like Willis Tower, Navy Pier, Buckingham Fountain, and the Chicago Riverwalk while gaining insight into the city’s architectural legacy.

Choose between a quick 45-minute cruise from Navy Pier, a 90-minute architecture-focused river and lake tour with a live guide, or a 90-minute sunset cruise offering scenic evening views with light narration and a more relaxed ambiance.

45-minute Lake Michigan boat tour with audio guide (as per option selected)

90-minute Chicago River and Lake Michigan guided architecture cruise (as per option selected)

90-minute sunset sightseeing cruise on Lake Michigan (as per option selected)

Full-service bar onboard (available for purchase with a valid ID) (as per option selected)

Complimentary hot chocolate on select December evening cruises

Admission to other Chicago attractions

Food and beverages (except complimentary hot chocolate on select December evening cruises)

Transportation to/from departure locations

Additional personal expenses onboard

Gratuities

TOTAL DURATION45 minutes
MODE OF TRANSFERBoat
1 Boarding point
Navy Pier
Get direction
Sights covered
Hancock Building (875 North Michigan Avenue)
Chicago Lighthouse
Willis Tower
The Museum Campus
Shedd Aquarium
Adler Planetarium
Field Museum of Natural History
Centennial Wheel
Aon Center
Aqua Tower
Field Museum of Natural History
Adler Planetarium
Shedd Aquarium
Chicago Harbor Lighthouse
Lake Point Tower
Grant Park
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.

85 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, China and over 12 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
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!
Terry M
Couple
Verified booking
Oct 2025
The view was exceptional! Wish the boat had priority boarding as an option. The boat was crowded. Overall the trip was memorable!
Amanda G
Solo
Verified booking
Oct 2025
Highly recommend this experience! Alex was superb learnt so much about this beautiful city in such a short amount of time..

What to bring

Bring a credit card if you wish to buy refreshments, as the snack bar operates on a cashless (card-only) system.

What's not allowed

Bringing alcohol, weapons, flammable items, or explosives onboard is strictly prohibited.

Smoking is not allowed onboard, including the use of e-cigarettes.

Additional information

Boarding typically starts 15 to 30 minutes prior to departure.

Bags may be inspected before boarding.

For safety and comfort, the Captain may alter the route during the tour.

Entry may be refused to guests who are intoxicated, impaired, or considered a safety concern.

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.