Wendella Cruises Chicago

Since 1935, family‑owned Wendella Cruises Chicago has been sharing the city’s story from the water. Depart downtown for an architecture tour along the Chicago River, a scenic Lake Michigan cruise, golden‑hour sunset sail, fireworks voyage or private charter; each boat features climate‑controlled salons, open‑air decks and expert local narration.

4.8/5

600+ travellers from around the world love this

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Chicago River cruise boat passing under DuSable Bridge with city buildings in the background.

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.

Chicago skyline along the river viewed from the 90 Min Chicago River Architecture Cruise.

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

90-min Chicago River Architecture Cruise by Wendella

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

1 hr 30 min

from

$45

Chicago River cruise boat passing under a bridge with city skyline.

Chicago River with raised lift bridges and skyline during architecture cruise.

Tour boat on Chicago River with city skyline in background during architecture cruise.

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

Chicago River with skyscrapers at sunset during architecture cruise.

Chicago River with skyscrapers and bridge at sunset during architecture cruise.

Chicago River at night with open lift bridge and illuminated skyline during architecture cruise.

45-min Chicago River Architecture Cruise by Wendella

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

45 min

from

$28

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

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

Chicago skyline with boats on the river during architecture cruise.

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

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

1 hr 30 min

from

$45

Cruise boat on Lake Michigan with Chicago skyline at sunset.

People enjoying a sunset cruise on Lake Michigan with a view of a lighthouse and Chicago skyline.

Chicago skyline at sunset viewed from Lake Michigan during a 90-minute scenic cruise.

Downtown Chicago skyscrapers at sunset with a cruise boat on Lake Michigan.

Cruise passengers view Chicago skyline at sunset on Lake Michigan.

Couple on deck enjoying Chicago skyline during 90-minute scenic sunset Lake Michigan cruise.

Group of friends enjoying wine on a Lake Michigan sunset cruise.

Chicago downtown skyline at sunset viewed from Lake Michigan.

Person photographing Chicago skyline during Lake Michigan sunset cruise.

Chicago skyline at sunset reflecting on Lake Michigan during a 90-minute scenic cruise.

90-min Scenic Sunset Lake Michigan Cruise by Wendella

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

1 hr 30 min

from

$45

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What our guests say

Sweta

United States

Jan 2026

‌

My mom is visiting Chicago for first time and taking her to the cruise and showing her the city was one of thing on my bucket list.

45-min Chicago River Architecture Cruise by Wendella

Yera

United States

Dec 2025

‌

I enjoyed this so much that I did it twice during my trip, once at night and one during the day! The architecture around is so beautiful and the tour guides did an amazing job sharing its history.

45-min Chicago River Architecture Cruise by Wendella

Chetna

United States

Dec 2025

‌

+1 more

I absolutely loved this tour! The JBL speakers were fantastic and made it so easy to hear the guide clearly, even in a busy and noisy environment. The tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable and shared information in such a fun, engaging, and effortless way that it really stayed with me. I still remember interesting facts like the Chicago River being 22 feet wide and how it turns green on St. Patrick’s Day. The clear sound from the JBL speakers and the amazing guide together made this tour truly memorable and enjoyable.

90-min Chicago River Architecture Cruise by Wendella

Megan

United States

Oct 2025

‌

I had the best time with my grandfather on the cruise. He is older and struggles with mobility. This was the best way for him to see the city. Very relaxing. Our tour guide was extremely informative. #1 tourist attraction in Chicago

90-min Chicago River Architecture Cruise by Wendella

Suryanarayana

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!

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

Elia

United States

Sep 2025

We have taken this cruise many times, we take family and friends when they visit. We always learn something new. Our tour guide Kenny was amazing. Funny, amiable and very informative. Kudos!!

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