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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.

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Wendella Cruises Chicago
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.
Free cancellation
1 hr 30 min
  • 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.

More details

  • 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.

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.
Visitors on Chicago River cruise viewing city architecture.
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
  • Sail through the heart of Chicago on 45-min guided architecture cruise, enjoying expert commentary, gorgeous skyline views, and onboard refreshments.

  • Glide along all three branches of the Chicago River including the North Branch, the Main Stem, and the South Branch, as your guide shares fascinating insights into the city's 130-year architectural evolution.

  • Capture unobstructed views of Chicago’s iconic skyscrapers from the open-air upper deck, offering perfect photo opportunities of the cityscape.

  • Spot famous buildings like the Tribune Tower, Apple Store, AMA Building and the Wrigley Building.

More details

  • Sail through the heart of Chicago on 45-min guided architecture cruise, enjoying expert commentary, gorgeous skyline views, and onboard refreshments.

  • Glide along all three branches of the Chicago River including the North Branch, the Main Stem, and the South Branch, as your guide shares fascinating insights into the city's 130-year architectural evolution.

  • Capture unobstructed views of Chicago’s iconic skyscrapers from the open-air upper deck, offering perfect photo opportunities of the cityscape.

  • Spot famous buildings like the Tribune Tower, Apple Store, AMA Building and the Wrigley Building.

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 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.
Tour boat on Chicago River with city skyline in background during architecture cruise.
Chicago River with skyscrapers at sunset during architecture cruise.
Free cancellation
1 hr 30 min
  • Enjoy a 90-min guided boat tour on the Chicago River and one of the five Great Lakes, Lake Michigan, with skip-the-line entry.

  • Take in the city’s famous skyline and architectural icons from both the river and lake while relaxing indoors or on open-air decks.

  • Learn how Chicago’s skyline came to life with engaging narration as you cruise past historic buildings and modern skyscrapers.

  • This extended cruise offers more than standard river tours, covering additional landmarks and panoramic lakefront city views.

  • Perfect for first-time visitors, architecture buffs, and photography enthusiasts looking to explore Chicago from a different perspective."

More details

  • Enjoy a 90-min guided boat tour on the Chicago River and one of the five Great Lakes, Lake Michigan, with skip-the-line entry.

  • Take in the city’s famous skyline and architectural icons from both the river and lake while relaxing indoors or on open-air decks.

  • Learn how Chicago’s skyline came to life with engaging narration as you cruise past historic buildings and modern skyscrapers.

  • This extended cruise offers more than standard river tours, covering additional landmarks and panoramic lakefront city views.

  • Perfect for first-time visitors, architecture buffs, and photography enthusiasts looking to explore Chicago from a different perspective."

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.
Free cancellation
1 hr 30 min
  • Unwind on a 90-min scenic cruise and enjoy the golden hues of Chicago’s skyline reflecting from the waters of Lake Michigan and Chicago River.

  • Your premium boat features open-air decks and a climate-controlled cabin for year-round comfort.

  • Enjoy a relaxing experience with light narration that shares interesting insights as you sail past Chicago’s architectural icons.

  • Catch golden hour from the water — this evening cruise offers a romantic and peaceful way to end your day in Chicago.

More details

  • Unwind on a 90-min scenic cruise and enjoy the golden hues of Chicago’s skyline reflecting from the waters of Lake Michigan and Chicago River.

  • Your premium boat features open-air decks and a climate-controlled cabin for year-round comfort.

  • Enjoy a relaxing experience with light narration that shares interesting insights as you sail past Chicago’s architectural icons.

  • Catch golden hour from the water — this evening cruise offers a romantic and peaceful way to end your day in Chicago.

from
$45
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