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#8 out of 13 in Chicago

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.
4.9/5
797 travellers from around the world love this
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.

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.
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 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 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.

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

Ariana V

United States
Solo
3 weeks ago
Funny and engaging tour guide. Lovely views, especially on the cruise at sunset. I learned so many cool facts and have shared them with my friends and family. Money well spent!

45-min Chicago River Architecture Cruise by Wendella

Martha P

United States
Couple
Mar 2026
The service, the tour guide, the route. Everything was wonderful. The food and beverage selection was really good. Even the restrooms were on point.

45-min Chicago River Architecture Cruise by Wendella

Chetna D

United States
Couple
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

Lou H

United States
Solo
3 days ago
I was looking for just what I got. A pleasant ride out onto the lake with the sunset view of Chicago, a welcoming MC and nice people to talk with. The only thing I might say is that the boarding location was very confusing because they have two docks that are not easy to move between, but the cruise itself was lovely. Enjoyed going through the locks too.

90-min Scenic Sunset Lake Michigan Cruise by Wendella

Matias S

Argentina
Solo
3 days ago
The great exposition of yours tourist guide, amazing, funny and very interesting. The length was perfect and the places incredibles. A must do in Chicago.

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

Ameisha F

United States
Group
6 days ago
We did a family trip and it was fun. Not too cold or hot, it was worth the ride. Learned some good stuff about Chicago and it was nice that this was our first trip there.

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

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