Chicago River: 1.5-Hour Guided Architecture Cruise

Cruise the Chicago River while a guide talks through the buildings on both banks. The trip runs an hour and a half and gives a close look at the architecture that made the city famous.

Overview

This is the cruise that started Chicago's architecture boat tours back in 1935, run by Wendella Tours & Cruises from a dock at 400 N Michigan Avenue on the Michigan Avenue (DuSable) bridge. The boat leaves the dock, travels up the main branch of the Chicago River past Wolf Point, then works its way along the north and south branches before looping back past the Riverwalk toward Lake Michigan. In all, the trip covers all three branches of the river in an hour and a half.

A live guide narrates the whole ride, walking through roughly 130 years of building history. You pass early skyscrapers like the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower, the art deco Merchandise Mart, mid-century work such as the Mies van der Rohe AMA Building, the circular Marina City towers, the Willis Tower, the Aon Center, and newer structures like Aqua, Trump Tower, and Vista Tower. Reviewers frequently single out the guides, describing them as funny, passionate, and full of facts, and several call the cruise a highlight of their trip.

Seating is first come, first served, with open-air decks up top and a climate-controlled interior below, so the tour works year round. A full-service cash bar sells local beer, spirits, and Garrett's Popcorn, and you may bring your own non-alcoholic drinks and food.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at DuSable bridgeCheck in at 400 N Michigan Ave, at the Michigan Avenue (DuSable) bridge on the Chicago River.
2. Cruise the main branchThe boat heads up the main branch of the Chicago River past Wolf Point.
3. North and south branchesThe route continues along the north and south branches of the river before turning back.
4. Pass the landmark buildingsAlong the way you pass Marina City, the Merchandise Mart, the Willis Tower, the Chicago Board of Trade Building, the Tribune Tower, the Aon Center, the NBC Tower, Aqua at Lakeshore East, and Lake Point Tower, with live commentary throughout.
5. Return past the RiverwalkThe boat heads back past the Chicago Riverwalk toward Lake Michigan before docking.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this cruise before you board.

• Seating choice. Seats on the decks are first come, first served, so arrive early if you want a specific spot. The boat offers a choice between the open-air deck and the climate-controlled interior.
• Sound and spot. One reviewer said the audio was hard to hear on the upper deck because of the exhaust pipes, and the booking page's own summary notes that clearer audio across the boat, especially on the lower deck, would help. If hearing the guide matters to you, choose your position with that in mind.
• Food and drink. Drinks and snacks are not included, but a full-service cash bar onboard sells local beer, spirits, and Garrett's Popcorn. Passengers may also bring their own non-alcoholic beverages and food.
• Timing and light. One reviewer found the early evening departure especially striking, with sunset light over the skyline. That was a single traveller's experience with one sailing, so treat it as a possibility rather than a promise.
• Kids and bags. Children under 3 travel free, and the vessels have restrooms with diaper changing tables. All bags are subject to search, and pets are not allowed, though assistance dogs are.
• Photos. The listing suggests a selfie at the Grand Staircase at the front of the boat, or photos at the stern or bow.

Common issues. The main complaint in reviews is audio: one reviewer said the sound system was hard to hear on the upper deck, and the booking page's own summary notes the same issue, especially on the lower deck. Seats are first come, first served. Drinks, snacks, and gratuities cost extra. The climate-controlled interior offers an escape from heat or cold if the open deck becomes uncomfortable. Bags are all subject to search at boarding.

Common Questions