Tours/Chicago/Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour
Viator · group up to 150 pax

Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour

4.8(1,776)Chicago1 hour
VIATOR4.8(515)TRIPADVISOR4.9(1,261)

Description

Marvel at the magnificent architecture on the Chicago River with expert tour guides! All ages welcome. Each architecture river tour is narrated by a professional guide which leads passengers down the Chicago River to discover the city’s most renowned landmarks. In addition to historical insight on well known structures such as the Civic Opera House, Trump Tower & the Merchandise Mart, passengers will also get a chance to learn about current and upcoming developments. This Chicago River Cruise is the only cruise that navigates the three primary branches of the river including the main branch to Navy Pier, the north branch to Goose Island, and the south branch to Chinatown. It is also the cruise closest to Skydeck, has the least expensive parking, and is great for those coming from the suburbs due to its location off Interstate 290.

Tour Options

Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour

Itinerary

Pass by

Located in the center of the Magnificent Mile, and steps from the Michigan Avenue Bridge, The Wrigley Building has been a hallmark of Chicago’s skyline since 1920. Designed as the headquarters for the successful chewing gum, the building was modeled after the Seville Cathedral’s Giralda Tower in Spain. Today, it is still home to Wm Wrigley Jr. Company, and is perhaps best known for its dazzling white towers that illuminate the city at night.

Pass by

Willis Tower is the heart of downtown Chicago and the future of work and play. The 110-story building is one of the tallest buildings in the world and the second tallest building in Chicago, making it impossible to miss when appreciating the city’s skyline.

Pass by

Aqua Tower is an 82-story mixed-use residential skyscraper in the Lakeshore East development in downtown Chicago, Illinois.

Pass by

The Chinatown neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois is on the South Side and is an example of an American Chinatown, or ethnic-Chinese neighborhood.

Pass by

Chicago's Merchandise Mart is an iconic building housing top home showrooms and plenty of office space.

Pass by

Drawing crowds for over 100 years, the Navy Pier is a must-see on any visit to Chicago.

Highlights

Fully enclosed interior with air conditioning, seats, & windows
Outside seating available (seating is first come first serve basis)
Restroom on board
Guided architecture cruise of the historic Chicago River

What's included

Included
Fully enclosed interior with air conditioning, seats, & windows
Outside seating available (seating is first come first serve basis)
Restroom on board
Guided architecture cruise of the historic Chicago River
Not included
Full bar & snacks (available for purchase)
Gratuities
$12 to $15 discounted parking lot connected to marina

Traveller Ratings

4.8
1,776 reviews
5
1,643
4
71
3
20
2
9
1
33

Important Information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Tour times cannot be changed
  • Cruises are on rain or shine
  • Minimum drinking age is 21 years
  • Please arrive 30 min before your cruise time
  • Seating is first come first serve. If you have a large group, arrive early
  • Each guest needs a ticket including children & infants
  • Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
  • Vessel has full bar and restroom
  • Please take note that parking is about $12.00 - $15.00.

Reviews(1,776)

G
Greta_T
July 3, 2026
Fun experience

Heath was a great tour guide learned a lot about the history of Chicago and its architecture and the crew was great

2
238kripac
July 3, 2026
Boat tour experience

It was really good. Our tour was smooth sailing and we had a fun time. Our tour guide Heath was really funny and we overall had a good experience.

C
christinalU332VD
July 3, 2026
Great experience

Such a great tour and worth every penny

E
E175BKangelm
July 3, 2026
The perfect birthday

I went on the architectural tour for my birthday, and everything from the boat crew to the weather what's perfect, I will very much recommend to anyone

Q
qdaddyo
July 3, 2026
90 minute boat tour

Very nice tour, beautiful buildings and learned a lot about the history of Chicago buildings

P
peterv965
July 3, 2026
Fun and interesting

We had native Chicagoans and out of towners. Old folks and little kids. Everyone enjoyed the tour. The parking was easy and we could hear everything. Thank you!

J
jamelynr2026
July 3, 2026
Excellent job

I really enjoyed the informative information about Chicago’s tall buildings and how the water lines originated .

C
colormek8
July 3, 2026
Fantastic tour in our own city, the best

Wonderful experience on this tour. The guide was fantastic and it was well worth the money we paid. I’d go again and would bring out of town guests since we are local

A
ac56922022
July 3, 2026
Happy, Engaging Tour

The tour was wonderful. Even on a cloudy, gloomy day, Heath provided a wonderful experience.

1
142lipip
July 3, 2026
Amazing experience

We were a group of 6 for the 6 PM boat tour. The evening views of the skyline were incredible. It was a sweltering hot day, but our guide kept us cool by spraying refreshing cold water on our faces.

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