Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour
Description
Be inspired by the captivating, visual art that is Chicago’s legendary architecture, and the exceptional architects who created this ever-changing, dynamic legacy for all to enjoy and admire. This comprehensive 90 minute tour will navigate through the heart of the city on all three branches of the Chicago River while your professionally-trained architectural guide tells the story of more than 130 years of innovation in design, style and technique and why it is important today. The Chicago River Architecture Tour is the most authentic and encompassing Chicago experience the city has to offer.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Vessels depart from Wendella's docks at the northwest corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge (DuSable Bridge), at the foot of the Wrigley Building.
Dedicated in 1989 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, known for reversing the flow of the Chicago River in 1900. For the first five minutes of every hour, the fountain shoots a water arc across the river from a tiered waterfall.
The largest commercial building in the world.
Michigan Avenue is home of the Chicago Water Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and the shopping on the Magnificent Mile.
This white, terra-cotta landmark was built in 1922 as headquarters for the Wrigley chewing gum company.
An open, pedestrian waterfront called the city's 'Second Lakefront.'
Second-largest opera auditorium in North America, with an Art Deco interior
Pass by these iconic mixed-use apartment buildings - "a city within a city" with their unique corn-cob exterior.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Weapons prohibited by US Coast Guard
- Outside alcohol is prohibited
- All bags subject to search
- Arrive 30 Minutes prior to your departure time.
- Contact tour operator for wheelchair & ADA access
- Indoor and outdoor seating is available on a first come, first served basis
- Maps are available with highlights in simplified Chinese. They can picked up per request at the ticket window.
- Special requests entered at checkout cannot be guaranteed
Reviews(10,302)
A very fun and informative tour. Jim was an excellent guide. A good value for the 90 minutes. I would definitely recommend.
Knowledgeable and personable tour guide. Despite hot day, shade and breeze made temperatures bearable.
Perfect way to see Chicago's architecture! Even in December it was pretty chilly, but the experience was great and worth it.
The host was AMAZING!!! She was well knowledged about many aspects of the city as well as the buildings.
The weather was very hot. We were obliged to sit inside the lounge. Fellow passengers were speaking very loudly, so it was difficult to hear the tour guide.
Everyone was very helpful and the host did a great job on all details of the tour. Definitely recommend.
Had a great experience! Learned so much from Jake (our tour guide) who made the whole experience very interactive and informative.
Although it was close to 100 degrees out during the recent heat-wave hitting Chicago we had an educational, enjoyable time viewing the city’s historical architectural skyline!
A very interesting tour. Our tour guide, Spiro, was knowledgeable about the Chicago buildings and archicture. We went by train to the city then took a river taxi to our meeting place. Everyone was helpful in answering questions and getting us to where we were going!
The tour guide was very knowledgeable, however we were seated downstairs on the left side, while she was only talking about buildings on the right hand side. So next time we visit Chicago we’ll have to take the tour again and sit on the other side of the boat :)
