Explore Chicago's Architectural Gems Via Boat Tour

Chicago is famous for its architecture, and there are many boat tours that showcase the city's iconic buildings and skyline. The Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise, aboard Chicago's First Lady, is rated #1 year after year and includes a full-service bar and snack bar. The 90-minute tour is led by highly trained and enthusiastic volunteer docents who provide a detailed narrative of the city's architectural styles and the stories of the legendary figures who designed and built Chicago.

Another popular option is Wendella's Chicago's Original Family-Friendly Architecture Tour, which is a 90-minute tour that navigates all three branches of the Chicago River. The tour includes live commentary from the tour guide, with material to entertain the whole family. For those looking for a more adventurous experience, the Seadog River and Lake Architectural Tour combines speed and sightseeing, offering impressive facts about the Windy City and a thrilling ride across Lake Michigan.

There are also specialised tours, such as the Chicago Electric Boat Company Tour, which allows passengers to steer the ship themselves (with a valid driver's license), and the Tall Ship Windy Architecture & Skyline Sailing Tour, a 75-minute trip on a four-masted, 148-foot topsail schooner that includes a special pirate-themed cruise for kids.

Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise

The Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise is a 90-minute boat tour of the city's most famous buildings and iconic architecture. Led by the Chicago Architecture Center's expertly trained docent volunteers, the cruise takes passengers along all three branches of the Chicago River. The tour is rated the number one boat tour in Chicago by TripAdvisor users and USA Today readers.

The cruise is the only Chicago River cruise partnered with the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC). Highly trained and enthusiastic volunteer CAC docents (guides) provide a compelling and detailed narrative of Chicago's numerous architectural styles and the stories of the legendary figures who designed and built the city.

The cruise takes place aboard Chicago's First Lady, a boat that recalls the handsome elegance of 20th-century luxury yachts. The vessel features open-air upper decks, full-service bars, and climate-controlled lower cabins with upscale marble and granite restrooms. The boat holds up to 250 passengers and offers unobstructed sightlines and guaranteed seating.

The Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise is a great option for both out-of-town visitors and locals, providing a unique perspective of the city and its architecture. The tour is also a great value, with general boarding tickets starting at $54 and priority boarding tickets, which include early boarding and skip-the-queue privileges, starting at $69.

The cruise departs from the Chicago Riverwalk at 112 E. Wacker Drive, and guests are advised to arrive 30 minutes prior to the departure time. The tour operates from March through November, with multiple departures throughout the day and evening.

Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour

The Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour is a riverboat excursion that takes passengers on a journey through the heart of the city. The tour explores all three branches of the Chicago River, offering views of famous landmarks and providing an insight into Chicago's legendary architecture. The tour is led by professionally trained architectural guides who offer an overview of the city's architecture and history.

The tour is suitable for all ages and offers both outdoor and indoor seating. The indoor seating is climate-controlled, making the tour a relaxing option regardless of the weather. For those who want to take in the views, the outdoor seating provides unobstructed sightlines.

The Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour is offered by Wendella Boats, a company with experienced tour guides who detail the 130-year-long history behind the Chicago skyline. The tour costs $44 for adults and $20 for children, with tickets available for purchase online.

The tour has received positive reviews, with many praising the knowledgeable and engaging guides. Some reviewers recommend bringing a jacket or sun hat, depending on the weather. Overall, the Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour is a great option for those looking to learn about and explore Chicago.

Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour

The Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour is a top-rated cruise on Lake Michigan that offers excellent views of Chicago's famous skyline. Here is some more information about the tour:

What to Expect

The Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour takes you on a journey through the heart of the city, exploring all three branches of the Chicago River. You will get to see dozens of landmark buildings that line the river, including famous Chicago landmarks such as the Willis Tower and Merchandise Mart. The tour also includes a trip to the locks on the river's main branch, Chinatown in the south, and Goose Island in the north.

Tour Guides

The tour is led by expert guides who provide interesting information and insider stories about Chicago's architecture and history. The guides are engaging, informative, and passionate about Chicago. They will also give you ideas for other places to visit during your trip.

Practical Information

The Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour is approximately 90 minutes long and departs from Michigan Avenue near the Wrigley Building. It is recommended to arrive early to enjoy the surrounding area and find parking. Refreshments and snacks are available for purchase on board, and there is a full-service bar and climate-controlled seating. Tickets for adults start at $44, and tickets for children start at $20.

Reviews

The Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour is highly recommended by travellers, with 91% of reviewers on TripAdvisor giving it a rating of 4 or higher. Reviews highlight the knowledgeable and entertaining tour guides, as well as the convenience of being able to cancel the reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Chicago Architecture Boat Tour

Chicago is famous for its architecture, and there are many boat tours that showcase the city's iconic buildings. Here is some information about a few of them.

Chicago Architecture River Cruise

This tour offers views of Chicago's most famous buildings, as well as insider information from an expert guide. It is recommended by 97% of travellers on TripAdvisor and can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour

This riverboat excursion explores all three branches of the Chicago River, taking passengers through the heart of the city. It is recommended by 92% of travellers on TripAdvisor and can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady

This is the only architecture cruise led by expert docents from the Chicago Architecture Center. It is recommended by 98% of travellers on TripAdvisor and offers guaranteed seating on open-air upper decks and full-service cocktail and snack bars in climate-controlled interior salons.

Wendella Boats – Chicago River Architecture Tour

This tour is rated the Best Overall by U.S. News, thanks to its popularity and favourable user reviews. It cruises all three branches of the Chicago River, offering views of famous landmarks such as the Willis Tower and Merchandise Mart. Refreshments and snacks are sold on board, and there is climate-controlled seating available.

Tours & Boats – 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour

This boat ride is described as entertaining and educational by tour-takers, thanks to the informed guides. The tour takes passengers to see famous buildings up close, as well as the locks on the river's main branch, Chinatown in the south, and Goose Island in the north.

Chicago Line Cruises

This tour is mentioned by a few people on Reddit as a "hidden gem". They dock on Ogden Slip, which means passengers get to see the full river, a great vista of the city, and more architecture and variety.

Chicago River Architecture Tour

The Chicago River Architecture Tour is widely regarded as one of the best ways to explore and learn about Chicago. The tour takes you on a journey through the heart of the city, cruising all three branches of the Chicago River. You'll get to see famous landmarks and iconic buildings, such as the Willis Tower and Merchandise Mart, and learn about the history and architecture of the city from knowledgeable guides.

Wendella Boats, the operator with the most recommendations for this tour, offers an engaging and informative experience. Their tours are led by experienced guides who provide interesting lessons in Chicago's history and architecture. The boats feature a full-service bar and snacks available for purchase, as well as climate-controlled indoor seating and an open-air upper deck for unobstructed views. The standard tour lasts 90 minutes, but a 45-minute version is also available, making it a great option for those short on time or travelling with kids.

Chicago's First Lady Cruises is another popular choice for the Chicago River Architecture Tour. This is the only tour partnered with the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) and is led by highly trained volunteer CAC docents. Their guides provide a detailed narrative of Chicago's architectural styles and the stories of the legendary figures who designed and built the city. The boats feature open-air upper decks with unobstructed sightlines and climate-controlled interior salons with full-service cocktail and snack bars. Priority Boarding tickets include early boarding, skip-the-queue privileges, and CAC admission.

Other operators offering the Chicago River Architecture Tour include Shoreline Sightseeing, Tours & Boats, and Chicago Line Cruises. Each operator provides a slightly different perspective and experience, but all offer informative and engaging tours with knowledgeable guides.

Whether you choose Wendella Boats, Chicago's First Lady Cruises, or another operator, the Chicago River Architecture Tour is a great way to explore the city and learn about its rich architectural history.

Frequently asked questions