Get a front row perspective on the exquisite buildings that line the Chicago River during a 45-minute architecture cruise. Hear live commentary about the history and architectural heritage of Chicago on this family-friendly tour, which highlights landmarks such as the Chicago Riverwalk, Michigan Avenue Bridge, Wrigley Building, and Willis Tower. Sit on the open-air top deck or the sheltered bottom deck for the ultimate view of Chicago.

45-minute architecture cruise on the Chicago River
Get another perspective on Chicago's heritage buildings
Shorter tour is ideal for families and people with limited time
Snacks, drinks, and souvenirs available for purchase on board

What's Included

All Fees and Taxes
Restroom on board
Enclosed climate controlled lounge

Alcoholic, non-alcoholic drinks & snacks available for purchase on board
Storage

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

400 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Arrive at 400 N Michigan Avenue 30 minutes before your departure and you will be directed to your boarding dock. Please allow yourself plenty of time to arrive if driving. We do not have parking. It is recommend that you book parking in advance.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Your tour packs the most important sites along the Chicago River into a bite-sized 45-minute boat ride, where you can get an excellent overview of the city in a short amount of time.

You’ll meet your guide on Michigan Avenue, and then you’ll be shown where you’ll board. It's recommended that you arrive around 30 minutes before departure, in case of any parking hassles or kinks to work out.

You can choose an open-air outdoor seat, or a sheltered seat on the bottom deck, depending on your needs.

This is a family-friendly tour, so bring the entire gang. Hear the history of Chicago as you pass by the Michigan Avenue Bridge, Wrigley Building, and more. Feel free to purchase refreshments onboard, too.

Chicago River

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Chicago Riverwalk (Pass By)

Michigan Avenue Bridge (Pass By)

Wrigley Building (Pass By)

Merchandise Mart (Pass By)

Lyric Opera of Chicago (Pass By)

Marina City (Pass By)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
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
Special requests entered at checkout cannot be guaranteed
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

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Q:Where do we meet for the 45-min Chicago River Architecture Tour - Magnificent Mile?

A:We are located at 400 N Michigan Avenue at the historic Wrigley Building. Wendella has four dock locations that extend west from the Michigan Avenue (DuSable) Bridge to Wabash Avenue.

Apr 2021

Q:Is there parking available for the 45-min Chicago River Architecture Tour - Magnificent Mile?

A:There are two parking garages near the departure point: AMA Plaza parking at 401 N. State Street and InterPark Public Parking at 430 N. Rush St. (Parking fees apply at both locations.)

Apr 2021

Q:Is the 45-min Chicago River Architecture Tour - Magnificent Mile handicap accessible?

A:We operate 3 boats with wheelchair lifts between decks. All our boats can accommodate wheelchairs & have toilets that are ADA compliant. For guests who are deaf or hard of hearing, a written script of the narration is available at the ticket office.

Apr 2021

Q:Can I bring my service animal with me on the 45-min Chicago River Architecture Tour - Magnificent Mile?

A:A service animal is a dog that is trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Pets and dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA and are not allowed.

Apr 2021

Q:Are there restrooms available on board the 45-min Chicago River Architecture Tour - Magnificent Mile?

A:Yes. Restrooms are located on the lower deck of each vessel; changing tables are also available in each restroom.

Apr 2021

Q:How early should I arrive for the 45-min Chicago River Architecture Tour - Magnificent Mile?

A:Boarding begins 15-30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.

Apr 2021

Q:Does the 45-min Chicago River Architecture Tour - Magnificent Mile operate in bad weather?

A:Our cruises depart rain or shine. Our vessels include sheltered areas and climate-controlled lounges. Ponchos are available for purchase onboard. However, in cases of severe weather where the cruise must be canceled, all guests will be refunded.

Apr 2021

Q:Is the boat climate controlled during the 45-min Chicago River Architecture Tour - Magnificent Mile?

A:Most of our vessels feature an enclosed climate-controlled lounge on the lower deck with speakers to hear the tour guide’s narration. If you have a concern about whether your vessel has an interior lounge, please call the phone number on your ticket.

Apr 2021

Q:Is food/drink available during the 45-min Chicago River Architecture Tour - Magnificent Mile?

A:A full-service bar is available onboard. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as an assortment of snacks, are available for purchase. Bar sales are credit cards only. No cash purchases.

Apr 2021

Q:Can I store my luggage during the 45-min Chicago River Architecture Tour - Magnificent Mile?

A:There is no storage area on our dock, but guests may bring their luggage aboard keeping in mind it is subject to inspection.

Apr 2021

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Zsai_H

Our guide Spiro was amazing. He kept our interest and we learned a lot of cool facts about the city. I would definitely recommend for everyone and would love to do again when it’s warmer. There was lots of seating, good views from anywhere. We did the 10am tour. Not too crowded.

Reviews

4.5

976 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 976 reviews

10/10

Marta_L, Apr 2024

The tour guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. The historical architectural facts about Chicago was intriguing. Will have to come back for a second ride this summer.

Bite sized Chicago building history

SiriKrishna_P, Apr 2024

The tour was from a convenient place. It started on time and took exactly 45 minutes. Chicago being famous for its skyline, this tour helped me appreciate the history of their designs. The duration was perfect for me without getting bored. Guide was witty and threw lot of puns while sharing the history.

Boat Tour

Tamika_H, Apr 2024

Great tour just need more sitting. Didn't like tha No cash at bar Card online. The tour wasn't exactly 45 minutes but the return exactly at 11:45. Boat left off late

Best thing we did on the trip!

Gavin_C, Apr 2024

Our tour guide was incredible! Made us completely forget how cold and chilly it was on the early morning tour with his information/jokes/overall attitude. Would highly recommend trying to get Jack as your tour guide!

Great option for a quick 45 mins boat tour!

Andrew_H, Apr 2024

Was a nice tour and saw a lot in just 45 minutes. The tour guide was well informed and knowledgeable. Great option if you don’t have 90 mins.

Great tour

Esther_M, Apr 2024

Cruise was great. Sparrow our tour guide was very informed. Learned a lot of new information. I would recommend it to everyone

Great experience, Love...

Gwendoline_G, Apr 2024

Great experience, Love Chicago Building and History behind this Friendly environment, Highly recommend

Awesome Experience

Zsai_H, Apr 2024

The guide was kind,...

Barbara_F, Apr 2024

The guide was kind, funny, and very knowledgeable. The crew was so helpful and thoughtful. Highly recommend this trip!

Views like heaven on earth

Karan_P, Apr 2024

Very great experience and view are very grateful. A lot of memories we make and very fun. Fun fun fun fun fun fun

Fun and informational

Daniel_M, Apr 2024

Took my mom who was visiting from the Philippines. She loved the history of the buildings. The guide was very engaging and friendly.

The breathtaking vistas...

Burim_I, Apr 2024

The breathtaking vistas along the river are truly remarkable, especially in the evening. Bobby, our tour guide, skillfully illuminated the rich history of the town and its architectural marvels, making for an unforgettable experience.

The tour guide was great!...

Jen_H, Apr 2024

The tour guide was great! She was very informative and funny, giving all these great fun facts about Chicago.

Wonderful experience with wonderful voyage

Uday_S, Apr 2024

Magnificent 🤩😍 city with great history 😉. Excellent voyage. But. Little over public. Please take care of over crowd. Thank you 😊

Nice view from water

Bernadette_B, Apr 2024

This was a great tour and fun way to see Chicago. We learned some fun facts about the various buildings and the river. Highly recommend.

Waterside

Portia_M, Apr 2024

It was fast pace and too short. I wished I had more time to view some of the other buildings. Our tour guide was awesome.

Nice tour at sunset.

Dean_R, Apr 2024

This is a nice tour. I went about sunset and it was quite lovely. The guide was knowledgeable and entertaining.

I’ve done many of these...

Hannah_G, Apr 2024

I’ve done many of these tours and always have a great time! No complaints! Guide was informative and charming, and our 45 mins flew by.

Missed boat. Wrong information provided.

Kiran_p, Apr 2024

I arrived here and was told this was the wrong meeting point so I missed the boat. I would like a refund

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Where was the meeting point you were told? We only depart from 1 location, but with 3 docks. If you are requesting a refund, please contact us directly.

Great time

Tasha_W, Apr 2024

Scott was great. I was in town for a conference and had a free night, so a few of us decided to take the boat ride. It was so much fun and I learned so much about the gargantuanous building I saw as I walked around.

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