Step aboard a boat for a comprehensive cruise that details the history of Chicago's architecture. Enjoy views of the Chicago skyline accompanied by architecture-focused commentary that points out each of the landmark buildings. As you cruise through Lake Michigan, snap photos of you and your party against the stretch of Chicago's 26-mile shoreline.

Comprehensive architectural tour
Live commentary on Chicago's architectural gems
Travel by boat along the Lake Michigan shoreline
Buy tickets in advance for this must-do Chicago activity

What's Included

All taxes, fees and handling charges
Restroom on board
Local Expert Guide
Outdoor and Indoor climate-controlled seating option

Alcoholic drinks, non-alcoholic drinks, and 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

Arrive early for boarding onto your boat at Wendella's Michigan Avenue Dock, conveniently located in the heart of Chicago's Magnificent Mile. Seating is first-come first-served, so groups should arrive 30 minutes before the tour time.

On the bottom deck of the climate-controlled lounge, you'll find restrooms and a full-service bar offering snacks like chips and candy.

Depart from the dock to start discovering the architecture of Chicago as you float along the city's skyline. With lively commentary highlighting each landmark building, gain a comprehensive understanding of the city's architectural heritage. As you sail along Lake Michigan, capture photos against Chicago's 26-mile (42-mile) shoreline before returning to your departure point.

Chicago River

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Lake Michigan

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Centennial Fountain And Water Arc (Pass By)

Merchandise Mart (Pass By)

Marina City (Pass By)

Michigan Avenue Bridge (Pass By)

Wrigley Building (Pass By)

Chicago Riverwalk (Pass By)

The Lyric Opera House (Pass By)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Weapons prohibited by US Coast Guard
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate

Outside alcohol is prohibited
All bags are 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 300 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 Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour?

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 Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour?

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 Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour 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 Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour?

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 Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour?

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 Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour?

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

Apr 2021

Q:Does the Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour 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 Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour?

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 Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour?

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 Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour?

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

Diane_D

Beautiful way to see the architecture of Chicago. Zach did an excellent job with narration. Lots of information and fun historical stories. The boat was clean and the upper deck provided excellent viewing.

Reviews

4.5

1,643 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 1,643 reviews

Beautiful Scenic view

Samia_A, Apr 2024

Absolutely loved the tour guide! Gave real history instead of the white washed holiest than thou version. Very entertaining tour guide! Saw lots of buildings beautiful view of the lake. Only con was the hot chocolate…had 0 taste and was $4 a cup.

Best river cruise I've done!

Ryan_M, Nov 2023

I loved the calm cruise down the river with fun and informative guide. Then the lake view was gorgeous! It's worth the money 100%. The tour guide also recommended things to do in Chicago I checked out that night.

The views and the crew...

Erica_J, Nov 2023

The views and the crew were great. It was a great day to be out on the water and see the Chicago skyline and hear about the history of some of the buildings.

Highly recommend

sheila_c, Oct 2023

Very informative; an enthusiastic and knowledgable guide. Length of tour also just right, beautiful views of the lake and cityscape.

Fun, informative

Jordan_T, Oct 2023

Hearing the history of each building, a little about the architecture, and the person who built it. Got some history of Chicago too

Fantastic experience

Susan_T, Oct 2023

Kenny was our guide and did a great job informing us about Chicago as well as connecting to the group.

A must!

Mikell_R, Oct 2023

Wonderful tour with knowledgeable guide on beautiful boat. Great photo opportunity! You go on both the river and lake.

AMAZING TOUR

YVONNE_N, Oct 2023

The tour guide was amazing, smart and comedic. I reall enjoyed being re-educated on the history of Chicago.

chigago by sea ----grand day great trip in every sense

JOHN_R, Oct 2023

the speaker was excellent the weather was fine we travelled well all was grand a bit cold but tea was very welcome

Great views of the city...

Margaret_L, Oct 2023

Great views of the city and the architecture. The tour was Informative and entertaining. Our guide John was wonderful!

Awesome architectural tour of the river!

Lawrence_L, Oct 2023

John was very knowledgeable and his witty comments only added to our river tour! Highly recommend this tour!!

Marvelous Boat Ride!

Linda_Z, Oct 2023

The guide was excellent- knowledgeable, friendly, and clear. I loved being out on Lake Michigan and seeing the city from a distance, and it was thrilling to go down the river and see the myriad tall buildings from below. Overall a great experience!

Sound System Fault Indoors

Barry_F, Oct 2023

Weather was poor so people moved downstairs inside as per the advice of the tour guide who said he could be heard indoors. He could not be heard indoors at all so effectively paid for the boat ride with no architectural information provided. Pointless. Ps sound fault was fixed 5 minutes before the end but far too late then. Should be entitled to a refund or credit.

Fun and interesting

Catherine_G, Oct 2023

Fun experience. It was a bit nippy out on the lake and overcast, but still a lot of fun and interesting. Phyllis was a great guide and certainly learned a lot about the city and architecture

Great Tour

Kelly_D, Oct 2023

The architecture is amazing, our guide was the best. Only wanted to do the River tour but that sells out quickly so had to do the river/lake combo. Witnessing the lock opening was interesting. It's all about that architecture though, nothing I've seen before. Would do again, but I'd skip the lake to have a longer tour on the river.

A perfect way to see the city!

Jillian_M, Oct 2023

The guide was both informative and funny, the views were fantastic and the mixologist on-board was amazing as well!

One interesting ride!!

Peggy_D, Oct 2023

Learned a lot of interesting facts about Chicago and the lakefront that I’ve not learned on 10 other boat ride tours. Thank you!

Our guide Spiros, who...

Karen_H, Oct 2023

Our guide Spiros, who just happened to be half Greek and half Irish, was fabulous. Knowledgeable, interesting and fun. Plus Wendella is a Chicago standard that doesn’t disappoint. Great for both this Chicagoan (who has taken the cruise many times over the years) and my European guest who was visiting for the first time.

Disappointed!!

Stephen_P, Oct 2023

The tour was fine and the weather was great, but I will say that our tour guide was a bit too much. We brought friends (along with family) on the tour to get the history of the buildings, check out the river and a cool view of downtown but seemed more like a comedy show. We did get some information but it was hard to enjoy with the guide trying to be funny about everything. Disappointed with the overall tour!

Excellent tour

Kenneth_L, Oct 2023

A fun 2 hours. See the sights of Chicago and learn some history of its landmark buildings and architecture. A MUST for any Chicago visit.

...

Likely to Sell Out