90-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour
2819 Ratings
- Live Guide
- Instant Confirmation
- E-Ticket
- 1.5 hr











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.
Itinerary Details
Operated by: Wendella Tours & Cruises
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At:
Vessels depart from Wendella's docks at the northwest corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge (DuSable Bridge), at the foot of the Wrigley Building.
Duration: 15 minutes
Pass By: Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower
The tallest building in the Western Hemisphere
Pass By:
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.
Pass By: Merchandise Mart
The largest commercial building in the world.
Pass By: Michigan Avenue Bridge
Michigan Avenue is home of the Chicago Water Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and the shopping on the Magnificent Mile.
Pass By: Wrigley Building
This white, terra-cotta landmark was built in 1922 as headquarters for the Wrigley chewing gum company.
Pass By: Chicago Riverwalk
An open, pedestrian waterfront called the city's 'Second Lakefront.'
Pass By: Lyric Opera of Chicago
Second-largest opera auditorium in North America, with an Art Deco interior
Pass By: Marina City
Pass by these iconic mixed-use apartment buildings - "a city within a city" with their unique corn-cob exterior.
Stop At:
Vessels depart from Wendella's docks at the northwest corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge (DuSable Bridge), at the foot of the Wrigley Building.
Duration: 15 minutes
Pass By: Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower
The tallest building in the Western Hemisphere
Pass By:
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.
Pass By: Merchandise Mart
The largest commercial building in the world.
Pass By: Michigan Avenue Bridge
Michigan Avenue is home of the Chicago Water Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and the shopping on the Magnificent Mile.
Pass By: Wrigley Building
This white, terra-cotta landmark was built in 1922 as headquarters for the Wrigley chewing gum company.
Pass By: Chicago Riverwalk
An open, pedestrian waterfront called the city's 'Second Lakefront.'
Pass By: Lyric Opera of Chicago
Second-largest opera auditorium in North America, with an Art Deco interior
Pass By: Marina City
Pass by these iconic mixed-use apartment buildings - "a city within a city" with their unique corn-cob exterior.