Architecture Tour of Chicago's Lake and River
Step onboard a boat for a detailed tour of Chicago’s building heritage.
Tour overview
Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour, step onboard a boat for a detailed tour of Chicago’s building heritage. Views of the Chicago skyline are complemented by architectural commentary that highlights each of the prominent buildings. Take images of you and your group against Chicago’s 26-mile lakefront as you ride around Lake Michigan.
- A thorough architectural tour.
- Chicago’s architectural treasures are discussed live.
- Travel around the Lake Michigan shoreline by boat.
- Purchase advance tickets for this must-do Chicago activity.
Tour itinerary
Wendella
All trips depart and return to Wendella’s Michigan Avenue Dock on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. Boarding for each trip will commence 15-30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Seating is first come, first served, and there is no reserved seating. Every group should come 30 minutes before the tour time. All tickets are non-refundable; however, if you are unable to attend your scheduled tour date or miss the boat, all tickets can be transferred to another time, date, or tour. Tours run rain or shine. Restrooms and a full-service bar with snacks like chips and candies (no meals or food are offered) as well as a range of beers, wines, cocktails, and soft drinks are located on the lower deck of our climate-controlled lounge. Cash and major credit cards are accepted at all vessel bars.
Chicago River
Lake and River Architecture Tours begin on Michigan Avenue and travel along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan to experience Chicago’s spectacular architecture. Professional tour guides narrate all tours.
Lake Michigan
Your journey takes you around Lake Michigan and into Chicago’s stunning skyline.
Centennial Fountain And Water Arc (Pass By): Dedicated in 1989 to commemorate the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago’s 100th anniversary of reversing the flow of the Chicago River in 1900. The fountain blasts a water arc across the river from a tiered cascade for the first five minutes of the hour.
Merchandise Mart (Pass By): The world’s biggest commercial structure.
Marina City (Pass By): Pass by these renowned mixed-use residential towers, dubbed “a city within a city” because of their distinctive corn-cob facade.
Michigan Avenue Bridge (Pass By): The Chicago Water Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and the Magnificent Mile shopping are all located on Michigan Avenue.
Wrigley Building (Pass By): The Chicago Water Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and the Magnificent Mile shopping are all located on Michigan Avenue.
Wrigley Building (Pass By): This white terra-cotta landmark was erected in 1922 as the Wrigley chewing gum company’s headquarters.
Chicago Riverwalk (Pass By): The city’s ‘Second Lakefront,’ an open, pedestrian shoreline.
The Lyric Opera House (Pass By): The city’s ‘Second Lakefront,’ an open, pedestrian shoreline.
Skydeck Chicago – Willis Tower (Pass By): The highest structure in the Western Hemisphere.
Includes:
- All taxes, fees, and handling costs are included.
Excludes:
- Alcoholic Drinks
Testimonials
Tour highlights
- You must cancel at least 24 hours before the start time of the activity to get a complete refund.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time of the experience, you will not be reimbursed.
- Any modifications made less than 24 hours before the start time of the experience will not be allowed.
- The cut-off times are determined by the experience's local time.
- This experience is weather dependent. If it is canceled due to inclement weather, you will be given an alternate date or a full refund.
Important details
Point of convergence:
- 400 North Michigan Avenue
400 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States.
The northwest corner of the Michigan Avenue (DuSable) Bridge. To get to the river level, take the steps adjacent to the Wendella Logo awning. The dock is at the bottom of the steps. If you are driving, please leave plenty of time to arrive. We don’t have any parking. It is recommended that you reserve parking ahead of time.
Before you go, be aware of the following:
- 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 Outside alcohol is prohibited
- wheelchair accessible.
- Weapons outlawed by the United States Coast Guard Stroller accessible
- Service animals are permitted.
- Close to public transit
- Outside alcohol is not permitted.
- All baggage will be searched.
- Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
- For wheelchair and ADA access, please contact the tour operator.
- Seating is offered indoors and outside on a first-come, first-served basis.
- he majority of passengers are able to participate.
- Special demands made during the checkout process cannot be guaranteed.
- There will be a maximum of 300 people on this tour/activity.