Chicago River Boat Architecture Tour

Chicago River Boat Architecture Tour

• Learn more

• Instant confirmation

• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

• Spot landmarks such as the Wrigley Building and the Tribune Tower
• Multiple cruise departure times throughout the day
• Live on-board commentary ensures you dont miss anything

• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

• Spot landmarks such as the Wrigley Building and the Tribune Tower
• Multiple cruise departure times throughout the day
• Live on-board commentary ensures you dont miss anything

• Alcoholic drinks

• 465 N McClurg Ct, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Wheelchair accessible
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Near public transportation
• Most travellers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If its cancelled due to poor weather, youll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 175 travellers

• Alcoholic drinks

• 465 N McClurg Ct, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

• Returns to original departure point

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Wheelchair accessible
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Near public transportation
• Most travellers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If its cancelled due to poor weather, youll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 175 travellers

Chicago Urban Adventure River And Lake Cruise

A scenic 90-minute cruise along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan shoreline with views of Chicago landmarks like the Marina City, the Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower and Navy Pier.

Prices start at $42 for adults, $18 for children aged 5 to 15, and free for children under 5.

For more information click here.

Discover The Windy City From The Water

Set Sail on a Premier Charter Cruise

Architecture boat tours are one of the best ways to delve into Chicagos history. Youll see the different art styles on the buildings that line the Chicago Rivers shores while expert guides explain how the city was rebuilt after the 1871 Great Chicago Fire. We offer 90-minute architecture tours that cover all three branches of the Chicago River, or you can book a private boat tour for your event that covers Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Check out our cruises below to learn more.

Chicagos Best 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour

Don’t Miss: How To Fix Fiberglass Boat

Chicago River Boat Architecture Toursbooking Unavailable On Tripadvisor

Susan MHave done this tour a couple of times now and this was my favorite! The docent was just wonderful. The best way to see the magnificent architecture in Chicago!CherylHay61A wonderful and informative tour. The boat and the information was excellent. Sound needs adjusting or commentator needs to be more focussed on the microphone as hearing was stilted but majority was ok.tcnlAwesome tour! Great tour guide! Very knowledgeable and entertaining. Clean boat. Lovely afternoon with the family .stevezeinnerDid the architectural and lake tour today. Mark our tour guide was great and extremely knowledgeable. Boat was clean and sturdy. Staff was courteous and professional. Would highly recommend.Kirsten GChicago River Boat Architecture TourWe had a great time on the boat, despite some foggy weather and a few raindrops. Our tour guide, Al, was incredibly informative and a great storyteller. I’ve been to Chicago before and done lots of walks around, but this is an absolute must. There are so many incredible buildings, and so many interesting stories behind them. I would do this tour again!

About Our Boat Partner

Were proud to partner with Chicagos First Lady Cruises, operator of Chicagos finest fleet of cruising vessels. Its boats hold up to 250 passengers and feature open-air upper decks, full-service bars, climate-controlled lower cabins and upscale marble and granite restrooms. Being onboard is sure to be an experience you’ll never forget.

Read Also: Where To Get Boat Insurance

Best Extended Tour: Chicago River Architectural Tour

For an extended version of an architecture cruise at a reasonable price, the Chicago River Architectural Tour runs a full 90 minutes and has a bar on board to boot. Entertaining and educational guides narrate the journey as the boat passes more than 50 landmarks and architectural gems, keeping an eye out for gargoyles and icons from the Neoclassical period to the Art Deco era. The tour runs four times daily from April through November and departs from the Lofts at River East . Non-alcoholic refreshments and cookies are served, but beer and wine are additional. Viator members recommend arriving early to grab a seat on the upper deck because the trip is very popular and the boat can fill up.

How Youll See It: Finding The Best Boats To See The Stupendous Structures

When it comes to seeing The Second Citys structures, there are almost as many companies offering architectural river cruises as there are buildings scoring the Chicago skyline. Is that an exaggeration? Maybe, but it is not that far off. The boom in cruises has not only improved tourism, it has also caused a raft of somewhat sketchy operators to appear.

How can you make sure you get to enjoy the best Chicago architecture boat tour? Well, one way is to limit yourself to the operators connected with ChooseChicago.com, the citys official tourism arm. These include

Wendella Tours & Cruises

Wendella Tours & Cruises 337-1446), the oldest company that cruises the Chicago River. Having existed since 1935, it bills itself as Chicagos Original Architecture Tour. Most of the vessels contain a climate-controlled lounge, so you wont have to worry about sweating your way through a 75-minute cruise during the sweltering summer months.

Bartenders also serve up drinks and snacks, and youll even find bathrooms on board. The Chicago River Experience cruise offers an abbreviated version of the architectural tour that families with young children might find more enjoyable.

Additional cruises include a lake and river tour , a sunset cruise , and a fireworks cruise .

Shoreline Sightseeing

First Lady Cruises

Mercury Skyline Cruiseline

Chicago Line Cruises

Kayak Chicago

Wateriders

Recommended Reading: Where To Store My Boat

The Best Chicago Architecture Boat Tours

Chicago has one of Americas most celebrated skylines. Particularly the landmark-packed neighbourhood called The Loop, where youll find skyscrapers like the 19th century Monadnock Building or the 110-story Willis Tower sharing the view with cultural landmarks such as The Art Institute of Chicago. Like many major cities in the United States, open water is not far away The Loop borders the waters of mighty Lake Michigan, making a boat trip one of the best ways to simultaneously enjoy the lake and experience the citys peaks and troughs from an appreciative distance. Meanwhile trips along the Chicago River get you up close and personal with the citys architectural gems of the last century and a half.

Special architecture boat tours in Chicago are designed to offer both access and information to guests. Many of the best options cover both the river and Lake Michigan in one itinerary so that you can enjoy both sides of Chicago. Many of the best boat tours also include a guide who can provide insight and information about the buildings helping you differentiate your Daniel Burnham from your Louis Sullivan buildings. These five Chicago architecture boat tours we have selected below were chosen based on many factors, including price, duration and the reviews of previous guests.

See It All With Shoreline Sightseeing

One of Chicagos classic cruise options, Shoreline Sightseeing covers all the bases. Their ultra-popular Architecture River Tour takes you on all three branches of the historic Chicago River takes you past dozens of landmark buildings.

They also offer skyline lake tours, plus specialty cruises and holiday events. Hop on a boat at Navy Pier or on Michigan Avenue.

Also Check: Where Do You Get Boat Registration Numbers

Speed Across Lake Michigan On Seadog Boat Tours

Are you up for a thrill? Race across Lake Michigan on SeaDog Cruises, featuring 30 minutes of high speeds and exhilarating twists and turns. Come prepared to get splashed.

SeaDog also offers lakefront speedboat tours and a river/lake architecture tour, featuring views of Chicagos iconic Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park, Museum Campus, and more.

More Information On Chicago Architecture Boat Tour

Chicagos decorated past lives on through captivating stories told by the knowledgeable guides at Tours and Boats. These Windy City experts usher groups of travelers to myriad landmarks while sharing anecdotes that paint a vibrant picture of the citys history. During the companys sightseeing river cruises, their boats float by well-known structures such as the Merchandise Mart, Navy Pier and Willis Tower while passengers learn about the citys famed architecture.

Good To Know

• Whats included: a leisurely architecture boat tour of downtown Chicago
• Departure times: See the schedule and availability as well as information on parking and directions.
• Departure location: 900 South Wells St., Chicago, IL 60607
• Notable sights: the Wrigley Building, Willis Tower, Aqua Tower, Chinatown and other classics, as well as new developments like Riverline and the new CNA Center.
• Alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages and snacks are available for purchase onboard.
• Kids 3 and younger ride free, but must be included in your online reservation on the merchant website.
• Parking: Parking is located right next to the marina.
• Vessel: Full service bathrooms, bars and staff assist with passengers needs

Also Check: How Much Is The Chicago Architecture Boat Tour

Live It Up On An Island Party Boat

Looking for a party? These tiki-themed boats are always a good time, offering drink packages, stellar views, and fun vibes. You can hop on an Island Party Boat at Monroe Harbor or the Chicago Riverwalk, which is also where youll find their beach-inspired bar Island Party Hut. Choose from a river cruise, lake cruise, tacky tour guide cruise, or even a dueling pianos cruise.

Chicago Lake And River Architecture Tour Provided By Wendella

• Learn more

• Instant confirmation

• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

• Learn about the Windy Citys landmark buildings and architecture with onboard commentary
• Glide by historic structures and the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere
• Enjoy the views from inside a climate-controlled lounge with cash bar or from an outdoor viewing deck

• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

• Learn about the Windy Citys landmark buildings and architecture with onboard commentary
• Glide by historic structures and the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere
• Enjoy the views from inside a climate-controlled lounge with cash bar or from an outdoor viewing deck

• All taxes, fees and handling charges
• Entry/Admission – Wendella

• Drinks and snacks available for purchase on board.

• 400 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USAThe vessel departs and returns to Wendella’s Michigan Avenue Docks located in the heart of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, at the base of the Wrigley Building. Look for the blue “Wendella” awning over the dock staircase. Descend the stairs to the river-level dock.

• All taxes, fees and handling charges
• Entry/Admission – Wendella

• Drinks and snacks available for purchase on board.

• Returns to original departure point

• Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
• Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
• Transportation vehicles regularly sanitised

Read Also: How Much Does Boat Insurance Cost

Book Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours And See The Top Attractions Architecture And Landmarks In The Windy City

Highlights include: Scenic & Historic Architecture Beautiful Parks Skyscrapers Chicagos Lakefront Museum Campus: Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium & Adler Planetarium Sports Stadiums: Guaranteed Rate Field, Soldier Field & Wrigley Field Neighborhoods: Chinatown, Wrigleyville, Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, Hyde Park, Woodlawn & River North Plus many more historical sites! A 90-minute Architecture River Cruise aboard Chicago Line Cruises.

Chicago Tours

See the Chicagos top attractions and landmarks.

Due to COVID-19, this tour is not operating at the moment.

Chicago River Boat Cocktail & Live Jazz Cruise

Join us Sunday Nights for Chicagos Only Jazz Cruise!Be immersed in iconic Chicago Jazz while cruising the historic Chicago River!

Live Music by internationally known jazz guitarist, Geordie Kelly and his band.

The Chicago style of Jazz came out of both the Mississippi Delta and New Orleans Dixieland style with pioneer musicians like Louis Armstrong & King Oliver creating its unique sound.

The scene is very active today with numerous Jazz clubs, local talent and the hugely popular Chicago Jazz Festival!

Chicago is widely considered the Capital of Jazz Music.

Geordie Kelly has performed extensively in North America, Europe, Asia, and in parts of Africa.

He has been privileged to share the stage with artists such as Larry Coryell, Ed Calle, Bobby Shew, Phil DeGreg, Maureen McGovern, Frank Mantooth, Bob Bowman, Ritchie Cole, Little Anthony and the Imperials, The Virginia Symphony Orchestra, and The Turtle Island String Quartet.

His recordings have met with tremendous success all over the world including Canada, Australia, The Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, Japan, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Estonia, South Korea, and Israel.

Geordie will be joined each Sunday by fellow Chicago Jazz Musicians & Vocalists.

Drinks may be purchased individually with a credit card on the boat.

Also Check: What Type Of Boat Should I Buy

Best Night Tour: Chicago Fireworks Architecture Cruise

During the summer months on Wednesday and Saturday nights, The Navy Pier puts on an impressive display of fireworks that illuminate the city skyline. Take in the show while learning about the architecture on the Architecture Fireworks Cruise, a 90-minute narrated boat ride on the Chicago River. During the tour, guides will explain the importance of the balloon-frame construction that changed how homes were built, and how the Great Fire shaped history. The boat passes by 40 iconic buildings, such as the Aon Center, the John Hancock Center, the Willis Tower , the Wrigley Building and the IBM Building.

Explore The Chicago River With Urban Kayaks

If youre ready to ditch the captain and explore the water on your own, then its time to grab a paddle at Urban Kayaks. Youll go through a brief training session before you hit the water, but youre free to paddle the river or lake at your own pace. Or join in a guided tour to catch the sunset, fireworks, or historic highlights. Rentals are available at the Chicago Riverwalk or Monroe Harbor.

Recommended Reading: How To Install Boat Cover

The 7 Best Chicago Architecture Boat Tours Of 2022

• Pin
• Email

We independently research, test, review, and recommend the bestproductslearn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

• Best Year-Round: Chicago River Architecture Cruise Buy Tickets at Viator“Learn about world-famous architects, including Mies van der Rohe, Helmut Jahn and the Skidmore, Owings and Merrill firm.”
• Best Night Tour: Chicago Fireworks Architecture Cruise Buy Tickets at Viator“Take in the magical fireworks show while learning about the architecture from the perfect vantage point..”
• Best Boat Combo: Architecture Cruise and Speedboat Tour Buy Tickets at Viator“The tour departs from the Navy Pier, so allow some time to explore the shops and sights.”
• Best Land and Water: Chicago City Tour with Optional River Cruise Buy Tickets at Viator“Learn about the role the river has played in the citys development and how it structures the skyline..”
• Best Extended Tour: Chicago River Architectural Tour Buy Tickets at Viator“Arrive early to grab a seat on the upper deck because the trip is very popular and the boat can fill up.”
• Best Short Tour: Lake Michigan Sightseeing Cruise Buy Tickets at Viator“The 40-minute cruise gives you some fantastic photo opportunities of the city skyline.”

Give The Gift Of Chicago Line Tours

GIFT TICKETS

To give a special someone, friend or client the best tour in Chicago, simply ask at our ticket office or contact us.

This is my 8th time on a Chicago architectural river cruise and this was by far the most informative and biggest bang for your buck.Operagolf / LaHabra

The best guide on our whole USA trip. We took the Architecture tour where the boat meandered in between all of the incredible buildings of the city with the guide knowing EVERYTHING about each building its style, age, height, architect, cost, purpose, owner .. Quite brilliant!DrCumbrian / TripAdvisor

I’ve done several of the architecture cruises since my family moved to Chicago, and this is the best one yet! Allie K / TripAdvisor

If you only have time for one sight-seeing event while in Chicago, do this. We really have no great interest in architecture, but this tour came highly recommended and we did not regret it. Allice I / Oklahoma

My wife and I very much enjoyed the Chicago Line Cruise jazz cruise… My spouse said this was one of the favorite things she has done in Chicago since moving here in the past year, and I agree. I am a jazz snob, and … I was very pleased with the music offered by the Geordie Kelly group. He’s a fine jazz guitarist, and his band was great. / Yelp

You May Like: What Battery Should I Get For My Boat

Learn About Our Group Discounts And More

Located Downtown for Your Convenience

Looking for a fun way to go sightseeing with your group? We offer discounts on groups of six or more adults , as well as 40% plus discounts for students, seniors, first responders, military & military families, veterans, COVID-19 heroes, and school groups. Did we mention kids aged 3 and under are also free? Our marina is located in the south loop and is right off the expressway with easy parking options making it easy for you to bring your out-of-town visitors out on the water. Additionally, we are the closest dock to McCormick Place, the main convention center in Chicago, making it easy for business travelers to experience Chicagos famous architecture boat cruise. With the best prices in town and one of the longest architecture tours around, you cant go wrong with Tours & Boats!