Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour
by Wendella Tours & Cruises
Choose from 1 available option
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.$90Overview
Passengers board a boat at Michigan Avenue to begin a 90-minute tour of Chicago's architecture along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. The first half of the ride focuses on the river, where a local guide points out significant buildings and shares details about Chicago's architectural history. After passing under the Michigan Avenue Bridge, the boat enters Lake Michigan, offering extended views of the city's 26-mile skyline. Along the way, guests see landmarks including the Centennial Fountain and Water Arc, which operates for five minutes at the start of each hour, the Merchandise Mart, Marina City’s distinctive corn-cob towers, the Wrigley Building, the Chicago Riverwalk pedestrian area, and the Lyric Opera House with its Art Deco design. The tour includes both indoor and outdoor seating options that are climate-controlled, and on-board restrooms are available. Drinks and snacks can be bought on the boat, but these are not included in the tour price. Guests are advised to arrive 30 minutes before departure, and the operator can provide information about wheelchair and ADA access. All bags will be searched, and weapons and outside alcohol are prohibited.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Chicago River
The tour starts at Michigan Avenue and moves along the Chicago River. A professional guide narrates the architecture and history of the buildings visible along the riverbanks during this 45-minute segment.
45 min
Lake Michigan
For the next 45 minutes, the boat travels on Lake Michigan, providing expansive views of Chicago's skyline stretching 26 miles.
45 min
Centennial Fountain And Water Arc
The boat passes the Centennial Fountain and Water Arc, dedicated in 1989 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, which reversed the Chicago River's flow in 1900. At the start of every hour, the fountain shoots a water arc across the river for five minutes.
Merchandise Mart
Guests see the Merchandise Mart, noted as the largest commercial building in the world.
Marina City
The tour passes Marina City’s mixed-use apartment buildings, known for their distinctive corn-cob shaped exterior and described as a 'city within a city.'
Michigan Avenue Bridge
The boat moves under Michigan Avenue Bridge, home to landmarks such as the Chicago Water Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and the shops along the Magnificent Mile.
Wrigley Building
The boat passes the Wrigley Building, a white terra-cotta structure built in 1922 that served as headquarters for the Wrigley chewing gum company.
Chicago Riverwalk
The tour includes views of the Chicago Riverwalk, an open pedestrian waterfront area often called the city's 'Second Lakefront.'
The Lyric Opera House
Guests see the Lyric Opera House, which has the second-largest opera auditorium in North America and features an Art Deco interior.
Meeting point
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
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.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour
by Wendella Tours & Cruises
Choose from 1 available option
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.$90Overview
Passengers board a boat at Michigan Avenue to begin a 90-minute tour of Chicago's architecture along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. The first half of the ride focuses on the river, where a local guide points out significant buildings and shares details about Chicago's architectural history. After passing under the Michigan Avenue Bridge, the boat enters Lake Michigan, offering extended views of the city's 26-mile skyline. Along the way, guests see landmarks including the Centennial Fountain and Water Arc, which operates for five minutes at the start of each hour, the Merchandise Mart, Marina City’s distinctive corn-cob towers, the Wrigley Building, the Chicago Riverwalk pedestrian area, and the Lyric Opera House with its Art Deco design. The tour includes both indoor and outdoor seating options that are climate-controlled, and on-board restrooms are available. Drinks and snacks can be bought on the boat, but these are not included in the tour price. Guests are advised to arrive 30 minutes before departure, and the operator can provide information about wheelchair and ADA access. All bags will be searched, and weapons and outside alcohol are prohibited.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Chicago River
The tour starts at Michigan Avenue and moves along the Chicago River. A professional guide narrates the architecture and history of the buildings visible along the riverbanks during this 45-minute segment.
45 min
Lake Michigan
For the next 45 minutes, the boat travels on Lake Michigan, providing expansive views of Chicago's skyline stretching 26 miles.
45 min
Centennial Fountain And Water Arc
The boat passes the Centennial Fountain and Water Arc, dedicated in 1989 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, which reversed the Chicago River's flow in 1900. At the start of every hour, the fountain shoots a water arc across the river for five minutes.
Merchandise Mart
Guests see the Merchandise Mart, noted as the largest commercial building in the world.
Marina City
The tour passes Marina City’s mixed-use apartment buildings, known for their distinctive corn-cob shaped exterior and described as a 'city within a city.'
Michigan Avenue Bridge
The boat moves under Michigan Avenue Bridge, home to landmarks such as the Chicago Water Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and the shops along the Magnificent Mile.
Wrigley Building
The boat passes the Wrigley Building, a white terra-cotta structure built in 1922 that served as headquarters for the Wrigley chewing gum company.
Chicago Riverwalk
The tour includes views of the Chicago Riverwalk, an open pedestrian waterfront area often called the city's 'Second Lakefront.'
The Lyric Opera House
Guests see the Lyric Opera House, which has the second-largest opera auditorium in North America and features an Art Deco interior.
Meeting point
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
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.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.