Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Marvel at the magnificent architecture on the Chicago River with expert tour guides! All ages welcome.
Each architecture river tour is narrated by a professional guide which leads passengers down the Chicago River to discover the city’s most renowned landmarks. In addition to historical insight on well known structures such as the Civic Opera House, Trump Tower & the Merchandise Mart, passengers will also get a chance to learn about current and upcoming developments. This Chicago River Cruise is the only cruise that navigates the three primary branches of the river including the main branch to Navy Pier, the north branch to Goose Island, and the south branch to Chinatown. It is also the cruise closest to Skydeck, has the least expensive parking, and is great for those coming from the suburbs due to its location off Interstate 290.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tour times cannot be changed
Cruises are on rain or shine
Minimum drinking age is 21 years
Please arrive 30 min before your cruise time
Seating is first come first serve. If you have a large group, arrive early
Each guest needs a ticket including children & infants
Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
Vessel has full bar and restroom
Please take note that parking is about $12.00 - $15.00.
What To Expect
Wrigley Building
Located in the center of the Magnificent Mile, and steps from the Michigan Avenue Bridge, The Wrigley Building has been a hallmark of Chicago’s skyline since 1920. Designed as the headquarters for the successful chewing gum, the building was modeled after the Seville Cathedral’s Giralda Tower in Spain. Today, it is still home to Wm Wrigley Jr. Company, and is perhaps best known for its dazzling white towers that illuminate the city at night.
Willis Tower is the heart of downtown Chicago and the future of work and play. The 110-story building is one of the tallest buildings in the world and the second tallest building in Chicago, making it impossible to miss when appreciating the city’s skyline.
Options
Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour
What‘s Included
Fully enclosed interior with air conditioning, seats, & windows
Outside seating available (seating is first come first serve basis)
Restroom on board
Guided architecture cruise of the historic Chicago River
Full bar & snacks (available for purchase)
Gratuities
$12 to $15 discounted parking lot connected to marina
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,685 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
super easy to park and...
Aniah M,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00super easy to park and check in! the experience was well worth it. shoutout to Joe & Dave, they’re literally sweethearts!!
Best way for CHI!
Mikolaj K,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Best way to see Chicago and its stunning architecture! Good duration (better than competition), cool and well-equipped ship, but most of all… AMAZING AND PASSIONATE NARRATION!
Rain coming? Cancel 24 hrs prior!
John R,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00If it looks like rain in the forecast, cancel 24 hours before. This goes rain or shine and if it's raining your stuck below deck and you can't see a GD thing out of the windows. You might as well be in a submarine in a mud puddle.
Great Value, Highly Recommended, Parking Lot Available
toddk28,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain Joe kept the boat steady while Hillary was an amazing guide. She was able to convey the information in a fun and engaging way. The 90 minute tour was filled with fun facts and interesting stories which gave me a greater appreciation of the architecture of Chicago. Do yourself a favor and book with this company. You will not regret it! Bring a hat & sunscreen so you can be comfortable sitting on the open upper deck.
Great experience!
donnarT3644UR,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I've been to Chicago several times and never before had an opportunity to take the architecture boat tour. I'm traveling solo this time so I seized the moment,a great price, and based on TA rating, a fabulous tour. The guide, Tela, was fun, funny, and extremely knowledgeable about Chicago history and architecture. You could feel her passion for the city as we went along the river. The dock location is a bit out of the way but I think the price reflects the difference from the boats along the Riverwalk. The tour and experience are nothing less than awesome. I might do this same trip on all future visits to Chicago.
Great treat for a 1st-time visitor!
greendaddy0211,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great location away from the main channel of the river. A bit “seedy” (the location), but only steps from the boat launch and easy to find. The captain was very friendly and welcoming, but the star of the tour, besides historical Chicago architecture, was Hillary, our tour guide. She is a very animated and extremely knowledgeable. We’ve already decided that we will only tour with her when we next visit The Windy City!
Great and informative boat ride!
mindyd517,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide was great. Knowledgeable and with a great sense of humor.
The architecture of Chicago is surprisingly interesting!
seanw997,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was booked by our conference organizers as an evening event. We are in the architectural glass industry so this was very relevant to our group. I have to say that it did not disappoint, it was fantastic! We went up and down both branches of the river and saw many of the best, historic, and modern buildings in the city. Our narrator obviously has passion for what he does, and he did an excellent job telling the stories of Chicago and the history of the buildings. We had a bar with beer and wine, and the served appetizers during the tour, they we fantastic! I woul highly recommend doing one of this tours if you visit, you won't regret it!
Don't go on a rainy day
Ronald R,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00Don't go on a rainy day and plan to stay inside. All the windows on rainy days are obscured and you won't be able to see anything.
Amazing and unique tour!
vguert,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommend this tour. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. I’m a born and raised Chicagoan and thought I knew just about everything about Chicago’s history. But I walked away with some new fun facts! Also felt a little different than the tours you get from navy pier or River North, in a good way!
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