Chicago River 90 Minute Architecture Tour

About this activity

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

1. Wendella · 15 min

   Vessels depart from Wendella's docks at the northwest corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge (DuSable Bridge), at the foot of the Wrigley Building.

2. Centennial Fountain And Water Arc · 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.

3. Merchandise Mart · pass by

   The largest commercial building in the world.

4. Michigan Avenue Bridge · pass by

   Michigan Avenue is home of the Chicago Water Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and the shopping on the Magnificent Mile.

5. Wrigley Building · pass by

   This white, terra-cotta landmark was built in 1922 as headquarters for the Wrigley chewing gum company.

6. Chicago Riverwalk · pass by

   An open, pedestrian waterfront called the city's 'Second Lakefront.'

7. Lyric Opera of Chicago · pass by

   Second-largest opera auditorium in North America, with an Art Deco interior

8. Marina City · pass by

   Pass by these iconic mixed-use apartment buildings - "a city within a city" with their unique corn-cob exterior.

Meeting point

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

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.

Good to know

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Weapons prohibited by US Coast Guard
• Outside alcohol is prohibited
• All bags subject to search
• Arrive 30 Minutes prior to your departure time.
• Contact tour operator for wheelchair & ADA access
• Indoor and outdoor seating is available on a first come, first served basis
• Maps are available with highlights in simplified Chinese. They can picked up per request at the ticket window.
• Special requests entered at checkout cannot be guaranteed

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

• 5 star9,646
• 4 star855
• 3 star377
• 2 star183
• 1 star273

Read the reviews on Viator