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Chicago River 90 Minute Architecture Tour

11,071 Reviews 4.78 out of 5 stars Based on 11,071 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 95% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Chicago, USA
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 14 (4.34) days in advance.

1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Overview

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.

What's Included

  • Indoor and outdoor seating available (indoor is climate controlled)
  • Restroom on board
  • Expert Local Guide
  • Alcoholic beverages Drinks and snacks available for purchase on-board the vessel.
  • Gratuities
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

400 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Wendella

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

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.
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Merchandise Mart (pass by)

The largest commercial building in the world.
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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.
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Wrigley Building (pass by)

This white, terra-cotta landmark was built in 1922 as headquarters for the Wrigley chewing gum company.
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Chicago Riverwalk (pass by)

An open, pedestrian waterfront called the city's 'Second Lakefront.'
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Lyric Opera of Chicago (pass by)

Second-largest opera auditorium in North America, with an Art Deco interior
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Marina City (pass by)

Pass by these iconic mixed-use apartment buildings - "a city within a city" with their unique corn-cob exterior.
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Show 7 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • 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

Frequently Asked Questions (22)

Q: Is there any place to store luggage/walkers/bag on our dock?

A: There is no storage area on our dock, but guests may bring their luggage aboard keeping in mind it is subject to inspection Read more Nov 2024

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-76126P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.78
11,071 reviews

Average 4.78 out of 5 stars based on 11,069 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
9,624
4 stars
853
3 stars
312
2 stars
139
1 star
141
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 14 (4.34) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Indoor and outdoor seating available (indoor is climate controlled)
  • Restroom on board
  • Expert Local Guide
  • Narrated tour on board by professionally trained tour guide.
  • Alcoholic beveragesDrinks and snacks available for purchase on-board the vessel.
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • 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
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 300 travelers

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