Cruise down the Chicago River and see the city’s most spectacular landmarks on a boat cruise with live, family-friendly commentary and a full-service bar on board.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible—book your spot and pay nothing today. Learn more
Duration 45 minutes: Check availability to see starting times.
Skip the ticket line
Live tour guide: English

Highlights

Navigate with your family through the heart of the City on the Chicago River
Learn from expert guides about what makes Chicago architecture so amazing
Relax on board with locally sourced food and drinks from the full-service cash bar
Pre-purchase your ticket to skip the line and guarantee your place on this popular cruise

Full description

Admire Chicago’s impressive architecture from a unique perspective aboard a cruise sailing down the Chicago River, which features an indoor and outdoor deck, along with live commentary tailored to entertain the whole family. Treat yourself to a full-service cash bar at your own expense. Experience the best of the Chicago River from Lakeshore Drive to the Willis Tower, navigating along the South branch of the river, before heading back past the Chicago Riverwalk towards Lake Shore Drive and Lake Michigan. Be entertained by the fun and experienced tour guides as they explain the history behind Chicago’s buildings along the river and the exceptional architects who created this ever-changing skyline. Enjoy the most relaxing way to sightsee in Chicago, exploring the city free of traffic, noise, and congestion. Make sure to visit the full-service cash bar featuring authentic Chicago products, including local beer and spirits. Explore the open-air decks that allow you to feel the cooling river breeze and see the city from many vantage points that provide perfect photo opportunities.

Includes

Local tour guide
Outdoor and interior deck access
Climate-controlled seating

Food and drinks (available for purchase onboard)
Tips

Covid-19 precautions

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned

Meeting point

Meet the Wendella Tours & Cruises staff at the top of the stairs at the northwest corner of the N Michigan Avenue (DuSable) Bridge at the foot of the Wrigley Building.

Open in Google Maps ⟶

Important information

What to bring

Face mask or protective covering

Not allowed

Weapons or sharp objects
Food and drinks

Know before you go

Passengers can bring their own non-alcoholic beverages and food
This tour takes place rain or shine
Children under 4 years of age are free
Seats on the decks are chosen on a first-come, first-serve basis
All bags are subject to a security search

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 334 reviews

Review summary

Guide
4.8/5
Transportation
4.8/5
Value for money
4.8/5

Sort by:

The length of the cruise was just right…45 minutes. and the 7:45 was trip was perfect. Sun went down on the way back and the made the views even more spectacular. Our guide was very knowledgeable and gave us lots of interesting facts about the iconic buildings on the tour. I would highly recommend this cruise to see the wonderful architecture in a nutshell.

May 10, 2022

Excellent choice, you have very nice views of the city! Chicago undoubtedly has spectacular architecture and with this tour you can learn about its origin! It is worth doing and you also take very nice photos from different angles! The service VERY good, punctual and very nice the guide, he was very cheerful, lively and friendly! Really all very good! The facilities were pretty good! If you come during the cold season, I recommend you come very well dressed!

April 17, 2022

We arrived Thursday and we stayed outside of Chicago in Rosemont Hyatt regency. We wanted to see Chicago downtown. We are extremely happy we picked the Architecture Family boat excursion. All my kids wanted and expected different thing. When we got on board a chilly 12-17-2021 boat ride The guide Mr Paul not only filled all our needs of what the city was what things meant and who designed what building and bridge. My kids were all fascinated. Mr Paul is truly an asset to your charming city. He was charming,funny knowledge. Our only regret we did the 45 minute ride and not a longer one. What an amazing time. Thank you MR PAUL and all the employees all very kind and gracious. Thank you Chicago. Becky & Benny. From Leesburg VA

December 18, 2021

Chicago: 45-Minute Family-Friendly Architecture River Cruise

Chicago: 45-Minute Family-Friendly Architecture River Cruise

About this activity

Experience

Select participants and date

Overall rating

Review summary

Sort by:

Traveler type:

Star rating: