Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour
Overview
An authentic Chicago tradition since 1935, this is the tour that started it all. This unique excursion tells the story of more than 200 years of fascinating social, cultural and political history, and explores more than a century of groundbreaking architecture. The journey begins with an up-close perspective of Chicago's internationally-known architecture as seen from the Chicago River. Then venture through the Chicago Lock on to the calm, cool waters of Lake Michigan for expansive views of Chicago's extraordinary 26-mile skyline. Take the selfie of a lifetime on this inspirational experience!
Inclusions
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Entry/Admission - Wendella
What to expect
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Wendella, Chicago, IL
All tours depart and return to Wendella's Michigan Avenue Dock Located in the heart of Chicago's Magnificent Mile.
Boarding for each tour will begin 15-30 minutes before the tour time. There is no reserved seating, as seating is first come first served. All groups should arrive 30 minutes prior to the tour time. All tickets are non-refundable, however, in the event you are unable to make your scheduled tour date or miss the boat, all tickets are transferrable to another time, date, or tour. Tours depart rain or shine. Located on the bottom deck of our climate-controlled lounge are restrooms and a full service bar with snacks, such as chips and candy (no meals or food are served), and a selection of beers, wines, cocktails and soft drinks. All vessel bars accept cash and all major credit cards.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Chicago River, Chicago, IL
Lake and River Architecture Tours begin at Michigan Avenue and explore Chicago's amazing architecture along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. All tours are narrated by professional tour guides.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Lake Michigan, Beaches for swimming, IL
Your tour travels along Lake Michigan and explores Chicago's beautiful skyline.
Duration: 45 minutes
Pass By: Centennial Fountain And Water Arc, 400 N McClurg Ct, Chicago, IL 60611-4323
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.
Pass By: 222 Merchandise Mart Plz Suite 107, Chicago, IL 60654-1103
The largest commercial building in the world.
Pass By: Marina City, 300 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654-5414
Pass by these iconic mixed-use apartment buildings - "a city within a city" with their unique corn-cob exterior.
Pass By: Michigan Avenue Bridge, 333 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601-3901
Michigan Avenue is home of the Chicago Water Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and the shopping on the Magnificent Mile.
Pass By: Wrigley Building, 410 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611-4213
This white, terra-cotta landmark was built in 1922 as headquarters for the Wrigley chewing gum company.
Pass By: Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago, IL 60601
An open, pedestrian waterfront called the city's 'Second Lakefront.'
Pass By: The Lyric Opera House, 20 N Wacker Dr 60606, Chicago, IL 60606-2806
Second-largest opera auditorium in North America, with an Art Deco interior
Pass By: Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower, 233 S Wacker Drive entrance on Jackson Blvd (south side of building), Chicago, IL 60606-7147
The tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Wendella, Chicago, IL
All tours depart and return to Wendella's Michigan Avenue Dock Located in the heart of Chicago's Magnificent Mile.
Boarding for each tour will begin 15-30 minutes before the tour time. There is no reserved seating, as seating is first come first served. All groups should arrive 30 minutes prior to the tour time. All tickets are non-refundable, however, in the event you are unable to make your scheduled tour date or miss the boat, all tickets are transferrable to another time, date, or tour. Tours depart rain or shine. Located on the bottom deck of our climate-controlled lounge are restrooms and a full service bar with snacks, such as chips and candy (no meals or food are served), and a selection of beers, wines, cocktails and soft drinks. All vessel bars accept cash and all major credit cards.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Chicago River, Chicago, IL
Lake and River Architecture Tours begin at Michigan Avenue and explore Chicago's amazing architecture along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. All tours are narrated by professional tour guides.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Lake Michigan, Beaches for swimming, IL
Your tour travels along Lake Michigan and explores Chicago's beautiful skyline.
Duration: 45 minutes
Pass By: Centennial Fountain And Water Arc, 400 N McClurg Ct, Chicago, IL 60611-4323
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.
Pass By: 222 Merchandise Mart Plz Suite 107, Chicago, IL 60654-1103
The largest commercial building in the world.
Pass By: Marina City, 300 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654-5414
Pass by these iconic mixed-use apartment buildings - "a city within a city" with their unique corn-cob exterior.
Pass By: Michigan Avenue Bridge, 333 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601-3901
Michigan Avenue is home of the Chicago Water Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and the shopping on the Magnificent Mile.
Pass By: Wrigley Building, 410 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611-4213
This white, terra-cotta landmark was built in 1922 as headquarters for the Wrigley chewing gum company.
Pass By: Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago, IL 60601
An open, pedestrian waterfront called the city's 'Second Lakefront.'
Pass By: The Lyric Opera House, 20 N Wacker Dr 60606, Chicago, IL 60606-2806
Second-largest opera auditorium in North America, with an Art Deco interior
Pass By: Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower, 233 S Wacker Drive entrance on Jackson Blvd (south side of building), Chicago, IL 60606-7147
The tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Weapons prohibited by US Coast Guard
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- Outside alcohol is prohibited
- All bags are 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
- Special requests entered at checkout cannot be guaranteed
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 300 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
Joanna_R
May 2022
Our guide was amazing. He was engaging & delivered so much history in a fun way. This is a great way to see the city.
Our guide was amazing. He was engaging & delivered so much history in a fun way. This is a great way to see the city.JJIMENEZ89
May 2022
Even though it was raining on and off and windy, the tour guide made our cruise very enjoyable and memorable. She was very knowledgeable, fun, and even volunteered to take our pictures! When we decided we wanted to go to the top deck, they wiped our seats and dried them. Top notch service, and di...
Even though it was raining on and off and windy, the tour guide made our cruise very enjoyable and memorable. She was very knowledgeable, fun, and even volunteered to take our pictures! When we decided we wanted to go to the top deck, they wiped our seats and dried them. Top notch service, and didn’t hurt that they had an indoor space as well with seating and a bar. Not too shabby for a rainy, windy day in the Windy City.Nikki_F
May 2022
Great ride! Very informative. Nice photos. We stayed up top despite the rainy weather. I don’t have anymore to say.
Great ride! Very informative. Nice photos. We stayed up top despite the rainy weather. I don’t have anymore to say.Lynnette_S
April 2022
Excellent Guide! He was Very Personable and Informative!! Comfortable and Beautiful Ride! 5 Stars!!!
Excellent Guide! He was Very Personable and Informative!! Comfortable and Beautiful Ride! 5 Stars!!!Bonnie_S
April 2022
Amazing tour guide, so fun to tour the river and the lake! Fun facts and architecture galore. We had a ton of fun.
Amazing tour guide, so fun to tour the river and the lake! Fun facts and architecture galore. We had a ton of fun.Agbeko_C
April 2022
The history of Chicago. My wife was telling me that we should recorded it. And have it forever for us. And then after telling the same history to others. The only thing I wish you should consider would be to advise clients on the current weather conditions at the time they are booking their to...
The history of Chicago. My wife was telling me that we should recorded it. And have it forever for us. And then after telling the same history to others. The only thing I wish you should consider would be to advise clients on the current weather conditions at the time they are booking their tour. Just like a kindly reminder on the weather (clothing that they have to hear at the specific times) Thank you.