Chicago River Architecture Experience Tour
from
$44
Chicago
IL
1-15
people
price for
1 participant
1 hour
30 minutes
  • • Explore Chicago's Legendary Architecture
  • • 1 Hour, 30 Minutes of Captivating Insights
  • • Most Authentic and Encompassing Chicago Experience

Why We Love This Unique Experience

Experience the captivating, visual art that is Chicago’s legendary architecture on a comprehensive 90-minute tour that takes you through the heart of the city on all three branches of the Chicago River. An architectural guide will narrate more than 130 years of innovation in design, style, and technique, making this tour not only informative but also a visual delight. Discover the reasons why Chicago's architecture is revered and recognized worldwide, and why it continues to be influential today.The tour begins at the meeting point at 400 N Michigan Ave, where you will be guided to your boarding dock. As you cruise along the river, passing iconic landmarks such as the Merchandise Mart, the Michigan Avenue Bridge, and the Wrigley Building, your guide will provide fascinating insights into the history and significance of each architectural gem. Learn about the city's impressive skyline, its famous architects, and the stories behind the buildings that have shaped Chicago's identity.This 90-minute Chicago River Architecture Tour is not just an experience; it's a journey through time and design, offering a unique perspective of the city's rich architectural heritage. Appreciate the beauty of Chicago from a different angle and gain a newfound appreciation for the craftsmanship and creativity that have made the city's skyline so iconic. Treat yourself or a loved one to this unforgettable experience that makes for a perfect gift for anyone who appreciates art, history, and architecture.

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Experience Overview:

Chicago River 90-minute Architecture Tour

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.

Meeting Point

400 N Michigan Ave

400 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

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.

What's included:

  • Indoor and outdoor seating available (indoor is climate controlled)
  • Narrated tour on board by professionally trained tour guide.
  • Expert Local Guide

Not included:

  • Gratuities

What to expect:

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Wendella

400 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, 60611, Illinois

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

15 minutes

Centennial Fountain And Water Arc

400 N McClurg Ct, Chicago, 60611-4323, Illinois

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 without stopping

Merchandise Mart

222 Merchandise Mart Plz, Chicago, 60654-1103, Illinois

The largest commercial building in the world.

Pass by without stopping

Michigan Avenue Bridge

333 Michigan Ave, , Chicago, 60601-3901, Illinois

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 without stopping

Wrigley Building

400-410 Michigan Ave, , Chicago, 60611-4213, Illinois

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

Pass by without stopping

Chicago Riverwalk

22 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, 60601, Illinois

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

Pass by without stopping

Lyric Opera of Chicago

20 N Wacker Dr, , Chicago, 60606-2806, Illinois

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

Pass by without stopping

Marina City

300 N State St, , Chicago, 60654-5414, Illinois

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

Pass by without stopping

Details & Important Info

Additional Experience Details & Important Information

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

Cancellations & Refunds

Reservation Changes, Cancellations & Refunds

Changes to reservations for tickets can be made until 3 days prior to the date scheduled. Reservations may be re-scheduled by the operator of the activity due to reasons such as weather, minimum participation requirements, mechanical issues or other interruptions beyond their control.

Organized by

Wendella Tours & Cruises

Product SKU: US-4234-0001
Google Business Profile: Wendella Tours & Cruises

Chicago River Architecture Experience Tour

(4112 reviews)
Chicago
IL
1-15
people
price for
1 participant
1 hour
30 minutes
  • • Explore Chicago's Legendary Architecture
  • • 1 Hour, 30 Minutes of Captivating Insights
  • • Most Authentic and Encompassing Chicago Experience

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