Chicago River and Lake Michigan Architecture Tour

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!

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:

• All taxes, fees and handling charges
• Outdoor and Indoor climate-controlled seating option
• Local Expert Guide

Not included:

• Alcoholic drinks, non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks available for purchase on board
• Storage

What to expect:

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Chicago River

Chicago, Illinois

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.

45 minutes

Lake Michigan

Illinois

Your tour travels along Lake Michigan and explores Chicago's beautiful skyline.

45 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

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

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

The Lyric Opera House

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

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

Pass by without stopping