Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise

9.6Exceptional14 reviews

from

US$57

From

US$57

Our guide Samuel was excellent. He knew everything about the city's architecture!

Sandra Regina

Cruising down the Chicago River is one of the greatest ways to get to know the Windy City. Sail past its towering skyline and discover how Chicago became the birthplace of the skyscraper.

Details

Duration

1 hour 30 minutes.

Language

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

Included

1.5–hour boat trip
English–speaking guide

Supporting documents

Electronic voucher. Have it on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability

All services meet our

Pets

Not allowed.

Frequently asked questions

If you have other questions, contact us

Cancellations

Please remember that these activities are non-refundable.

Meeting point

112 E Wacker Dr

Reviews of our customers

9.6

Exceptional 403 Travelers·14 reviews

September 12, 2026
Sandra Regina Diniz
São Paulo, Brazil
Our guide Samuel was excellent. He knew everything about the city's architecture!
As a couple
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September 9, 2026
Marco Costanzi
Terni, Italy
Truly beautiful. Chicago from the river is at its best.
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August 19, 2026
Lydia
Roma, Italy
Fantastic, a must do!
With friends
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July 1, 2026
Juliana Santa
Aventura, United States
Wonderful. We love the experience and the tour. Everything good
As a couple
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May 4, 2026
Annamaria
Roma, Italy
Excellent guide. It was very windy so we couldn't stay out the whole time, but it was worth it anyway.
As a couple
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July 21, 2025
Stanislawa Demkowicz
Austin, Tx, United States
I loved the tour Guide, Mark. He was very knowledgeable and loved talking about the architecture of his hometown Chicago. Thanks to him the city’s hi...
Traveling solo
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April 1, 2025
Noemi Sande
Spain
Very good experience with an exceptional guide, who has infinite knowledge.
Traveling solo
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Cruising down the Chicago River is one of the greatest ways to get to know the Windy City. Sail past its towering skyline and discover how Chicago became the birthplace of the skyscraper.

Tour Details

We'll meet along Wacker Drive and then board a boat that will take us along the skirts of the Chicago River, allowing us to see the city from a different perspective!

As we set sail, launching from the main branch of the Chicago River, we'll arrive at the East Bank Club. Along the way, we'll spot some of the city's most emblematic buildings towering above, like the Willis Tower, the John Hancock Center, and the Wrigley Building.

On board the boat, you'll hear all about the history of the buildings, the architecture, and the engineering that made Chicago the pioneer in the construction of skyscrapers and the home of modern American architecture. Chicago was originally a small settlement and in less than 100 years, it became a massive metropolis. You'll also learn why the river's water flow was reversed in a groundbreaking feat of engineering—now it flows backwards!

Finally, after about 1.5 hours of cruising down tranquil river waters, we'll return to the starting point bringing our tour to an end.

Types of activities in Chicago

Tourist cards Boat tours Guided tours and free tours Sports

Other activities in Chicago

Skydeck Chicago Tickets Chicago Theatre Tour 360 Chicago Observation Deck Tickets Chicago Sightseeing Bus Chicago Medieval Torture Museum Tickets Color Factory Chicago Tickets Centennial Wheel Tickets Chicago Donut Tour Field Museum of Natural History Tickets + Audio Guide Chicago Architecture Center Ticket

Cruising down the Chicago River is one of the greatest ways to get to know the Windy City. Sail past its towering skyline and discover how Chicago became the birthplace of the skyscraper.

Tour Details

We'll meet along Wacker Drive and then board a boat that will take us along the skirts of the Chicago River, allowing us to see the city from a different perspective!

Finally, after about 1.5 hours of cruising down tranquil river waters, we'll return to the starting point bringing our tour to an end.

Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise