Top Experiences in Chicago River

Our popular 90-minute daytime river and lake tour, the Urban Adventure Cruise, delights family members of all ages with incredible views of Chicago's world-renowned architecture and stunning skyline. Lively, knowledgeable tour guides bring Chicago’s rich history to life with fun stories and interesting facts. Relax and unwind on a scenic tour of the city from the unique perspective of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Welcome aboard!

Be Dazzled on Mercury's 3D Fireworks Cruise! Capture stunning photos of Chicago’s skyline from the Lake on Saturdays or from the mouth of the river on Wednesdays.

Saturday 3D Fireworks cruise is featured on the lake. A lively cruise past Buckingham Fountain, Museum Campus, the Chicago River Lock and more.

Wednesday 3D Fireworks cruise is featured on the river only. Includes light narration on the main and south branches of the river. Ends with the fireworks spectacle at the mouth of the river. (Does not go on the lake.)

Then put on your complimentary “3D” glasses and enjoy a musical soundtrack as you take in an unbeatable view of a spectacular fireworks display!

Sunday Funday Mimosas and Bloody Marys with beautiful views of the Chicago skyline aboard our flagship vessel. Enchantment boasts a Tiki Chic vibe, two climate controlled decks, two bars, two bathrooms, premium sound system, outdoor and indoor viewing areas. Upgrade to the upscale "Admirals Lounge" features top-shelf alcohol, including the captain's private reserve. Upgrade can be purchased on board.

Your adventure starts on the Chicago Riverwalk when you board vessel. From there you will complete the unique experience of transiting the Chicago Locks. Once on Lake Michigan take in the stunning views of Chicago's skyline.

Glide along the Chicago River and Lakefront as you're dazzled by the sparkle of the city at night! Enjoy breathtaking views of the dramatic skyscrapers and Buckingham Fountain's spectacular light display. Hear lively commentary as you feel the night breeze and see Chicago’s skyline transformed into a glittering jewel. A one-of-a-kind experience to scratch off your Chicago bucket list. Family-friendly cruises are our specialty!

See Chicago the Island Party Way. Our floating Tiki Bar offers you the opportunity to take in all the sights and sounds as you relax and enjoy a beverage. Have questions about the buildings you'll see along the river? Our helpful staff will be happy to answer questions.

Take in the views on this award-winning 90-minute Architectural Tour, a jaw-dropping excursion through a city that defies all expectations!

Immerse yourself along the Chicago River and admire the astonishing architecture and landmarks that have shaped the Windy City and beyond.

Our expert guides will show you Chicago through a new lens and explore this city’s history, architecture, and legacy with you.

Tour the lobbies of five opulent Art Deco skyscrapers built near the banks of the Chicago River during the business boom of the Roaring '20s. Learn how Art Deco reflected the era’s fun-loving optimism with lavish materials and geometric ornament. Discover the origins of Art Deco while admiring buildings like the Carbide and Carbon Building (now Pendry Chicago), the Chicago Motor Club Building (now the Hampton Inn) and the colorful, but often overlooked, Trustees System Service Building (now the Century Tower)—all of which are designated Chicago landmarks. As a certified nonprofit, all CAC ticket purchases directly support our education efforts and community engagement projects.

Discover Chicago's best on our Big Bus tour. Board our open-top, double-decker bus and see the city's iconic landmarks, from the Magnificent Mile to Millennium Park. Utilize our convenient stops to explore vibrant neighborhoods and attractions, including Willis Tower, the Chicago Riverwalk, and more.

Spend your day shopping on Magnificent Mile, enjoying Navy Pier's Ferris Wheel, or tasting authentic Chicago Deep Dish Pizza. Our flexible tour lets you create your own itinerary, with a free app to track bus arrivals.

Listen to digital commentary in multiple languages, offering expert insight into Chicago's history and culture, while recommending the best places to eat, drink, and shop. Offering comfortable seating and panoramic views, our Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour is an ideal way to explore the city. Hop off as often as you like within your ticket's validity period, and simply hop on again when ready to continue.

Wendella's Beer & BBQ Cruise is a world class Chicago experience for locals and visitors. Board our famous tour boats at Michigan Avenue, and enjoy the Chicago River and Lake Michigan while sampling a variety of craft beers from local breweries paired with authentic barbecue bites. A different brewery is featured each month. Enjoy these Chicago favorites while cruising Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. Must be 21+. There is also a full service bar and climate controlled cabin on the vessel's lower deck. This activity does not have a narrated tour but features light music during the cruise.

Enjoy Chicago’s famous sights and fabulous views on this award-winning small-group sightseeing tour of the city.
On this tour, you will travel through Chicago with an expert guide in a comfortable minibus, enjoy world renowned architecture including the world's first skyscrapers, Museum Campus (for the BEST skyline view in town), Millennium Park (Home of "The Bean"), Buckingham Fountain, The Magnificent Mile, Lincoln Park, Chicago River, The Gold Coast, Lake Shore Drive and more!
Along the way, your guide will provide historical, informational and at times humorous commentary about the area.
Four photo stops are a part of each tour. The small-group atmosphere with a maximum of 10 people ensures a more personal experience. 

You also have the option to upgrade to include THE most popular Architecture River Cruise in Chicago! For good reason, our partner Shoreline Sightseeing, has been the most booked tour on TripAdvisor for the last 5 years! And yes, there is a bar on the boat.

This Wine & Cheese Cruise is a world class Chicago experience for locals and visitors. Board our famous tour boats at Michigan Avenue, and enjoy the Chicago River and Lake Michigan while tasting wine and cheese pairings. There is also a full service bar and climate controlled cabin on the vessel's lower deck. This activity does not have a narrated tour but features light music during the cruise.

Welcome to Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours! We’re proud to present you with an in-depth, expert architectural-based river boat tour that delves into one of the most remarkable American cities today. Known for unique, daring, and historical architectural pursuits, it’s hard to cover all of the design and building treasures that make up the Windy City today. If you’re ready to learning more about the designs, people, and innovations behind these creations, throw on your captains hat and get ready to cruise along the Chicago River and see what architects from around the world travel to see in Chicago. Tour departures from 465 N. McClurg Ct.

When in Chicago, cruising down the Chicago River is a must. Except with us, you’ll be taking in the architecture of the buildings that line the beautiful river. We provide detailed explanations of the construction and history of over 50 significant buildings, wrapping up at the end of the river.

The Chicago River Cocktail Cruise allows you to experience an architecture tour with a cocktail in your hand! Your cruise includes either one or two drinks, with your choice of premium spirits, beer, or wine. Additional drinks are available for purchase.

An elegant Mother’s Day dining cruise is the perfect way to celebrate the mom in your life. Enjoy a Premier Plus Brunch Cruise on the Chicago River and revel in Chicago's iconic landmarks as you sail along the Chicago River. While onboard, you’ll enjoy chef-inspired, fine dining, and a selection of wine and classic cocktails, accompanied by live entertainment and the city’s most impressive views from your table.

Cruise the river on a less crowed, small historic yacht! When in Chicago, cruising down the Chicago River is a must. Except with us, you’ll be taking in the architecture of the buildings that line the beautiful river. We provide detailed explanations of the construction and history of over 50 significant buildings, wrapping up at the end of the river.

Experience one of the world’s most beautiful cities on a cruise down the historic Chicago River. On this architecture cruise, head down the main branch of the Chicago River, up the north branch to the East Bank Club, and then south past Willis Tower (Sears Tower) to the old Post Office Building. Take in magnificent city skyline views as you see more than 40 notable buildings, including the John Hancock Center and the Wrigley Building, and learn about their distinctive architecture from your onboard guide, an expert in architecture.

Discover Chicago by private boat with a local Chicagoan to highlight its fascinating history and architectural marvels along the way!

Before we board, we’ll take a short walk in the Chicago Loop, a bustling area filled with gems like the ostentatious Marshall Field building, the stained-glass-domed Cultural Center, and the Chicago Theatre, adorned with its emblematic marquee.

After arriving at the dock, you’ll board your own private boat and set sail along the Chicago River. As we glide along, your guide will point out some of the city’s most fascinating landmarks. Stare up in awe at Willis Tower, once the world’s tallest building. Spot Union Station, which you might recognize from several famous films. And gaze upon a behemoth Art Deco building so large it once had its own zip code!

We’ll also pass by Wolf Point, formerly occupied by Native Americans and later by many of Chicago’s first commercial buildings. Afterwards, you might want to explore all these sites and more on foot!

Enjoy Chicago’s iconic skyline with an exciting architecture cruise on the Chicago River. Departing from Navy Pier, this 75-minute narrated cruise is the best way to get up-close views of Chicago’s unique architecture and famous landmarks. Seadog offers fun for the whole family (and the dog, too!) with live narration along the city’s shore. Enjoy the speed of Seadog afterward during a short speedboat ride on the lake!

Please arrive at the boarding location at least 30 minutes before your scheduled cruise time. The tour will begin promptly.

Chicago has it all – amazing architecture, great food, and iconic sights both old and new. This walking tour takes you to some of the city’s best spots alongside a local guide where you’ll get the inside scoop on what makes Chicago so special. Not only that, we’ll throw in a couple of sweet, local treats to keep you going as we explore on foot.

Ready to discover some of the best Chicago has to offer with a local by your side? Join us on an epic tour of some of the city’s greatest hits: incredible architecture both old and new, delicious local treats and iconic Chicago dishes, a uniquely Chicago transit ride, stunning river views and much more!

The Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady has long been the gold standard among all Chicago tour experiences, and is the only Chicago architecture boat tour led by highly trained expert docents. On this 90-minute cruise, you will enjoy an overview of historic and modern architectural styles including stories about the people who designed and built Chicago.
As a certified nonprofit, all ticket purchases directly support education efforts and community engagement projects. No visit to Chicago is complete without experiencing this award winning tour, so accept no substitutes.

See Chicago Fireworks the Island Party way. Our floating Tiki Bar offers you the unique opportunity to see the sights of the Chicago River, topped off with a fireworks show. Have questions about the buildings you'll see along the river? Our helpful staff will be happy to answer questions.

The Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise departs near the DuSable (Michigan Avenue) Bridge on Wendella's world class tour boats. The Cruise will navigate from the Chicago River, through the Chicago Lock and out onto Lake Michigan. Watch the sun slowly set behind the city from the tranquil waters of Lake Michigan on this serene and romantic cruise.

Experience Chicago's legendary architecture and the exceptional architects who created this ever-changing legacy for all to admire. This family-friendly introduction to the Windy City's rich history and architectural heritage features highlights from Wendella's full-length architecture tours. Hop aboard our world class vessels as our local authentic tour guides showcase our amazing city.

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!