Top Experiences in Marina City

We wrote the book(s) on Chicago ghosts! Now in our 24th year!

Ursula Bielski, our founder, has published more than a dozen volumes on Chicago's haunted history over more than two decades. Chicago Hauntings is the original Chicago ghost tour and still the best. Our tours are based on all original research, unlike the many other knock-off tours you'll find today. Beware of the imitations.

Imagine walking in the steps of Chicago's most notorious criminals at the city's original courthouse, putting your fingers into actual bullet holes from Chicago's gangland days, feeling the haunting presences near the site of the old Cook County gallows, and gazing upon the waters where 844 souls lost their lives in the horrific Eastland disaster of 1915. Come along and experience all this and more.

We are also the only interactive tour experience where YOU are the paranormal investigator, using simple tools to look for spirits while you hear tales of Chicago's most haunted locations.

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.

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.

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.

Looking for iconic Mid-Century Modern architecture? What better place than Chicago with its triumvirate of modern architects (Mies van der Rohe, Bertrand Goldberg and SOM) and a city ready and willing to accept them. Find out what set these buildings apart from their predecessors and how they helped set the stage for the future.

If you’re interested in iconic buildings, public art, urban planning or government this is your tour. Find out the stories behind inland steel, Marina city, the IBM building and other "Mad Men" worthy skyscrapers.

As a certified nonprofit, all CAC ticket purchases directly support our education efforts and community engagement projects.

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.

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!

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!