Chicago River Architecture Boat Tour with Live Guide Narration
Enjoy a quintessential Chicago experience—and see more of the city's highlights in less time—on an architecture-themed boat tour of the Chicago River. Pick from multiple convenient start times, and board your vessel directly from the Chicago Riverwalk. Thanks to your trained docent guide, receive a rich introduction to the Windy City’s history, key landmarks, and architectural highlights—and spy landmarks like the Marina City towers and Navy Pier from the water’s edge.
Highlights
- ✓See a new perspective on the Windy City when you sail the Chicago River
- ✓Multiple departure times are available to suit your schedule
- ✓Discover key Chicago landmarks like the Willis Tower and Marina City
- ✓Learn all about the city’s highlights and heritage from your docent guide
What you'll see & do
- ✓The story of the Chicago River is one that continues to unfold. Through periods of industry, transportation, revitalization and recreation, it has grown and changed like the city itself.
- ✓The Chicago Architecture Center is directly across Wacker Drive from the Chicago's First Lady docks. Discounted admission of $5 per person is available if you show your river cruise ticket.
- ✓From naval base and university campus to shipping hub and entertainment destination, Navy Pier is Chicago’s hallmark of adaptive reuse.
- ✓When architect Bertrand Goldberg envisioned Marina City, it was an urban experiment designed to draw middle-class Chicagoans back to the city after more than a decade of suburban migration.
- ✓When our docents explain that the Trump International Hotel & Tower reflects its surroundings, they aren’t only referring to its shiny glass and steel exterior.
- ✓One of the last American projects designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, this powerful Modernist structure occupies a prominent place on the Chicago River.
- ✓Gravity-defying 150 North Riverside has already taken its rightful place among Chicago’s architectural and engineering wonders.
- ✓View Boeing International Headquarters at 100 N Riverside Plaza.
- ✓For nearly 25 years after its completion, the Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, held the title of tallest building in the world.
- ✓Size has always mattered in the Midwest. Upon its completion in 1930, it was the largest building in the world and served as Marshall Field’s wholesale warehouse, where retailers could buy stock.
- ✓View the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Building, located at 20 S Wacker Drive.
- ✓Chicago Tribune Freedom Center.
What's included
- ✓Local guide (docents)
- ✓On-board restrooms
- ✓Live commentary on board
- ✓River sightseeing cruise
- ✓Climate controlled lower level
What's not included
- ✓Drinks & light snacks (available to purchase)
- ✓Storage for luggage
- ✓WiFi on board
Good to know
Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Not recommended for children younger than 12 years
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
IMPORTANT: For safety reasons, motorized scooters and electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. Guests who are able to transfer may use the company's manual wheelchair based on availability.
WARNING: Tickets are not refundable or transferrable to other departures.
Pets are not allowed
IMPORTANT: There is no elevator access to the boat dock.
IMPORTANT: Most, but not all, departures are wheelchair accessible, please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required
All seating is General Admission. Boarding is on a first come, first serve basis
Routes, specific vessels, and schedules are subject to change without notice
Cancellation policy
This experience is non-refundable — once booked, it can’t be changed or refunded.
Chicago River Architecture Boat Tour with Live Guide Narration
Enjoy a quintessential Chicago experience—and see more of the city's highlights in less time—on an architecture-themed boat tour of the Chicago River. Pick from multiple convenient start times, and board your vessel directly from the Chicago Riverwalk. Thanks to your trained docent guide, receive a rich introduction to the Windy City’s history, key landmarks, and architectural highlights—and spy landmarks like the Marina City towers and Navy Pier from the water’s edge.
Highlights
- ✓See a new perspective on the Windy City when you sail the Chicago River
- ✓Multiple departure times are available to suit your schedule
- ✓Discover key Chicago landmarks like the Willis Tower and Marina City
- ✓Learn all about the city’s highlights and heritage from your docent guide
What you'll see & do
- ✓The story of the Chicago River is one that continues to unfold. Through periods of industry, transportation, revitalization and recreation, it has grown and changed like the city itself.
- ✓The Chicago Architecture Center is directly across Wacker Drive from the Chicago's First Lady docks. Discounted admission of $5 per person is available if you show your river cruise ticket.
- ✓From naval base and university campus to shipping hub and entertainment destination, Navy Pier is Chicago’s hallmark of adaptive reuse.
- ✓When architect Bertrand Goldberg envisioned Marina City, it was an urban experiment designed to draw middle-class Chicagoans back to the city after more than a decade of suburban migration.
- ✓When our docents explain that the Trump International Hotel & Tower reflects its surroundings, they aren’t only referring to its shiny glass and steel exterior.
- ✓One of the last American projects designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, this powerful Modernist structure occupies a prominent place on the Chicago River.
- ✓Gravity-defying 150 North Riverside has already taken its rightful place among Chicago’s architectural and engineering wonders.
- ✓View Boeing International Headquarters at 100 N Riverside Plaza.
- ✓For nearly 25 years after its completion, the Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, held the title of tallest building in the world.
- ✓Size has always mattered in the Midwest. Upon its completion in 1930, it was the largest building in the world and served as Marshall Field’s wholesale warehouse, where retailers could buy stock.
- ✓View the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Building, located at 20 S Wacker Drive.
- ✓Chicago Tribune Freedom Center.
What's included
- ✓Local guide (docents)
- ✓On-board restrooms
- ✓Live commentary on board
- ✓River sightseeing cruise
- ✓Climate controlled lower level
What's not included
- ✓Drinks & light snacks (available to purchase)
- ✓Storage for luggage
- ✓WiFi on board
Good to know
Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Not recommended for children younger than 12 years
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
IMPORTANT: For safety reasons, motorized scooters and electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. Guests who are able to transfer may use the company's manual wheelchair based on availability.
WARNING: Tickets are not refundable or transferrable to other departures.
Pets are not allowed
IMPORTANT: There is no elevator access to the boat dock.
IMPORTANT: Most, but not all, departures are wheelchair accessible, please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required
All seating is General Admission. Boarding is on a first come, first serve basis
Routes, specific vessels, and schedules are subject to change without notice
Cancellation policy
This experience is non-refundable — once booked, it can’t be changed or refunded.