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Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour

4.7(2,472 reviews)Chicago, USAOperated by Wendella Tours & Cruises
  • Duration1 hour 30 min
  • GroupShared · max 300
  • TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
  • LanguagesEnglish

About this activity

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!

What to expect

1 hour 30 min9 stopsShared tourMax 300 travellers
  1. Chicago River

    Chicago, Illinois, United States

    45 minutes

    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.

  2. Lake Michigan

    Illinois, United States

    45 minutes

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

  3. Centennial Fountain And Water Arc

    400 N McClurg Ct, Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States

    Pass by

    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.

  4. Merchandise Mart

    222 Merchandise Mart Plz, Chicago, Illinois, 60654-1103, United States

    Pass by

    The largest commercial building in the world.

  5. Marina City

    300 N State St, Chicago, Illinois, 60654-5414, United States

    Pass by

    Pass by these iconic mixed-use apartment buildings - "a city within a city" with their unique corn-cob exterior.

  6. Michigan Avenue Bridge

    333 Michigan Ave, Chicago, Illinois, 60601, United States

    Pass by

    Michigan Avenue is home of the Chicago Water Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and the shopping on the Magnificent Mile.

  7. Wrigley Building

    400-410 Michigan Ave, Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States

    Pass by

    This white, terra-cotta landmark was built in 1922 as headquarters for the Wrigley chewing gum company.

  8. Chicago Riverwalk

    22 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, Illinois, 60601, United States

    Pass by

    An open, pedestrian waterfront called the city's 'Second Lakefront.'

  9. The Lyric Opera House

    20 N Wacker Dr, 60606, Chicago, Illinois, 60606, United States

    Pass by

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

Pickup & meeting point

There is no pickup — all travellers meet at the start point.

Start

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.

End / drop-off

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.

Redemption

Your ticket will be scanned from your phone, so you do not need to exchange anything at the window. All guests need a ticket to board, including children & infants. The closest address to most docks is 400 N Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60611 (near the Wrigley Building). From there you can check in with an employee who can direct you to your boarding area. You must arrive at least 30 minutes before the departure time to be directed to your dock. If driving, note that Downtown Chicago traffic can be slow and congested. Please allow yourself plenty of time for traffic and parking if driving. Wendella does not have parking. We recommend that you park at InterPark Public Parking located at 430 N Rush Street, Chicago, IL 60611. Wendella guests may park for up to 8 hours at a discounted rate of $14.00 with a parking chaser coupon from our ticket office. You may also park at Trump International Hotel & Tower located at 401 N Wabash, Chicago, Il 60611. Wendella guests may park for up to 6 hours at a discounted rate of $18.00 with a parking chaser coupon from our ticket office. Parking is subject to availability and will fill up on holidays and weekends. If these lots are full, you are responsible for booking your own parking. We cannot validate parking booking in advance. If you are late due to traffic, parking, etc., you must contact us before your departure time to discuss your rescheduling options. If you arrive late, with no notice, you will not be compensated or rescheduled. Please plan accordingly. Some docks require that you walk down many stairs to the boarding area. If you need an ADA-accessible dock, please call us at 312-337-1446 with at least 24 hours’ notice. Seating is general admission and is based on a first-come, first-served basis. Alcohol & weapons are prohibited. All bags are subject to search. Tours are rarely cancelled due to weather and are only cancelled if weather conditions are unsafe (tornado warnings, extreme ice or subzero temps, etc.)

What's included

Included

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

Not included

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

Good to know

Accessibility & suitability

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Traveller requirements

  • Minimum 1 traveller per booking
  • Maximum 30 travellers per booking
  • At least one adult must be included in the booking
  • Age bands: Infant (0–3), Child (4–12), Adult (13–99)

Additional information

  • Weapons prohibited by US Coast Guard
  • Outside alcohol is prohibited
  • All bags are subject to search
  • Arrive 30 Minutes prior to your departure time
  • Contact tour operator for wheelchair & ADA access
  • Indoor and outdoor seating is available on a first come, first served basis
  • Special requests entered at checkout cannot be guaranteed

Languages

Guide
English
Written
English

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • 1+ days before100% refund
  • 0–1 days before0% refund
  • This experience requires good weather. If it's cancelled due to poor weather, you'll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Important booking information

Booking cut-off
Bookings close 3 hours before the activity starts.
Confirmation
Manual
Tickets
One per booking
Local time zone
America/Chicago
Product code
76126P2

What you'll be asked when booking

  • Any special requirements

Traveller reviews

4.7/ 52,472 reviews
  • 52,038
  • 4251
  • 378
  • 248
  • 157

Ratings aggregated from Viator (1,861) and Tripadvisor (611).

Ready to book Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour?

From USD 45 per person · Free cancellation available

Check dates & book

Activity information provided by Viator, an authorized travel partner. Gateera does not operate this activity.

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