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Sightseeing Cruises

90-Min Chicago River and Lake Michigan Architecture Cruise

Chicago River cruise boat passing under a bridge with city skyline, showcasing architectural landmarks.
Chicago River cruise showcasing iconic skyline and architectural landmarks.
Willis Building viewed from Chicago River on 90-minute architecture cruise.
Chicago River cruise showcasing iconic architecture along the riverbanks with city skyline views.

Do more than just a standard Chicago River cruise, & sail onto Lake Michigan for a comprehensive exploration of Chicago's skyline.

    • Enjoy a 90-minute guided boat tour on the Chicago River and one of the five Great Lakes, Lake Michigan, with skip-the-line entry.
    • Take in the city’s famous skyline and architectural icons from both the river and lake while relaxing indoors or on open-air decks.
    • Learn how Chicago’s skyline came to life with engaging narration as you cruise past historic buildings and modern skyscrapers.
    • This extended cruise offers more than standard river tours, covering additional landmarks and panoramic lakefront city views.
    • Perfect for first-time visitors, architecture buffs, and photography enthusiasts looking to explore Chicago from a different perspective."
    • Boat tour of Chicago River
    • Boat tour of Lake Michigan
    • Skip-the-line ticket
    • Expert English-speaking tour guide
    • Food and beverages (available for purchase on board)
    • Alcoholic drinks (available for purchase on board)
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

  • Highlights

    • Experience Chicago’s Iconic Skyline: The 90-Minute Chicago River and Lake Michigan Architecture Cruise offers a unique dual-perspective journey, showcasing the city's most renowned skyscrapers and historic buildings from both the river and the lake.
    • Expert-Led Architectural Insights: Knowledgeable guides provide engaging commentary throughout the cruise, offering fascinating stories and historical context behind Chicago’s architectural evolution—from early 20th-century landmarks to cutting-edge modern designs.
    • Comprehensive City Views: Unlike standard river tours, this extended cruise includes a stretch onto Lake Michigan, delivering panoramic views of the entire skyline and allowing for exceptional photo opportunities.
    • Immersive Downtown Experience: Navigate through the heart of Chicago via the Chicago River, passing beneath iconic bridges and right alongside legendary structures like the Wrigley Building and Willis Tower.
    • Perfect for First-Time Visitors and Architecture Enthusiasts: This cruise is an ideal introduction to the city’s rich design heritage and urban beauty, blending sightseeing with educational value in a relaxed, scenic setting.
  • What's not allowed

    • Alcohol, weapons of any kind, flammables, and explosives are not allowed on this experience.
    • Smoking cigarettes (including e-cigarettes) is prohibited on board.

    Accessibility

    • This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
    • Your guide dogs are welcome on board the boat.

    Additional Information

    • The Captain may adjust the tour route as needed to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers.
    • Safety comes first. All bags are subject to inspection.
    • The crew reserves the right to deny entry to anyone who appears intoxicated, impaired, or may pose a safety risk.
    • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

    • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the boarding point.

    • Please arrive at the boarding point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.

    Boarding point

    • Board your cruise at Wendella Tours & Cruises.

    • Address: 400 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States.

    • Landmark: The Dock is located at the northwest corner of the Michigan Avenue (DuSable) Bridge. Please descend the stairs adjacent to the bridge to the river level.

    Get directions to the boarding point

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