shoreline sightseeing chicago architecture tour

Shoreline Sightseeing: Architecture River Tour

Shoreline Sightseeing has been leading guided tours on Lake Michigan and along the Chicago River for approximately 80 years. For the past 20 years, they’ve been running their very popular Architecture River tour for local Chicago residents and visitors from all over the world alike. Throughout this well-regarded excursion you’ll have terrific views of a number of Chicago’s most significant buildings and architectural treasures, all while enjoying a pleasant boat ride that takes you down all three branches of the Chicago River.

Money Saving Tip ! This tour is included in the Go Chicago Card as well as the Chicago Explorer Pass . Both Chicago Tourist Passes can save you a lot of money if you are going to multiple Chicago attractions .

Architecture River Tour Details

One immediate perk of the Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River tour is that it offers you with the flexibility of two different boarding options. You can join the Architecture River tour from Shoreline Sightseeing’s docks at either Navy Pier or near Michigan Avenue—it’s your choice of whatever’s more convenient for you. From there, you’ll be hosted by your professionally trained guide, who’ll provide you an informative and entertaining narration highlighting some 40 different Chicago landmarks. In all, the Architecture River tour lasts approximately 75 minutes. From their Michigan Avenue location, tours typically depart every 45 to 60 minutes between the hours of 10:00am and 5:00pm—though availability does vary depending on time of the year and day of the week. Tours depart less frequently from Navy Pier, but there are still routinely multiple outings daily—just make sure to check their website in advance of your visit for more details. Tickets usually run in the neighborhood of $40 for adults and $20 for children between the ages of 3 and 12. Kids 2 and under can join the tour for free. Shoreline Sightseeing also operates a Spanish-language version of the Architecture River tour daily from their Michigan Avenue location.

Architecture River Tour Major Highlights

Tribune Tower: Situated just steps from the Chicago River, right along bustling Michigan Avenue, the Tribune Tower is a true Chicago landmark. This unmistakable neo-Gothic building was built in 1925 to house the offices of the Chicago Tribune , and it remains a beautiful symbol of the Windy City to this day.

Wrigley Building: Located just across the street from Tribune Tower, the Wrigley Building is regarded as one of the city’s great architectural gems. Its iconic clock tower has loomed over Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River for almost a century, and is a must-see structure for any visitors to downtown Chicago.

Marina City: Though the famed “corncob towers” of Marina City are a perennial favorite of sightseers, the Marina City complex itself takes up nearly an entire city block of legendary State Street. Its home to a remarkable number of amenities, including (of course) a marina, multiple restaurants, a concert venue, and a bowling alley.

Merchandise Mart: Checking in at a whopping 4 million square feet in size, this colossal structure found right on the north side of the Chicago River was the single largest building in the entire world when it first opened in 1930. Merchandise Mart is such a massive facility that it even had its own zip code until a recent postal reorganization! Today it houses numerous shops and restaurants, while also serving as the office headquarters for many different businesses.

Is the Architecture River Tour for You?

Shoreline Sightseeing’s Architecture River tour is consistently one of the most highly rated water-based guided tours offered anywhere in Chicago. Most Architecture River tour participants report back that they greatly enjoyed their experience with Shoreline Sightseeing, and that they particularly liked their personable and knowledgeable tour guide. The Architecture River tour isn’t cheap by any means, but it’s priced pretty similarly to other similar excursions—so if you’re in the market for a guided tour of Chicago’s many architectural wonders that cruises along the scenic Chicago River, this is likely a really good option for you and your group/family.

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Architecture River Tour with Shoreline Sightseeing

Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

Architecture

Shoreline Sightseeing is a unique and memorable way to discover the beauty and history of Chicago’s famous architecture.

Discover why Shoreline Sightseeing's Architecture River Tour, which was rated the #1 Tour in America by TripAdvisor, is a must-do adventure for both locals and visitors from around the world! Led by Shoreline’s experienced, educated, and entertaining docents, this 75-minute tour includes details, facts, and the history of more than 40 buildings that line the Chicago River. Find out how Chicago rose from the ashes of the Great Chicago Fire to become the birthplace of the skyscraper and how Chicago has ties to architecture marvels like the Burj Khalifa.

Enjoy breathtaking views and outstanding photo opportunities as you cruise down all three branches of the Chicago River. Shoreline Sightseeing has two docks, both conveniently located at popular Chicago attractions. Depart on your open-air boat from the NW corner of the Michigan Ave Bridge  or from Polk Bros Park at the southwest corner of Navy Pier.

Shoreline Sightseeing’s Architecture River Tour departs daily and frequently March – November. Advanced tickets are recommended to secure a spot on this one-of-a-kind tour. Shoreline’s tour schedule is posted daily at shorelinesightseeing.com .

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Chicago River Architecture Tour

Chicago's Original Architecture Tour®

Experience the city’s legendary architecture from the best seat in the house—the river. Our experienced tour guides detail the 130 year long history behind the skyline, while our bartenders and staff keep you comfortable and entertained. This comprehensive tour navigates through the heart of the city on all three branches of the Chicago River. It’s the one thing everyone tells you to do in Chicago, done right.

Schedule & Tickets

• Adult: $44.00
• Child (4-12): $20.00
• Under 4: Free (ticket required)

TICKETS ARE NON REFUNDABLE BUT ARE TRANSFERABLE.

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• Boarding begins 15-30 minutes prior to scheduled departure time.
• All bags are subject to inspection.
• Prohibited Items: Outside Alcohol, Weapons of any kind (Firearms, Knives, etc.), Flammables, Explosives.

Your boat includes:

Drinks & Snacks

Full-service bar with wine, local beer, and craft cocktails, as well as an assortment of snacks, all for purchase. Pinkies up!

Expert Tour Guide

Never boring, always entertaining.

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Everyone should be able to enjoy our tours. We make sure you can.

No need to hold it. We have changing tables for the little ones who don’t know what holding it is.

Climate-Controlled Lounge

Keeping you cool when it's warm and warm when it's cool (or freezing).

*Not all amenities are available on every vessel.

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Shoreline Sightseeing

Review Highlights

“ We rode the rental bikes to Navy Pier for lunch and it was just too hot and traffic-y to ride them back... ” in 35 reviews

“ The architecture tour with Sarah was very entertaining and relaxing after a long day of traveling and walking. ” in 10 reviews

“ Note: this review covers the water taxi , which is different from the architectural tour (which is also great). ” in 22 reviews

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A great Chicago experience begins with Shoreline Sightseeing! For over 80 seasons, we've been your guide to Chicago's iconic architecture. Our fleet of 11 touring vessels and 6 water taxis is Chicago's largest. Choose from our legendary Architecture River Tours, named Trip Advisor’s Best of the Best in 2023, or Skyline Lake Tours. Groups are welcome on all scheduled tours, including our weekly Spanish Architecture Tours. Discover Chicago's skyline with us! …

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How long does the journey between Navy Pier to Willis Tower usually take?

The water taxi trip takes about 15-20 minutes.

Will the water taxi take me from the Navy Pier to Grant Park to the Taste festival on Sunday ??? What much time will this taxi and how off does it run??? how much?

Thank you for your question. Our water taxi's operate from Navy Pier to Museum Campus(Shedd Aquarium). We will not be operating to Grant Park that weekend due to our tour schedule.

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Overall rating

105 reviews

Used it last night to get from Michigan Ave to Navy Pier ...great way to travel on a beautiful summer night in Chicago! Cheap at $3 per person, and a much better than a death ride in a taxi. I recommend it! I second Sarah B. The attitude of the staff is questionable. The employee at Michigan Ave said the boats stop running around 9:55 to Navy Pier. Regardless, we walked down to the taxi around 9:20. As soon as we bought our tickets and we were making our way down this long walk-way, we hear them screaming from the boat "HURRY! LAST TAXI TO NAVY PIER". My pregnant sister and I had to run down this path to catch this taxi. A little decency would have been nice, especially since we still had 35 more minutes!

Mainly used for transportation, but this quick trip gives you a great view of the amazing Chicago skyline at a fraction of the cost of any official tour ($8 per person). Highlights: - Length: ~15 ride was long enough for kids to get a fun little boat ride - View: nice to see the Chicago skyline and navy pier far enough away to get the panoramic effect, but close enough to see some detail - Better than other options: taxis can take forever with Chicago traffic and the walk from navy pier area to the aquarium can take a while Lowlights: - No mobile friendly website: makes it a lot harder than it needs to be to order tickets online I'd take it again if I needed speedy transport or wanted a short water ride.

Blake was awesome and def worth doing if your interested in the history of Chicago! I loved it. It would also be a great date spot. I'm looking forward to going back to Chicago and may even do the river boat ride again!

If you are into architecture, definitely worth going through the river architecture tour, but if you are going in the summer, be prepared to be out in the sun for 75 minutes. It can get quite hot with the sun directly shining at you. You get a good view of all the buildings that is different from just looking at them at the streets. The night tours may be better for you if you are not good with heat and the sun. It was a good tour but not sure if it was worth 38 dollars.

Visiting Chicago with friends, we decided to just take the shoreline water taxi instead of a longer guided architecture tour. So we had no guide, but it was great just to see all the different buildings and get the view of the city from the river. The taxi came on time and felt very clean and steady. We took it from the N Michigan Apple Store to Willis Tower. What really made our day was the exceptional service provided by the crew. In addition to being professional and friendly, the captain (I think) took the initiative to help get our strollers up and down the stairs at both the boarding and departure areas (there were no ramps). When we departed, I offered a tip, but he refused and cheerfully wished us a good day.

Wonderful tour of the architectural history of the buildings on the Chicago history. Heather was awesome! Besides being very knowledgeable about the beautiful (and weird) structures she was very comedic during the entire tour, holding our attention for the full 75 minutes!

Beautiful architectural tour

Always reliable and always on time. Great views, price just right! Only issue is that sometimes it gets sold out during peak times. Other than that, highly recommend!

This taxi was a fun alternative to getting from Navy Pier back to the museum campus. And really very reasonable in terms of price! We were able to get our stroller on board and enjoyed a calm ride back. My daughter zonked out on the ride back.

I am not sure what would constitute a 5 star river boat tour, as this was my first, but I can say that this was amazing. We took the evening architecture and fireworks river tour leaving from 401 Michigan ave (at Dusable bridge), $30 per person and we'll worth every penny. Our tour guide Victor was amazing. He had a background as an architectural design student, a deep passion for architecture, and a downright charming sense of humor. The tour was lively, quick paced, and informative. Yet relaxing and comfortable (it was 57 degrees on the river this July 1st, burrr, so dressing for the weather was a must must). The boat moved smoothly and safely through the Chicago river with very little chop. And was clean and well maintained. There was a bar and restroom on the lower deck, but I was too enthralled with the tour to partake. Over all our tour lasted approximately 90 minutes from boarding to departure. We traveled west from Michigan ave, and down along the south branch to china town. After a quick about face the captain stopped the boat and turned sidelong for a few moments to allow for an awesome photo opp of the downtown skyline. Proceeding north and east to the lake, we once again turned sidelong to view the Wednesday fireworks at navy pier, and back to Michigan ave at a fast pace. Honestly my only complaint would be that the boat had a steel frame (for a cover of some sort I presume) that kinda got in the way a bit. I would highly recommend this to and and all adults, especially those with an attention span sufficient to watch an entire episode of (insert name of 60 min TV show here). So far as children are concerned, its just a ride on a boat. I do not have any children myself, but I did note that the younger children seemed to be either sleeping or needing a potty break by the half way point. The tweens and teens however seemed very excited to put their smartphone cameras to use! (Though they had some trouble sitting still once they realized that there was no rule that they had to 'remain seated' throughout the tour) All the best to Victor, our wonderful tour guide!

Great tour for a family of 5 with 3 kids under 10. Ben was an awesome and knowledgeable tour guide.

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Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour

• 66 North Streeter Drive Chicago 60611 USA
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Price — $19.00 – $45.00

Explore Chicago's Architecture and History on Shoreline's Award-winning Tour

Shoreline Sightseeing is a unique and memorable way to discover the beauty and history of Chicago’s famous architecture.

Discover why Shoreline Sightseeing's Architecture River Tour, which was rated the #1 Day Cruise in America for 2018 by TripAdvisor, is a must-do experience for both locals and visitors from around the world! Led by Shoreline’s expert, entertaining guides, this 75-minute tour includes more than 40 buildings that line the Chicago River. Find out how Chicago rose from the ashes of the Great Chicago Fire to become the birthplace of the skyscraper as well as what future landmarks are in the planning stages. 

Enjoy breathtaking views and outstanding photo opportunities as you cruise down all three branches of the Chicago River. Shoreline Sightseeing has two docks located at popular Chicago attractions; the NW corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge or Polk Bros Park at the suthwest cornerr of Navy Pier. Multiple departures daily begin at 10:00 a.m.

Shoreline also offer its popular Spanish Language Architecture River Tours with bi-lingual guides on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 9:30 a.m., departing from the Michigan Avenue Dock. Shoreline’s complete tour schedule is posted daily at www.shorelinesightseeing.com.

• Mon-Fri 10:00AM – 9:00PM
• Saturday 10:00AM – 9:00PM
• Sunday 10:00AM – 9:00PM

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875 N MICHIGAN AVE April 7, 2024 - May 6, 2024 The Magnificent Mile Association and SSA 76 invite you to experience the U.S. premiere of Spectrum by Mirari. This 4 week limited engagement experience is hosted by Hearn at 875 North Michigan Avenue.

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Shoreline Sightseeing

An iconic chicago experience.

Family-owned and operated for three generations and 80-plus years, Shoreline has welcomed generations of Chicagoans as well as guests from just about every country in the world on their tours and cruises.

Explore your Chicago as never before on Shoreline’s lake and river tours! Visit Shoreline Sightseeing online at www.shorelinesightseeing.com or call 1-312-222-9328 for complete details. Group rates are available for purchase. Groups must meet a minimum of 20 guests per tour.

Facebook.com/ShorelineSightseeing |  @shorelinesights | #shorelinesightseeing

Shoreline Sightseeing Cruises

Shoreline Architecture River Tours

Take Shoreline’s award-winning 75-minute Architecture River Tour to discover Chicago’s renowned landmarks as presented by our expert and entertaining guides. You’ll learn how Chicago rose...

Shoreline Sightseeing Group Tours

Adventures are meant to be shared. Turn your next family gathering or corporate outing into an awesome adventure by booking with Shoreline. We offer special...

Shoreline Sightseeing Water Taxis

Shoreline Sightseeing’s water taxis are a great way to get around town. Starting in May and running through September, our water taxi service offers fast...

Your guide to Chicago’s iconic architecture

Chicago’s stunning cityscape has been shaped by some of the biggest names in architecture — Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, Mies van der Rohe, Jeanne Gang, Daniel Burnham, and beyond. No matter where you look, the city is full of architectural wonders, from soaring skyscrapers in the heart of downtown to historic landmarks in our vibrant neighborhoods.

If you’re looking to dive into Chicago architecture, explore our must-see sites and packed list of architecture events, tours, and cruises where you can learn the fascinating stories behind the buildings.

In this article

Chicago architecture styles, chicago architecture events, chicago architecture boat tours, chicago architecture walking tours.

Art Deco: Maybe one of the most famous styles of architecture, Art Deco shines in Chicago’s downtown. Created in the exuberant optimism of the Roaring Twenties, Art Deco has come to represent opulence and glamour. One striking example is Chicago’s Carbide and Carbon Building, designed to look like a Champagne bottle and finished with real gold.

Notable examples: Carbide and Carbon Building, The Merchandise Mart, Chicago Board of Trade Building 

Chicago School : After the Great Chicago Fire, the city began to rebuild at an extraordinary pace, leveraging the latest techniques and technology to take the city’s architecture to new heights that were previously unimaginable. Legendary architects like Burnham and Root, William Le Baron Jenney, and Louis Sullivan finished these structures with decorative elements and delicate details, making Chicago School instantly recognizable. 

Notable examples: Reliance Building, Monadnock Building, Sullivan Center

International Style : The International Style is a type of modern architecture born after World War II, known for its steel-and-glass exteriors, minimal (if any) ornamentation, and open interiors. Perhaps no one did it better than Mies van der Rohe, who crafted many important Chicago buildings (the city has more of his designs than any other).

Notable examples: One Illinois Center, 330 N. Wabash

Mid-Century Modernism : This distinctive style comprises many of the Chicago skyline’s most instantly recognizable buildings. Mid-Century Modern takes the technical precision of the International Style and experiments with new materials like concrete and more sculptural, organic forms (like the iconic Marina City corn cobs).

Notable examples: 875 N. Michigan Ave., Willis Tower, Marina City

Postmodernism : Some of the city’s most eye-catching buildings are those that follow the Postmodern style. While the International style adheres to clean lines and minimal decoration, Postmodernism is all about being creative, eclectic, and sometimes a little quirky. Think curved forms, asymmetry, bright colors, and generally breaking with tradition. 

Notable examples: James R. Thompson Center, Harold Washington Library, 333 West Wacker Drive

Other architectural styles represented in Chicago include Deconstructivism (Pritzker Pavilion), Gothic Revival (Tribune Tower, Chicago Water Tower), Spanish Colonial Revival (Wrigley Building), and more.

The city’s neighborhoods are also filled with the city’s distinctive styles of residential architecture: bungalows, worker’s cottages, greystones, and more. See for yourself in our neighborhood historic districts . You’ll also find plenty of examples of Frank Lloyd Wright ‘s Prairie style throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. 

Open House Chicago : Have you ever walked by an interesting Chicago building and wished you could take a peek inside? You’ll get your chance during Chicago’s annual Open House Chicago, a free festival hosted by the Chicago Architecture Center each October. 

More than 100 significant buildings open their doors for the public to explore. Sites range from soaring skyscrapers to opulent mansions and exclusive private clubs, many of which are rarely open to the public. 

Chicago Architecture Biennial : Explore the past, present, and future of architecture at the Chicago Architecture Biennial. The free event, which happens every other year, takes over the Chicago Cultural Center and other sites around the city with events and exhibits. Each exhibition is developed by a new group of curators from a variety of art and design disciplines and features new themes and collaborators from around the world.

Check out more art and architecture events in Chicago throughout the year.

City Cruises : City Cruises offers a variety of architecture tours, including elegant brunch cruises on a glass-enclosed river boat.

Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline : Admire epic skyline views from the river and lakefront, while enjoying narration about the city’s history.

Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise : Expert docents share the fascinating stories behind more than 50 buildings along the Chicago River from aboard Chicago’s First Lady. 

Wendella Tours & Cruises : Billed as Chicago’s original architecture tour, Wendella offers tours of the city’s waterfront buildings on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. 

Shoreline Sightseeing : Gaze skywards as you sail past dozens of Chicago landmarks along the Chicago River on this engaging architecture tour. 

Ready to set sail? Check out more Chicago architecture boat tours on the lake and river.

Chicago Architecture Center tours : Explore the city on foot, on the train, or on a bus — all with a highly trained docent as your guide. Choose from tours that explore must-see sites and Chicago icons or head into the neighborhoods to uncover hidden gems.

Inside Chicago Walking Tours : This locally owned tour company specializes in architectural interiors, so you can step inside some of the city’s most famous buildings. Tours explore the downtown Loop, Art Deco masterpieces, and even allegedly haunted spots. 

Tours With Mike : You can take Mike’s Architecture’s Greatest Hits tour. Or you can take his irreverent Ugly Buildings tour, a unique experience that shares the untold stories of some of the city’s lesser known, but no less interesting, structures. 

L Stop Tours : A family-owned company, L Stop Tours offers walking tours incorporating the city’s ‘L’ trains for a unique local perspective. Their tour of the Loop focuses on the area’s one–of–a–kind architecture, from the spectacular lobby of The Rookery to soaring skyscrapers. 

Explore more Chicago architecture tours by foot, bus, train, and boat.

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Best Chicago Boat Tours: Take a Lake or River Cruise

What’s the best way to experience Chicago in summer?

Chicago boat tours give you spectacular views of the incredible skyline. They help you experience Chicago’s legendary architecture and famous landmarks.

As the Third Coast, Chicago has miles of shoreline. We’ve also got the Chicago River, which flows through downtown, giving the city its unique character.

During the summer months, the river teems with tour boats and Lake Michigan is decorated with the silhouettes of countless sails. The water becomes an essential part of experiencing the city.

There are three branches of the Chicago River that flow through the heart of the city, and you can experience them during an architectural boat tour.

You’ll learn how the river itself is a piece of history and the stories behind many of the iconic buildings in downtown Chicago.

You’ll discover several of the city’s major attractions. Sail past Grant Park and the iconic Buckingham Fountain. Learn more about the Museum Campus and its world-renowned museums.

There are unique boat tours, too. Have a party aboard a tiki-themed boat, and get the best view around of the twice-weekly fireworks. Take a private sailboat tour. Speed across Lake Michigan on a jetboat.

You can find your perfect cruise of Chicago waterways, whether it’s your first time visiting or you’re a born-and-bred local.

Ready to take one of these Chicago boat tours? We’ve included several below, including architecture cruises, sunset cruises, and unique Chicago experiences.

Prices listed below are for one adult, unless it’s a private charter.

Chicago Boat Tours

Chicago architecture boat tours, chicago sunset cruises, chicago fireworks cruises, unique chicago boat tours.

Several of these Chicago boat tours are available for purchase through Viator, of whom The Local Tourist is an affiliate. If you book one of these cruises, we’ll get a small commission. It’s at no extra cost to you and helps support our small business.

Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady

Take the #1 boat tour in North America aboard Chicago’s First Lady . Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise is the gold standard among all Chicago architecture tours.

90-minutes fly by as you’re led by expert docents.

You’ll learn about a mix of historic and modern architectural styles, including the people who designed and built Chicago.

I’ve personally taken these Chicago River boat architecture tours multiple times, and every time I learn something new.

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• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Price: from $57.00

Shoreline Sightseeing Chicago Architecture River Cruise

Since 1939, Shoreline Sightseeing has been plying Chicago’s waters and they have the largest fleet in the city. Their architecture river tours are one of the most popular, with over 10,000 5-star ratings on Viator.

This architecture-centric 75-minute river tour takes you down the river’s main branch past Tribune Tower and the Merchandise Mart (now theMART) and up the north branch to the East Bank Club.

You’ll then float south past iconic landmarks like the Willis Tower (or, as we call it, the Sears Tower) to the old Post Office Building.

With Shoreline’s Chicago boat tours, you’ll enjoy the magnificent city skyline and more than 40 notable buildings, including the John Hancock Center and the Wrigley Building. Tour guides fill you in on their distinctive architecture.

• Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Price: $50.36

Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour

This comprehensive tour from Wendella cruises both the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, weaving a story of more than 200 years of social, cultural, and political history.

Starting with the internationally-known architecture from the Chicago River, you’ll venture through the Chicago Lock onto Lake Michigan for views of Chicago’s extraordinary skyline.

• Price: $42.00

45-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour

This 45-minute Chicago River cruise from Magnificent Mile introduces you to the city’s rich history and architectural heritage. Your expert guide highlights the best of Wendella’s full-length architecture tours.

• Duration: 45 minutes
• Price: $27.00

Tours & Boats Chicago Architecture Boat Tours

Tours & Boats specializes in architecture tours on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. These take place on the Summer of George, which docks at River City Marina. They also rent it out for private charters.

Don’t let the price of this 90-minute tour fool you; it’s got a 5-star rating from hundreds of verified customers.

• Price: $32.00

Chicago River Boat Architecture Tour

Chicago Line Cruises hosted the first architectural river cruise in Chicago in 1980, and they’ve been going strong every since.

In this 90-minute tour, you’ll discover the architects who built Chicago’s magnificent skyline. You’ll also learn about the devastation of the Great Chicago Fire and how it transformed the city.

• Price: from $59.00

Premier Chicago River Architectural Lunch Cruise

Enjoy Chicago’s architecture in comfort as you enjoy a chef-prepared, plated lunch, and sip on creative cocktails aboard the Odyssey.

The interior is climate-controlled and there’s an open-air outdoor deck. This architectural lunch cruise offers great views and a narrated tour tracing the city’s history from the water.

• Duration: 2 hours
• Price: from $110.58

Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise

Get ready for a tranquil journey on Lake Michigan with Wendella’s Sunset Cruise. The tour kicks off near the DuSable (Michigan Avenue) Bridge, onboard Wendella’s premium tour boats.

The cruise sails from the Chicago River, through the Chicago Lock, and into the open waters of Lake Michigan. Enjoy a breathtaking sunset view behind the city.

Chicago Signature Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan

The Chicago Signature Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan provides an array of experiences. Dine from a buffet prepared by an onboard chef while appreciating the stunning views of the city.

Departing from Navy Pier, you’ll see iconic sights such as the Willis Tower and Adler Planetarium from a unique perspective.

Enjoy the convenience of a full-service bar, and consider taking your experience outdoors on the open-air rooftop decks.

With dancing and live DJ entertainment on deck, this dinner cruise aboard the Spirit of Chicago creates a remarkable ambiance for an unforgettable evening.

• Duration: 3 hours
• Price: $136.54

Private Sunset Sail on Lake Michigan

With the Private Sunset Sail on Lake Michigan, you get an exclusive sailing experience. Sail along Chicago’s scenic lakefront with up to five friends, captained by a US Coast Guard licensed professional.

The journey presents stunning views of Chicago’s skyline. With a private charter, you can personalize everything – from the guest list to music and sailing route.

• Price: $483.96 per group

Private Evening Sail in Chicago Ending with Navy Pier Fireworks

Set off on a private sailboat cruise in Chicago, culminating in a stunning fireworks display at Navy Pier .

This two-hour experience provides incredible views of the city skyline. Make this your unique, customizable experience, right down to the music and guest list.

• Price: from $542.82 per group

Chicago Lake Michigan Fireworks Cruise

Embrace summer in Chicago with Wendella’s unforgettable fireworks cruise on Lake Michigan. Every Wednesday and Saturday night, the sky above the city bursts into a spectacular show.

Don’t miss out on an unobstructed 360-degree view of this vibrant spectacle.

• Duration: 1 hour
• Price: from $50.00

30 Minute Lake Michigan Speedboat Ride

Embrace the thrill of a speedboat tour on Lake Michigan. This exciting adventure promises a unique perspective of Chicago’s iconic skyline.

Your journey begins at Navy Pier, which is the launch point for the Lakefront Speedboat Tour. It’s one of the best ways to view Chicago from the water.

Your experience on Seadog Cruises will be both fun and informative. As you speed along the shoreline, you’ll hear entertaining insights about the world-famous Chicago skyline.

The whole family, including your furry friend, is welcome aboard this 30-minute adventure.

• Duration: 30 minutes
• Price: from $36.39

Chicago River Tiki Boat Cruise

Experience Chicago in a unique and relaxing way aboard a floating Tiki Bar.

As the cruise navigates the picturesque Chicago River, you can sit back, enjoy a beverage, and take in the sights and sounds of the city.

For those curious about the impressive buildings lining the river, like the distinctive Marina City or the gleaming white Wrigley Building, the cruise’s staff is ready to provide interesting details.

• Price: from $35.00

Lake Michigan Tiki Bar Cruise

Step aboard a vessel that epitomizes Tiki Chic. With two climate-controlled decks, two bars, two bathrooms, and a superior sound system, the cruise promises a comfortable and stylish journey.

Indulge in the “Admirals Lounge,” featuring top-shelf alcohol including the captain’s private reserve.

The journey begins on the Chicago Riverwalk, leading you through the unique experience of the Chicago Locks.

Once out on Lake Michigan, the cruise provides stunning views of Chicago’s skyline. This 1 hour and 30-minute journey showcases Chicago in a way guests won’t forget.

Chicago Fireboat Tours

Take a tour about a piece of Chicago history. The Fred A. Busse served the Chicago Fire Department for 44 years before becoming an excursion boat in Door County, Wisconsin .

Now it navigates the Chicago River transporting visitors through the city’s past. The veteran-owned company hosts tours led by expert docents with multiple departure times daily.

Because Chicago Fireboat Tours dock in DuSable Harbor and enter the Chicago River through the locks system, tour times vary from 90 minutes to 2.5 hours.

• Duration: 90 minutes to 2.5 hours

Skyline Tour Aboard 148 Ft. Schooner Tall Ship Windy

Step aboard the 148 Ft. Schooner Windy for the Skyline Tour – a leisurely trip around Lake Michigan. You’ll escape the city’s hustle and bustle and explore Chicago’s shores while taking in the world-famous skyline.

At 148 feet long, the Schooner Windy is one of the few 4 masted Schooners built in the United States. You’ll enjoy a relaxing sail around aboard this truly historic vessel.

• Price: $59.00

Sail Tall Ship Windy, Chicago’s Official Flagship 148′ Schooner

Leave the city behind and immerse yourself in an Educational Tour and Sail aboard the Windy 148′ Schooner, Chicago’s Official Tall Ship.

During the 75-minute sail, you’ll learn about sailing, the history of Lake Michigan, and Chicago.

The ship’s history is tied to Lake Michigan’s sailing history, filled with unique stories and interesting facts.

You’ll also have the chance to help sail this famous Schooner, all while enjoying incredible scenery and photo opportunities.

• Price: $39.00

With all these choices, you’re bound to find the perfect

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