architectural boat tour chicago navy pier

Tour Schedule

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Please note: all tours and departure times are subject to cancellation or change depending on the weather.

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From Michigan Avenue

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From Navy Pier

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Now in its 83rd season, Shoreline Sightseeing operates Chicago's largest and most diverse fleet of cruise boats and water taxis with 11 major tour vessels and 7 water taxis.

(312) 222-9328 ext. 1 [email protected]

• Architecture River Tour
• Skyline Tour
• Fireworks Tour
• Water Taxis
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• About this activity

Architecture River Tour from Navy Pier

• Free cancellation available
• Mobile voucher
• Instant confirmation
• Chicago skyline view from the water on a guided cruise
• Insightful commentary from onboard architecture expert
• Sights include the iconic Willis, Tribune & Hancock towers
• More than 40 historic structures & modern skyscrapers to see
• Unique perspective of striking urban skyline from the water

Activity location

• 124 North Streeter Drive
• 60611, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America

Meeting/Redemption Point

Multiple meeting/redemption points available, see location information for full list

• Mon, Apr 29 -
• Tue, Apr 30 -
• Wed, May 1 -
• Thu, May 2 -
• Fri, May 3 $54
• Sat, May 4 $54
• Sun, May 5 $54
• Mon, May 6 -
• Tue, May 7 -
• Wed, May 8 -
• Thu, May 9 -
• Fri, May 10 $54
• Sat, May 11 $54
• Sun, May 12 $54
• Mon, May 13 -

Architecture River Tour from Michigan Avenue

• Activity duration is 1 hour and 15 minutes 1h 15m 1h 15m

Live commentary in English.

What's included, what's not

• What's included What's included Guided Chicago River Tour
• What's included What's included Live tour commentary provided in English
• What's excluded What's excluded Boarding Photo

Know before you book

• Children 2 and younger are complimentary.
• Check-in is 15 minutes prior to your booked departure time. Go directly to boat boarding do not stop at ticket booth.
• Please Note: Between November 1st and April 15th, the Architecture River Tour will only last for 60 minutes.
• Meet at the meeting location point that matches the location you chose either Navy Pier or Michigan Avenue

What you can expect

Equal parts boat and buildings, this river cruise gives you a from-the-water perspective of Chicago skyline and up-close views of its most iconic structures. Board an open-roofed vessel and float with the current as an architecture expert shares the fascinating history behind the Windy City's most renowned buildings.

Hop onto your vessel at Navy Pier, steer toward the Chicago River—a 156-mile (251-km) system of streams and canals—and cut directly through the heart of the city. Once vital to the early shipping success of Chicago, this winding body of water now offers the perfect platform for admiring its surrounding architectural marvels.

Your cruise takes you past more than 40 points of interest, including the Tribune Tower—a neo-Gothic building constructed in 1925—and the Willis Tower, the second-tallest building in the United States. Crane your neck up at the John Hancock Tower, a skyscraper equipped with an impressive observation deck perched 1,000 feet (304 m) high.

As you glide through the city, a knowledgeable guide and architecture buff shares stories about the distinctive designs, striking construction, and steel-and-cement feats created by world-famous architects like Mies van der Rohe, Helmut Jahn, and Louis Skidmore. From the IBM and USG buildings to the Fulton House and Citicorp Center, this tour is the perfect snapshot of Chicago's architectural gems.

• 401 Michigan Avenue

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Chicago Architecture Boat Tours | Architecture River & Lake Cruises | City Cruises™

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9 Great Chicago Architecture Tours

I f you're looking for the best Chicago architecture tours, you've found them here! As a local who has explored these tours on weekends, during staycations, or while showing visiting friends around Chicago, I can honestly say that this list shares the most unique and fun experiences.

The city has great options including the best architectural boat tours, helicopter tours, walking tours, and more.

If you have limited hours, take the Hop On/Hop Off bus tour in Chicago or visit the top Chicago attractions to get the most out of a short amount of time.

Architecture Tours You Should Try in Chicago

Chicago architecture cruise.

Check rates for Chicago Architecture Cruise

If you love touring on water, then this cruise is for you. I've taken this cruise several times while showing friends the city and they loved it too.

On this cruise, you will ride the Chicago River and see the city's famous architecture. You'll see the impressive flat skyline including over 40 famous buildings such as Navy Pier, the Wrigley Building, and the John Hancock Building with audio narratives. The tour covers all three branches of the Chicago River.

Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Regular & Express

Check rates at Navy Pier Centennial Wheel

This is one of my favorite ways to see the city and the Chicago skyline. You circle only once, but the ride is super slow, and you'll have some great photo ops when you get to the top.

Navy Pier is among the most visited destinations in the world. It offers beautiful views from the wheel, and it's a must-do when in the area! Located right on the pier, you have spectacular views of the city's skyline, architecture, and waterfront.

45-Minute Private Helicopter Flight

Check rates at 45-Minute Private Helicopter Flight

I was scheduled to go on this flight but it was canceled due to bad weather. At least they are good at following safety protocol. Too bad that I missed this amazing experience by helicopter. From what I hear, you will get the best views of touring Chicago architecture, and the experience of flying amongst the clouds. 

Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge

Check rates for Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge

Having been on the Skydeck a couple of times, it never disappoints. What I didn't like much was that there is a limited time that you have to stand in the box. But if there were no supervision, the line would be from the street.

But here, you will have some of the most breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. You'll also see why home is to beautiful parks and cultural attractions such as the Adler Planetarium in Millennium and the Shedd Aquarium in Grant Park.

Look north to see Chicago's iconic skyscrapers and landmarks from Lincoln Park to the world-famous Wrigley Field.

Night Tour with Willis Tower Entry & Skyline Cruise

Check rates at Night Tour with Willis Tower Entry & Skyline Cruise

This tour is a wonderful way to spend the evening while touring in Chicago. You'll immerse yourself in one of the tallest architectural buildings in Chicago along with a Chicago boat tour. 

Experience the Windy City’s most popular attractions on this overnight tour. Watch the night light show of Buckingham Fountain. Cruise along the Chicago skyline and climb to the top of the iconic Willis Tower.

Big Bus Panoramic Sunset Tour with Live Guide

Check rates at Big Bus Open-Top Panoramic Night Tour

If this is your first visit to this city, this is a great way to tour Chicago , Illinois and how it shines at night. There is so much to see on both sides of the bus since the architecture of Chicago is interesting

Experience the stunning skyscrapers of Windy City that light up at night. Take a panoramic nighttime tour from the Magnificent Mile to Michigan Avenue past the Chicago Theater and Buckingham Fountain.

Chicago History, Culture, and Architecture Walking Tour

Check rates at Chicago History, Culture, and Architecture Walking Tour

This is a great way to hear about Chicago's history and architecture. Take a private stroll or share walks with family or friends for this architecture tour. You can see old and new architecture, try delicious local treats, see beautiful boats tour the river. 

Chicago Architecture Center Exhibit Admission

Check rates at Chicago Architecture Center Exhibit

The Chicago Architecture Center or CAC is located at the south end of Magnificent Rock near Michigan Walker Intersection. You'll discover super-sized models of architecture from around the world.

The vouchers give you access to two floors of imaginative exhibitions at the city's newest cultural venue.

Chicago Art Deco Skyscrapers Walking Tour

Check rates at Chicago Art Deco Skyscrapers Walking

The luxurious materials and geometric decorations of Art Deco represent the opulence and optimism of the decadent 20s. Visit some of the city's most beautiful architecture and learn about the history and characteristics of this modern decorative style.

Final Thoughts on the Best Chicago Architecture Tours

These are the best ways to tour Chicago architecture and see all the unmissable attractions. I've taken every single one of these tours, including ones not mentioned and found them worth the money.

I enjoyed seeing the towering skyscrapers and iconic landmarks. The tours offer a fascinating glimpse into the architectural history of the Chicago. Not to mention, it's nice to play tourist in my own back yard.

As a visitor, be sure to plan your tour in advance and consider factors such as weather and time of day to make the most of your experience. Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning views along the way.

Whether you're an architecture enthusiast or simply looking to appreciate the city's remarkable skyline, a Chicago architecture tour is a must-do activity. The buildings are inspiring structures and some are a marvel of innovative designs that have shaped this iconic city.

Whether you go on water, in the air, or on foot , book your tour today and embark on a journey through Chicago's architectural wonders.

Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours

Chicago River Tours | Fireworks Tours | Jazz/Cocktail Tours

Chicago River Boat Architectural Tour

Forming a length of 156 miles when combined, the Chicago River is a system of rivers and canals the characterize the infamous skyline of Chicago today. The river, running through the city, including the city center Chicago Loop, is evident of man made design and infrastructure when completed craftily. In 1887, the river was reversed through civil engineering by taking water from Lake Michigan and discharging it into the Mississippi Watershed. Memorialized today, it’s a national landmark you have to add to your travel list.

Throughout our signature cruise one of our award-winning Docents will present more than 50 skyscrapers, bascule bridges, and historic sites.

In a world of iconic architecture, only a few images are so instantly recognized they need no subtitle.

Think of the Venetian canals, a Shinto temple, the medieval Cathedral at Chartres, or the unmistakable skyline of Chicago. Each year thousands of architecture lovers travel to the City of Chicago, the birthplace of the skyscraper… and thousands book passage aboard our enthralling river tour, widely considered the best 90-minutes spent in Chicago.

On your Architectural Tour you will learn how the Great Chicago Fire jumped a river and allowed for visionaries of structural steel and plate glass, such as John Wellborn Root, William Le Baron Jenney, Louis Sullivan (Wright’s mentor) and Daniel Burnham, in less than ten years, lift Chicago from the ashes of the fire to new heights. Chicago’s ascent continued into the 20th century with titanic figures such as Bertrand Goldberg, Fazlur Khan and Mies van der Rohe – (higher/taller) buildings, sleeker – and it has soared in the 21st century with audacious new steeples such as The Trump Tower and Aqua designed by Jeanne Gang, an internationally known artist of architectural design.

Join us for a 90-minute Architectural Tour aboard Chicago Line Cruises.  On Saturdays, at 8:30 p.m. we offer a 2 hour Architectural / Fireworks Cruise.

A jaw-dropping excursion through a city that defied all expectations … even the laws of gravity.

Tour Information

• Seniors $48
• Kids under 6 go free!
• 3 pm *Not Available Friday thru Sunday Summer Months*
• 90 minute duration

Are you ready to learn more about Chicago’s architecture nestled along the Chicago River?

Be sure to bring your camera – you’re not going to want to miss these shots.

BOOK YOUR TOUR NOW

By Phone: (708) 488-6343

Tour departure location.

465 N McClurg Ct, Chicago, IL 60611

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Tour all three theaters at Chicago Shakespeare Theater with their unique and innovative designs. Learn about the complete history of Navy Pier from a fully functional commercial pier, to a naval training center, to the U of I Chicago campus to an entertainment venue revitalized in 2019.

Premier tour*

Explore the ever-changing Navy Pier. Learn how the pier has served Chicago through adaptive reuse since 1916 and why both the pier and theater are such popular tourist destinations.

• Many tours sell out. To guarantee your space advance reservations are strongly recommended.
• Your safety is our priority. The itinerary of this tour may be altered in accordance with health and safety policies and considerations.
• Navy Pier and Chicago Shakespeare Theater are handicapped accessible.
• Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center within 7 days of your tour. View the CAC's hours .

*Premier tours are free for Deco members and above. Learn about our membership levels .

Photos From This Tour

Upcoming Navy Pier Tours

There are currently no departures available for booking. New tour departures are released on the 15th of each month. Please check back soon!

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