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Water activity

Chicago: 45-Minute Family-Friendly Architecture River Cruise

4.7 / 5

639 reviews

Activity provider:Wendella Tours & Cruises
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Water activity

Chicago: 45-Minute Family-Friendly Architecture River Cruise

Activity provider:Wendella Tours & Cruises

4.7

639 reviews

Likely to sell out

From US$ 27 per person

Likely to sell out

Cruise down the Chicago River and see the city’s most spectacular landmarks on a boat cruise with live, family-friendly commentary and a full-service bar on board.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 45 minutes
Check availability to see starting times.
Skip the ticket line
Live tour guide
English

Experience

Highlights
  • Navigate with your family through the heart of the City on the Chicago River
  • Learn from expert guides about what makes Chicago architecture so amazing
  • Relax on board with locally sourced food and drinks from the full-service cash bar
  • Pre-purchase your ticket to skip the line and guarantee your place on this popular cruise
Full description

Admire Chicago’s impressive architecture from a unique perspective aboard a cruise sailing down the Chicago River, which features an indoor and outdoor deck, along with live commentary tailored to entertain the whole family. Treat yourself to a full-service cash bar at your own expense. Experience the best of the Chicago River from Lakeshore Drive to the Willis Tower, navigating along the South branch of the river, before heading back past the Chicago Riverwalk towards Lake Shore Drive and Lake Michigan. Be entertained by the fun and experienced tour guides as they explain the history behind Chicago’s buildings along the river and the exceptional architects who created this ever-changing skyline. Enjoy the most relaxing way to sightsee in Chicago, exploring the city free of traffic, noise, and congestion. Make sure to visit the full-service cash bar featuring authentic Chicago products, including local beer and spirits. Explore the open-air decks that allow you to feel the cooling river breeze and see the city from many vantage points that provide perfect photo opportunities.

Includes
  • Local tour guide
  • Outdoor and interior deck access
  • Climate-controlled seating
  • Food and drinks (available for purchase onboard)
  • Tips

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

The closest address to most docks is 400 N Michigan Avenue, Chicago (near the Wrigley Building). From there, you can check in with a dock employee who can direct you to your boarding area.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Face mask or protective covering

Not allowed

  • Weapons or sharp objects
  • Food and drinks

Know before you go

  • Passengers can bring their own non-alcoholic beverages and food
  • This tour takes place rain or shine
  • Children under 4 years of age are free
  • Seats on the decks are chosen on a first-come, first-serve basis
  • All bags are subject to a security search
Likely to sell out

From US$ 27 per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
  • Give this as a gift

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 639 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.8/5
  • Transportation
    4.7/5
  • Value for money
    4.7/5
  • Service
    5/5

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Star rating:

My only complaint, but it is pretty big, is that the guide is almost impossible to hear during the tour. I’d say I heard about 25% of what was said (the content that I COULD hear was great) and my 13-year-old couldn’t hear anything. That was a huge bummer. Folks were friendly and the day was gorgeous. I read reviews mentioning the inability to hear. I ignored them because I have really, really good hearing. They were right. If that gets fixed, we’d try again.

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May 31, 2023

G
GetYourGuide traveler Verified booking

Helpful?

Just had trouble getting down to the boat with a stroller. the side our boat took off from didn't have a elevator so had to fold the stroller and walk the baby down. other than that the cruise was awesome. the tour guide was nice. the view was amazing. very worth it.

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March 21, 2023

G
GetYourGuide traveler Verified booking

Helpful?

It was our first time to Chicago, and we learned a lot about the city in the 45 minute architectural river tour. I would do this again, and even go on one that is longer. The 45 minutes fit our schedule just right this trip. The tour guide was knowledgeable and easy to listen to.

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September 13, 2021

G
GetYourGuide traveler Verified booking

Helpful?

Product ID: 361750

  • United States
  • Illinois
  • Things to do in Chicago
  • Lake Michigan

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