Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour | 1 hour 30 minutes

2012 Reviews | Chicago
Likely To Sell Out
Select Date and Travelers
You can select up to 15 travelers in total.
Adult (13-99) Minimum: 1, Maximum: 15
2
Child (4-12) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 15
0
Infant (0-3) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 15
0
Free Cancellation For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Lake and River Tour
2 Adults x $45.00
$90.00
Approx Total
$90.00

Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Outdoor and Indoor climate-controlled seating option
  • Local Expert Guide
  • Restroom on board
  • Alcoholic drinks, non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks available for purchase on board
  • Storage

Overview

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!

Meeting points

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 point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

  • Chicago River

    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.

    45 minutes

  • Lake Michigan

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

    45 minutes

  • Centennial Fountain And Water Arc (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.

  • Merchandise Mart (Pass By)

    The largest commercial building in the world.

  • Marina City (Pass By)

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

  • Michigan Avenue Bridge (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.

  • Wrigley Building (Pass By)

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

  • Chicago Riverwalk (Pass By)

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

  • The Lyric Opera House (Pass By)

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

Sample Menu

Additional Info

  • 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
  • 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

Free Cancellation

June 18100% refund
June 19No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews

4.7

2012 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    1662
  • 4 stars
    206
  • 3 stars
    60
  • 2 stars
    41
  • 1 star
    43

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 1662 reviews with 5 stars

Good way to meet the fancy city

Published on Dec, 2024

Best way to see the beautiful city and lake. Fun to learn interesting history story from the trip. Family travel friendly.

This was a truly...

Published on Oct, 2024

This was a truly excellent tour. I learned a lot in a fun way. Justine was a great guide. It was good for all ages. My 7 year old loved it.

A "Must" Boat Tour if Visiting Chicago

Published on Oct, 2024

It was a beautiful day on the water. Learned so much about Chicago history and it's architecture. Narrator was super knowledgeable. The Lake is amazing to see.

Perfect combination of sites and fun.

Published on Oct, 2024

It was an informative and fun tour. Definitely not boring or stuffy. Our host, Kenny, was the perfect combination of well-informed and fun. We really appreciated seeing the Chicago skyline, going through the locks, and then cruising the river.

Ken the tour guide...

Published on Oct, 2024

Ken the tour guide combined thorough knowledge with a keen sense of humor. WELL DONE. The views of the skyline were breathtaking.

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