Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours

Name: Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours
Address: 465 North McClurg Court, Chicago, IL, 60611, US
Telephone: (773) 231-7430
Price range: $$
Rating: 5

Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours: Engaging river tours of Chicago's iconic architecture.

5(5 reviews)

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About

Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours offers engaging, educational river excursions through Chicago's skyline. Guides are praised for knowledge, humor, and storytelling. Highlights include the Rookery, Board of Trade, Palmer House, Cultural Center, and Marshall Field Building, on a roughly two-hour, 1.5-mile walk from Union Station to near Navy Pier. The tours foster a welcoming atmosphere with notable drink options.

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Location

465 N McClurg Ct, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

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Information

465 North McClurg Court

Chicago, IL, 60611

(773) 231-7430 www.architecturetourchicago.com/

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Services

River Boat Architecture Tour

Guided boat tour along the Chicago River featuring expert commentary on iconic buildings and architectural history.

Secret Interiors Walking Tour

Walking tour exploring historic building interiors, including exclusive access to normally restricted locations.

Private Group Tours

Customized tours for groups, perfect for corporate events, family gatherings, or special occasions.

Beverage Service Onboard

Selection of local beers, wines, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase during the tour.

5.00 · 5 reviews

Overall rating

Alex Barnes

via Google

· 9 months ago

I've been on two tours and both were engaging, well paced, and very educational! I've lived in Chicago my whole life and learned so many things on both tours. The tour guide, Grant, was incredibly knowedgable, funny, and friendly.

Elaine Cabaltera

via Google

· 10 months ago

The Chicago River Boat Architecture Tour was a really great experience. The tour was insightful and the speaker was both funny and incredibly knowledgeable. You could tell she knew Chicago’s history deeply and she explained everything in such an eloquent and engaging way. I unfortunately forgot her name since I’m writing this months after my trip, but she was wonderful. It’s also conveniently close to Navy Pier and just a quick walk to get there. Overall, a fantastic tour and definitely worth doing.

jonny hoadley

via Google

· 10 months ago

I did the secret interiors walking tour with Grant. He was great and knowledgeable and seemed enthusiastic the whole time. I learned some things I haven't heard before which was exciting! Got to see inside some places you normally can't and others I haven't gotten around to, including the rookery, wintrust building, board of trade, Marquette, Palmer house, cultural center, and marshall field building. Tour takes roughly two hours and you walk about 1.5 miles starting at union station and ending at marshal fields. Pro tip: reserve a table at the walnut room in marshall field building to line up with the end of tour!

Jenny Miau

via Google

· 1 year ago

I can’t recommend this architectural river tour highly enough—it was easily one of the highlights of my trip to Chicago! From the moment we stepped on board, the atmosphere was welcoming and relaxed. The staff were friendly, attentive, and clearly passionate about both the city and hospitality. The drink menu was surprisingly impressive—far beyond your typical boat. Local beer, or a crisp glass of wine, etc..there’s something to suit every taste. I sipped on a mimosa (I asked for a more champagne -forward mimosa) while cruising past some of the most iconic buildings in the city—talk about the perfect pairing! The architecture tour itself was outstanding. Our guide was not only knowledgeable AND passionate about architecture, but also a fantastic storyteller, weaving together Chicago’s history, design evolution, and quirky trivia in a way that was both informative and genuinely entertaining. Seeing the city’s skyline from the river offers a completely different perspective—one that makes you appreciate just how rich Chicago’s architectural legacy really is.

Rodzilla

via Google

· 1 year ago

I wasn’t expecting much from a river tour, but it completely turned our trip around. The guide was phenomenal, friendly, engaging, and packed with extensive knowledge about the city’s iconic towers and architecture. Seeing Chicago from the water gave us a completely new perspective and made the city come alive in a way walking around never could. If you’re visiting Chicago, this tour is an absolute must. Informative, fun, and unforgettable, highly recommend!

Wendella Tours & Cruises delivers architecture-focused boat tours along the Chicago River from 400 N Michigan Ave. Guests praise engaging guides who bring Chicago’s architectural history to life, offering 90-minute trips with memorable skyline views. The boats are comfortable, with an on-board shop for coffee, drinks, and snacks, and easy online booking enhances the overall experience, including evening departures for city lights.

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