2 hours
E-voucher
Multiple
Overview
Make your own way to the boarding dock, located on Michigan Avenue, 15 minutes before your chosen departure time. Then, climb aboard your vessel and choose between indoor and outdoor seating options to ensure your comfort.
Set sail, and float past Chicago's architectural wonders. Cruise along all three branches of the Chicago River while your architectural guide narrates the evolution of Chicago's skyline and the significance of each landmark.
As you go, admire iconic structures like the Willis Tower, Merchandise Mart, and Wrigley Building. Take in the sights of the Chicago Riverwalk, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the unique Marina City apartment buildings.
The tour concludes back at the starting point.
Operated by
Wendella Boats
Ratings & Reviews
Average Rating
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7455 traveller ratings
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Raleigh to Chicago
Quiana_B, Apr 2025
Loved the tour and would definitely recommend. The sites were amazing and the tour guide really knew his stuff. He had a pleasant speaking voice and provide great instructions as well transitioned from one phase of the tour to the next. The ship was clean and had sufficient seating for the people touring. We thought the 6:00 tour would give us daytime views and night lights but we returned just as it was getting dark (4/24/25 6 pm). If you get cold easy wear layers or bring a blanket. More people came to the bar area as the wind picked up. The bar tenders were great. The was no shortage on hot chocolate and adult beverages. We had a ball and I would definitely cruise again.
You have to do it.
Richard_M, Apr 2025
A very enjoyable and educational experience. We lived it and the tour guide was great. It was a bit chilly on the top of the boat.
Dress warm, even in 70 degree weather.
Laura_V, Apr 2025
The 6pm tour (last tour available) did not turn out to be a sunset tour as I had hoped. Also, the outside top deck seating was the only area that the guide could be well heard. This tour is most certainly not for children. I seriously doubt that teenagers would find this to be enjoyable unless they have a specific interest in architecture. My husband and I enjoyed the tour and learning a bit of Chicago history. Our guide Bobby was excellent.
Encourage all new visitors to Chicago to book this experience.
maryanncW2842ME, Apr 2025
Alex was our narrator and could not have been better!! A wealth of information, fun facts, and enthusiastic energy. Outside of the gorgeous views and beautiful weather, he was the reason the trip was such a fun adventure.
Itinerary
Wendella
Vessels depart from Wendella's docks at the northwest corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge (DuSable Bridge), at the foot of the Wrigley Building.
15 minutesCentennial Fountain And Water Arc
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
The largest commercial building in the world.
Michigan Avenue Bridge
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
This white, terra-cotta landmark was built in 1922 as headquarters for the Wrigley chewing gum company.
Chicago Riverwalk
An open, pedestrian waterfront called the city's 'Second Lakefront.'
Lyric Opera of Chicago
Second-largest opera auditorium in North America, with an Art Deco interior
Marina City
Pass by these iconic mixed-use apartment buildings - "a city within a city" with their unique corn-cob exterior.
Experience
Highlights
Inclusions
- Indoor and outdoor seating available (indoor is climate controlled)
- Narrated tour on board by professionally trained tour guide.
- Expert Local Guide
- On-board restrooms
Exclusions
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities
Additional Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Weapons prohibited by US Coast Guard
- Outside alcohol is prohibited
- All bags 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
- Maps are available with highlights in simplified Chinese. They can picked up per request at the ticket window.
- Special requests entered at checkout cannot be guaranteed
Guide Languages
English
Mandarin
Cancellation Policy
A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.