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Chicago
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Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour

Chicago, United States
Likely to Sell Out

From HK$337.16

Select Date and Travelers

Reserve Now & Pay Later
Secure your spot while staying flexible
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance.
  • 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Step aboard a boat for a comprehensive cruise that details the history of Chicago's architecture. Enjoy views of the Chicago skyline accompanied by architecture-focused commentary that points out each of the landmark buildings. As you cruise through Lake Michigan, snap photos of you and your party against the stretch of Chicago's 26-mile shoreline.
  • Comprehensive architectural tour
  • Live commentary on Chicago's architectural gems
  • Travel by boat along the Lake Michigan shoreline
  • Buy tickets in advance for this must-do Chicago activity

What's Included

  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Alcoholic Beverages

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

  • 400 N Michigan Ave
    400 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

    NW corner of the Michigan Avenue (DuSable) Bridge. Descend stairs next to the Wendella Logo awning to the river level. Dock is located at the bottom of the stairs. Parking is located at 430 N Rush St. Validate your parking at the Wendella ticket office which gives you 12 hours of parking for $12.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Wendella

30 minutesAdmission Ticket Included

Chicago River

45 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

Lake Michigan

45 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

Centennial Fountain And Water Arc (Pass By)

Merchandise Mart (Pass By)

Marina City (Pass By)

Michigan Avenue Bridge (Pass By)

Wrigley Building (Pass By)

Chicago Riverwalk (Pass By)

The Lyric Opera House (Pass By)

Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower (Pass By)

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Weapons prohibited by US Coast Guard
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • 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
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Special requests entered at checkout cannot be guaranteed
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 300 travelers

Cancellation Policy

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.

about cancellations.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

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Q:Where do we meet for the Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour?

A:We are located at 400 N Michigan Avenue at the historic Wrigley Building. Wendella has four dock locations that extend west from the Michigan Avenue (DuSable) Bridge to Wabash Avenue.

Apr 2021

Q:Is there parking available for the Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour?

A:There are two parking garages near the departure point: AMA Plaza parking at 401 N. State Street and InterPark Public Parking at 430 N. Rush St. (Parking fees apply at both locations.)

Apr 2021

Q:Is the Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour handicap accessible?

A:We operate 3 boats with wheelchair lifts between decks. All our boats can accommodate wheelchairs & have toilets that are ADA compliant. For guests who are deaf or hard of hearing, a written script of the narration is available at the ticket office.

Apr 2021

Q:Can I bring my service animal with me on the Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour?

A:A service animal is a dog that is trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Pets and dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA and are not allowed.

Apr 2021

Q:Are there restrooms available on board the Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour?

A:Yes. Restrooms are located on the lower deck of each vessel; changing tables are also available in each restroom.

Apr 2021

Q:How early should I arrive for the Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour?

A:Boarding begins 15-30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.

Apr 2021

Q:Does the Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour operate in bad weather?

A:Our cruises depart rain or shine. Our vessels include sheltered areas and climate-controlled lounges. Ponchos are available for purchase onboard. However, in cases of severe weather where the cruise must be canceled, all guests will be refunded.

Apr 2021

Q:Is the boat climate controlled during the Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour?

A:Most of our vessels feature an enclosed climate-controlled lounge on the lower deck with speakers to hear the tour guide’s narration. If you have a concern about whether your vessel has an interior lounge, please call the phone number on your ticket.

Apr 2021

Q:Is food/drink available during the Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour?

A:A full-service bar is available onboard. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as an assortment of snacks, are available for purchase. Bar sales are credit cards only. No cash purchases.

Apr 2021

Q:Can I store my luggage during the Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour?

A:There is no storage area on our dock, but guests may bring their luggage aboard keeping in mind it is subject to inspection.

Apr 2021

Traveler Photos

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Featured review
Lea_R
I can totally recommend the Tour! It was so cool to see the view of the skyline from the lake and the view from the river! We had an amazing tour guide! It was just awesome!

Reviews

4.5
1,138 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 1,138 reviews
Beautiful day!
Diane_D, May 2023
Beautiful way to see the architecture of Chicago. Zach did an excellent job with narration. Lots of information and fun historical stories. The boat was clean and the upper deck provided excellent viewing.
It was a clear beautiful...
Brandi_W, May 2023
It was a clear beautiful day and the city was spectacular- felt like we got a tour of whole city in 90 minutes
Great experience!
Wesley_R, May 2023
Cool views of the city, and also learned some interesting facts about the city from the tour guide. Overall a great experience!
Best cruise of Chicago downtown
Ravi_P, May 2023
Excellent cruise. We loved it It was 45 minutes. Lot of good information over mike. Safe and secure. They help for handicapped and strollers
Stairs Abound!
Thomas_J, May 2023
Excellent guide on a beautiful Chicago afternoon. One note of caution, no way to get to the embarkation dock without walking down several flights of stairs. For debarkation there is an elevator available, though its location is not well marked. (Debarkation is at a slightly different point on the river, though quite near to the embarkation point. However no walkway between the two docks.)
You need to book this trip.
Carrie_b, May 2023
Excellent tour by Wendell’s of the Chicago architecture as seen by river and lake. Guide very well versed in history of the buildings and company was top notch. Extra treat was watching the boat pass through the lock from river to Lake Michigan. Book it- very worth it.
Good time
MAXIMO_8, May 2023
First boat ride I ever been on and it was the best time I ever had instructor was really good and funny
It was great. My wife and...
Iaroslav_K, May 2023
It was great. My wife and my daughter are happy. Please take with you some clothes, because it may be cold
The scenery was...
Tatia_C, May 2023
The scenery was beautiful. The Bloody Mary's were great. Our guide was entertaining. We has really grwat weather.
Very informative boat tour
Susan_N, May 2023
The boat ride was excellent -- saw so much amazing architecture and there was lots of interesting information. The ride was packed so we couldn't sit on the top deck to get the best views, which was kind of disappointing. Being on the lower deck also made it a little harder to hear the tour guide clearly. Because of this, I couldn't give it 5 stars. Otherwise, I highly recommend this tour.
Fun Ride
Damien_C, May 2023
The tour had a lot of useful information about Chicago and other fun facts...I feel this is enough. Thank you
Very interesting tour
Christine_O, May 2023
The whole tour is awesome. Beautiful and interesting architecture. Excellent guide. Chicago est la plus belle villes des Etats Unis.
Perfect tour of the City!
ELIZABETH_P, May 2023
Our Tour Guide Jack was GREAT 👍 Knowledgeable, funny…. Very entertaining! I would definitely recommend it! 😊
Fabulous!
Mary_C, May 2023
Fabulous tour! Knowledgeable and personable host. Just a great experience, definitely recommend. (90 minutes)
A perfect afternoon
Theresa_M, May 2023
5 th time and still can’t get enough♥️. The Architectural Tour is a best bet when visiting Chicago! Relaxing, informative and endlessly entertaining. Thank you, our daughter lives here and we visit often, every visit will include a trip down the river♥️
Guide made it a lot of...
russ_b, May 2023
Guide made it a lot of fun- and I learned a lot. Interesting trivia quiz related to the river and Chicago in general.
Quit spamming my phone, Viator
Karie_C, May 2023
I would have given this 5 stars, but the company I booked through (Viator) decided to spam my phone three times in 24 hours BEGGING me to write a review. Well here it is, jackasses. I would have been happy to give you a good review if you hadn't sent me a million texts. Maybe next time.
A must do!
Laura_E, May 2023
I was in town alone to attend a conference. I took the tour alone and had a marvelous time. Just loved being on the water seeing the beautiful city from that vantage point. The tour narrator was extremely knowledgeable and clearly passionate about his job. I took a 6PM tour and the light was just beautiful. I recommend this early evening tour.
Choose Wendella for your boat tour of Chicago
Anna_P, May 2023
John, the tour guide was very informed and we learned some interesting facts about Chicago's history. The ride was smooth and moved along the route smoothly. Our parking was also validated for a discounted rate. I would recommend Wendella to others.
Great tutor
Firuza_C, May 2023
Don’t forget to take a hat on a sunny day. The tour guide was great. A lot of history and humor 👍 Please add flyer or brochure with all the info during the tour.
Windy city tour
Marius_F, May 2023
Great tour! Great, very knowledgeable guide! I highly recommended to locals or tourists. 90 min is perfect duration.
Great Experience
Christine_H, May 2023
I brought along a friend who had never been to Chicago. She was so fun to be with with her exclamations of discovering the history and beauty of Chicago. The tour guide was excellent. She made the tour interesting and fun.
Nice, relaxing tour!
Julie_W, May 2023
This was a last-minute idea for my husband and me while waiting for our flight home out of Chicago. The tour was reasonably priced and easy to book online. When we arrived, employees were professional and courteous. On the boat, Ben, I think, was our captain and Bobby was our guide. Bobby is very knowledgeable and easy to listen to. The volume was loud enough but not overbearing. It was a cool day so we headed downstairs for a couple of drinks. I have to say, the ladies made delicious hot chocolate and coffee drinks. We would recommend to anyone!
Keep it up
Petite_P, May 2023
The host really made us feel comfortable and was very knowledgeable. I came here with my mom and she really enjoy it.
Wonderful
Alida_A, May 2023
It was great info. buildings incredible...just weather was not good, nice and clean boat very friendly crew
Entertaining
CarmenCamacho, May 2023
The tour guide was very entertaining and knowledgeable. We recommend this trip to everyone interested in art and beauty. We had a great time.
Delightful tour
Mary_Z, May 2023
Was lovely to spend so much time on Lake Michigan. Superb guide. She was so well informed. My guests enjoyed the tour very much.
Lake Michigan view back toward City was great.
Margaret_B, May 2023
Lake Michigan navigation was great. The scenery on the Chicago River was also great. The guide was not. He was opinionated, arrogant, and apparently had some kind of social agenda. His presentation was irritating because it appeared he thought he was the foremost expert on all subjects. I wanted to enjoy the tour, not be enlightened.
Wonderful tour…. Informative & fun!
Christopher_F, May 2023
This was a wonderful tour. The guide was Informative and interactive. Going through the locks onto the lake was a great experience for the kids. Amazing views of the city from the river. Everything was well organized & clear. Staff very friendly and helpful.
Great tour
Marta_R, May 2023
Amazing views of the lake and the architecture. The guide (I think his name is Jack) is very knowledgeable and funny. I highly recommend the tour!
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Product code: 76126P2

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