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45-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile

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Chicago, United States
45-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile
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45-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile
Join us in the daytime or evening for City lights and breathtaking views
Join us in the daytime or evening for City lights and breathtaking views
Join us in the daytime or evening for City lights and breathtaking views
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From $25.00

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Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
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icon45 minutes  (approx.)
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iconOffered in: English

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Overview

Get a front row perspective on the exquisite buildings that line the Chicago River during a 45-minute architecture cruise. Hear live commentary about the history and architectural heritage of Chicago on this family-friendly tour, which highlights landmarks such as the Chicago Riverwalk, Michigan Avenue Bridge, Wrigley Building, and Willis Tower. Sit on the open-air top deck or the sheltered bottom deck for the ultimate view of Chicago.
  • 45-minute architecture cruise on the Chicago River
  • Get another perspective on Chicago's heritage buildings
  • Shorter tour is ideal for families and people with limited time
  • Snacks, drinks, and souvenirs available for purchase on board
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From $25.00

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400 N Michigan Ave , 400 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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The vessel departs and returns to Wendella's Michigan Avenue Docks located in the heart of Chicago's Magnificent Mile, at the base of the Wrigley Building. Look for the blue "Wendella" awning over the dock staircase. Descend the stairs to the river-level dock.

This activity will end right where it started.
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Weapons prohibited by US Coast Guard
  • Outside alcohol is prohibited
  • All bags subject to search
  • Increased sanitation
  • Arrive 15 - 30 minutes prior to your departure time
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Contact tour operator for wheelchair & ADA access
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers
  • OPERATED BY Wendella Tours & Cruises
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.

Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
Where do we meet for the 45-min Chicago River Architecture Tour - Magnificent Mile?
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 45-min Chicago River Architecture Tour - Magnificent Mile?
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 45-min Chicago River Architecture Tour - Magnificent Mile 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 45-min Chicago River Architecture Tour - Magnificent Mile?
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 45-min Chicago River Architecture Tour - Magnificent Mile?
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 45-min Chicago River Architecture Tour - Magnificent Mile?
A:Boarding begins 15-30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.
Apr 2021
Q:
Does the 45-min Chicago River Architecture Tour - Magnificent Mile 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 45-min Chicago River Architecture Tour - Magnificent Mile?
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 45-min Chicago River Architecture Tour - Magnificent Mile?
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 45-min Chicago River Architecture Tour - Magnificent Mile?
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
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during 45-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile?
A:The policies on sanitization are:

  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
See all safety measures taken by 45-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile.
Q:
What is the social distancing policy during 45-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile?
A:The policy on social distancing is:

  • Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
See all safety measures taken by 45-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile.
Q:
What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during 45-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile?
A:The policy on staff health & safety is:

  • Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
See all safety measures taken by 45-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile.

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Traveler Tips

  • "I would recommend this tour for anyone visiting Chicago for the first time." See review
  • "We had a terrific adventure on the 45 minute river tour, just perfect for my granddaughters, 5 and 7 yrs." See review

Reviews

4.5
star-4.5
229 Reviews
5 stars
195
4 stars
13
3 stars
9
2 stars
2
1 star
10

Reviews by Viator travelers

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Showing 1-10 of 229 reviews
star-5
River tour!
Ursula_N
, Jun 2022
Great information! Very engaging tour guide! Really enjoyed the tour! I did the tour before, and it was not as enjoyable as this tour!
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star-5
St. Paddy's week
Samantha_L
, Jun 2022
I went in March when the river was green, always wanted to see it and it was amazing! The guide was very knowledgeable, courteous and funny. I'd go again and I'd recommend!
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star-5
Architectural tour
Robert_G
, May 2022
It’s very informative about Chicago skyscrapers it was very relaxing great staff very nice boat ride
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star-5
Fun Excursion
Dhaval_V
, May 2022
The 45 minute tour sold out fast. We were lucky to make the reservation. Tour guide was friendly and knowledgeable. Weather was perfect which always helps. Take a jacket if you sail in the evening. It can get chilly.
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star-5
Very nice! Love the tour,...
LAN_L
, May 2022
Very nice! Love the tour, very explanatory. My family enjoyed it very well, and the guide was very nice.
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star-5
Birthday Celebration
Irene_E
, May 2022
Matthew did an awesome job. Matthew was very engaging, knowledgeable and had a lot of charisma. The Chicago architecture is breathtaking. So very glad we took this tour.
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star-4
I enjoyed the cruise a...
Sharae_N
, May 2022
I enjoyed the cruise a lot! Laura (I hope I remembered the correct name) was fantastic! She was extremely enthusiastic and knowledgeable. I highly recommend this tour.
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star-5
Nice trip, friendly...
Osama_A
, May 2022
Nice trip, friendly staff, would recommend. Took the 45mins drive, enjoyed the views and being in the river!
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star-5
It was a great experience...
Lendale_R
, May 2022
It was a great experience for me and my date. She’s from Kentucky and she got to travel our waterway and see a lot of our architectural skyline. I to also learned some new things as a resident of our great city for 54 years. I definitely recommend it and I would definitely recommend the long tour. Thanks for a phenomenal experience. Safe travels up and down the waterway.
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star-5
Great tour led by great guides
Joanne_G
, May 2022
The tour guides were very knowledgeable and personable at the same time. Great tour and well worth the time/money. I would definitely recommend them.
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star-3
The experience itself was...
Mairie_S
, May 2022
The experience itself was great. The kids enjoyed it, we were able to go out onto Lake Michigan and the Chicago River and we learned a lot of history as well as info about the architecture. I gave it 3 stars simply because of my experience with Viator, who we bought the tickets through. I couldn’t get the tickets on their site so I called. Initially she told me they didn’t have any tickets for this tour at 10. I said ok, that’s fine, we’ll just skip it then because we had to leave town before the afternoon. She took a minute, clicked around, told me she found tickets for 10. Emailed me the link, which said the tickets were for 2:45. I said that wasn’t the time we needed. She sent me a new link that now said tickets were for 10. Well, when we got to the ticket window, the bar code they’d sent us was invalid. They told us we were on the 2:45 tour. The company was polite and worked with us, but we had to pay additional $$ to upgrade to the 90 minute tour. And the tour was fun, but a bit long for a 2 and 4 year old, so that’s why we’d wanted the shorter one. Tour was great. Viator not so much.
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star-1
Not accomodating due to weather
John_G
, Apr 2022
We did not actually make it to the tour due to inclement weather. Do not book early!! The weather was horrible rain/snow and Viator would not allow us to change our reservation. I can understand the draconian policy if the weather is nice, but travel to and from the site was dangerous. Horrible policy.
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icon Response from Host , Apr 2022
Please contact us directly. Wendella will change your tickets if you choose not to go because of the weather!
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star-5
Informative
Josie_P
, Mar 2022
Alyssa the tour guide was awesome!! She was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Even though it was cold out, it was a really neat tour.
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star-5
Great educational content...
Halina_D
, Mar 2022
Great educational content and hot drinks to help with the cold and the wind. The staff was helpful and the offered easy on boarding.
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star-1
Could note make the trip...
Ruben_R
, Mar 2022
Could note make the trip tried to cancel due to plans changes so not being able to cancel ride is a 1 star for me
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icon Response from Host , Apr 2022
Contact us directly. Wendella will allow you to reschedule if you can't make the tour.
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star-5
The tour was interesting...
Teresa_M
, Mar 2022
The tour was interesting and informative and the tour guide was very entertaining and helpful. I would highly recommend.
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star-5
Great experience overall,...
Joshua_R
, Mar 2022
Great experience overall, informative, and really enjoyed the fact there was a bar on the bottom deck
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star-5
Great tour
Jose_A
, Mar 2022
Tour guide was great, funny and very detailed. very smooth ride. Bar on the lower deck. If its too cold you can stay on the lower deck (covered) and still hear the tour. Definitely recommend.
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star-5
Boat tour great intro to city
Marisa_M
, Mar 2022
Loved the tour! Fun to see all the buildings so easily viewed by boat and the narrator had a wealth of knowledge. Would never have guessed everything had such a rich history without coming in this tour. Thanks!
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star-5
The tour guide was fun...
Krista_O
, Mar 2022
The tour guide was fun and engaging, and it was a great way to see some of the more notable buildings of Chicago and also a chance to travel on the Chicago River and a bit of Lake Michigan
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