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Chicago Architecture Boat Tour: Discover Renowned Landmarks
4.9
1,095 Ratings
Chicago
Explore Chicago's iconic architecture on a guided river tour. Discover historic landmarks, new developments, and enjoy a unique cruise experience through the city's three river branches.
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Situated in the heart of the Magnificent Mile and a short distance from Michigan Avenue Bridge, The Wrigley Building has been a notable feature of Chicago’s skyline since 1920. Originally built as the head office for the well-known chewing gum brand, its design was inspired by Seville Cathedral’s Giralda Tower in Spain. Presently, it continues to serve as the base for Wm Wrigley Jr. Company and is widely recognized for its glowing white towers that brighten the city after sunset.
- The Willis Tower, standing proudly at the center of downtown Chicago, embodies the future of professional and recreational activities. With its 110 stories, it ranks as one of the world’s tallest buildings and holds the position of the second tallest facility in Chicago, adding a distinctive feature to the city’s impressive skyline.
- The Aqua Tower, a multi-purpose residence with 82 floors forms part of the Lakeshore East project in downtown Chicago, Illinois.
- Chinatown in Chicago, Illinois, located on the South Side, is a typical representation of an American Chinatown, or ethnic-Chinese community.
- The iconic Merchandise Mart in Chicago accommodates top-ranking home showrooms as well as extensive office spaces.
- Attracting visitors for a century, the Navy Pier is an essential destination for anyone exploring Chicago.
What's Included
- Fully enclosed interior with air conditioning, seats, & windows
- Outside seating available (first come, first serve)
- On-board restrooms
- Guided architecture cruise of the historic Chicago River
What's Not Included
- Full bar & snacks (available for purchase)
- Gratuities
- $12 to $15 discounted parking lot connected to marina
Additional Information
Be awed by the imposing structures along the Chicago River under the insightful guidance of experienced tour professionals! Visitors of all ages are welcomed.
Each architectural river cruise is expertly narrated by a seasoned guide who escorts travelers down the Chicago River, revealing the city’s most iconic landmarks. Besides historical details about famous structures such as the Civic Opera House, Trump Tower, and the Merchandise Mart, guests will also get an understanding of present and future city developments. The Chicago River Cruise traverses the three main branches of the river which include the main branch to Navy Pier, the north branch to Goose Island, and the south branch to Chinatown.
- Tour times cannot be changed
- Cruises are on rain or shine
- Minimum drinking age is 21 years
- Please arrive 30 min before your cruise time
- Seating is first come first serve. If you have a large group, arrive early
- Child Ticket (3 and under) is for free but needs a registered ticket
- Youth Tickets available on our main ticketing page
- Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
- Vessel has full bar and restroom
Location
Summer Of George
South Wells Street
Please enter 900 S Wells Chicago, IL 60607 to your GPS for directions to the boat dock.
Go through the parking lot behind the River City condominium building. The parking lot is located across from the soccer field on 9th St and Wells.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(1095 Ratings)
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Victor_c
Jun 3, 2024
Great tour - Family had a great time, Billy and the crew was fantastic. We’ll recommend to our friend and do it again next time.
Review provided by Viator
Katherine_t
Jun 3, 2024
Birthday fun! - We booked the boat tour for my husband’s 50th Birthday! It was wonderful! The boat was the Summer of George. Captain Joe was great! Our tour guide Billy was amazing! We learned a ton of history! The river and the surrounding area were beautiful. We would highly recommend this 90minute tour in a heart beat!
Review provided by Viator
Karen_h
Jun 2, 2024
A must for different views of the city - Hillary did a fabulous job! We learned so much & had an enjoyable experience, plus the weather was perfect!
Review provided by Viator
140lacyh
May 31, 2024
Architecture Boat Tour - the highlight of our family vacation - Our family very much enjoyed the architecture tour! The captain & crew were fantastic. Tila, the tour guide, provided great information & education coupled with a great sense of humor. Her character & love for the city certainly shine through & add to the experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Manishp558
May 30, 2024
Amazing boat tour - It’s amazing and must take tour when you visit Chicago downtown. Easy parking next to boat tour place. Guide was knowledgeable and she explained everything in detail about many buildings.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Luunam_n
May 28, 2024
Fun and instructive 90min architectural Chicago boat tour - I did not think much about tours in general, i took it just to pass time, but Ms. Hillary made it very instructive and fun , not only with her knowledge but with her passion for achitecture and for her city. One does see that she puts all herself to make the tour worrh its value. I strongly recommend her and her tour, also to encourage small local business of Chicago.👏👏👏👍👍👍
Review provided by Viator
270caitlynp
May 28, 2024
Amazing - The tour guide was wonderful! Amazing experience, beautiful views! Super fascinating and definitely not boring! Wish I brought a blanket!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
J6458yukarenh
May 28, 2024
Our chicago river cruise - The views were great. The boat was clean and the tour guide was amazing! Her name was Hillary and she was a plethora of knowledge. She name learning about architecture so fun!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Travel-hawthorne
May 27, 2024
See a side of Chicago you haven’t seen! - Fabulous these guys are the top group to take this tour with. Guide is very academic yet entertaining, keeping our attention.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marcoabertoli
May 30, 2024
Unmissable - A great option to get to know the city of Chicago and especially its beautiful buildings - a good time to take the tour is late afternoon to catch the sunset and early evening when the lights from the buildings make the city's skyline even more beautiful.
Review provided by Tripadvisor