Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour
Things to know
About the Activity
An authentic Chicago tradition since 1935, this is the tour that started it all. This unique excursion tells the story of more than 200 years of fascinating social, cultural and political history, and explores more than a century of groundbreaking architecture. The journey begins with an up-close perspective of Chicago's internationally-known architecture as seen from the Chicago River. Then venture through the Chicago Lock on to the calm, cool waters of Lake Michigan for expansive views of Chicago's extraordinary 26-mile skyline. Take the selfie of a lifetime on this inspirational experience!1 hour 30 minutes
Instant Confirmation
Mobile ticket
Availability and Prices
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Travel Date
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Travelers
Adult : 1
Inclusions & Exclusions
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Outdoor and Indoor climate-controlled seating option
Local Expert Guide
Transportation amenities : On-board restrooms. Restroom on board
Alcoholic drinks, non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks available for purchase on board
Storage
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Travel Itinerary
- Maximum 300 travellers in this tour.
Locations in the itinerary
1
Chicago River
Chicago, United StatesLake and River Architecture Tours begin at Michigan Avenue and explore Chicago's amazing architecture along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. All tours are narrated by professional tour guides. 45 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView Location2
Lake Michigan
United StatesYour tour travels along Lake Michigan and explores Chicago's beautiful skyline.45 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView LocationCentennial Fountain And Water Arc(Pass By)
400 N McClurg Ct, Chicago, United States, 60611-4323Dedicated 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.
View LocationMerchandise Mart(Pass By)
222 Merchandise Mart Plz, Chicago, United States, 60654-1103The largest commercial building in the world.View LocationMarina City(Pass By)
300 N State St, , Chicago, United States, 60654-5414Pass by these iconic mixed-use apartment buildings - "a city within a city" with their unique corn-cob exterior.View LocationMichigan Avenue Bridge(Pass By)
333 Michigan Ave, , Chicago, United States, 60601-3901Michigan Avenue is home of the Chicago Water Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and the shopping on the Magnificent Mile.View LocationWrigley Building(Pass By)
400-410 Michigan Ave, , Chicago, United States, 60611-4213This white, terra-cotta landmark was built in 1922 as headquarters for the Wrigley chewing gum company.View LocationChicago Riverwalk(Pass By)
22 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, United States, 60601An open, pedestrian waterfront called the city's 'Second Lakefront.'View LocationMeeting and Pickup
Starting point
1
Arrive at 400 N Michigan Avenue 30 minutes before your departure and you will be directed to your boarding dock. Please allow yourself plenty of time to arrive if driving. We do not have parking. It is recommend that you book parking in advance. View Location
End point
1
Arrive at 400 N Michigan Avenue 30 minutes before your departure and you will be directed to your boarding dock. Please allow yourself plenty of time to arrive if driving. We do not have parking. It is recommend that you book parking in advance. View Location
Pickup details
Customers must make their own way to and meet at the start point- Travelers CANNOT choose a custom pickup or meeting location.
Additional Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Weapons prohibited by US Coast Guard
- 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
- Special requests entered at checkout cannot be guaranteed
Language And Guide
Printed Guide Available In
- Mandarin
- English
Tour Guide Available In
- English
Ticket Details
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- One per booking
Ticket Redemption
No redemption point. This is a direct entry ticketYour ticket will be scanned from your phone, so you do not need to exchange anything at the window. All guests need a ticket to board, including children & infants. The closest address to most docks is 400 N Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60611 (near the Wrigley Building). From there you can check in with an employee who can direct you to your boarding area. You must arrive at least 30 minutes before the departure time to be directed to your dock. If driving, note that Downtown Chicago traffic can be slow and congested. Please allow yourself plenty of time for traffic and parking if driving. Wendella does not have parking. We recommend that you park at InterPark Public Parking located at 430 N Rush Street, Chicago, IL 60611. Wendella guests may park for up to 8 hours at a discounted rate of $14.00 with a parking chaser coupon from our ticket office. You may also park at Trump International Hotel & Tower located at 401 N Wabash, Chicago, Il 60611. Wendella guests may park for up to 6 hours at a discounted rate of $18.00 with a parking chaser coupon from our ticket office. Parking is subject to availability and will fill up on holidays and weekends. If these lots are full, you are responsible for booking your own parking. We cannot validate parking booking in advance. If you are late due to traffic, parking, etc., you must contact us before your departure time to discuss your rescheduling options. If you arrive late, with no notice, you will not be compensated or rescheduled. Please plan accordingly. Some docks require that you walk down many stairs to the boarding area. If you need an ADA-accessible dock, please call us at 312-337-1446 with at least 24 hours’ notice. Seating is general admission and is based on a first-come, first-served basis. Alcohol & weapons are prohibited. All bags are subject to search. Tours are rarely cancelled due to weather and are only cancelled if weather conditions are unsafe (tornado warnings, extreme ice or subzero temps, etc.)Cancellation & Refunds
Cancellable up to 24 hours before the travel date (local supplier time) for a full refund. A 100% cancellation penalty applies for cancellations submitted less than 24 hours before the start time.- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Suplier may cancel the activity on account of bad weather conditions.
- Cancel at least 1 day before activity starts in America/Chicago time to receive 100% refund.
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No reviews found!Operated by Wendella Tours & CruisesCreated on 29 Nov 2018Created on 06 Jun 2025
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