Chicago River and Lake Architecture Tour

Chicago is known for world famous stunning and original architecture. One of the best and enjoyable way to see it, is on a cruise on the Chicago River through Chicago Architecture River Cruise.

Fascinating Chicago river and Lake Architecture tour gives you an opportunity to not only get acquainted with Chicago’s leading landmarks and attractions but also at the end of the tour you get to enjoy an exciting speedboat ride on Lake Michigan.

I would say Chicago Architecture River Cruise is something you will never forget for the rest of your life as you get to see and hear about the numerous skyscrapers situated along the Chicago River, including the Willis Tower formerly known as Sears Tower and the Tribune Tower.

This amazing experience is followed by a fun-filled speedboat ride along the Michigan Lake and during the ride you get to witness fascinating sights such as the Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park, Chicago Harbor and Chicago’s Museum Campus.

One of the main advantages of Chicago Architecture River Cruise is that it combines coach and boat travel with effortless ease.

It is the only tour that involves views from the lakefront, through the lake and along the river.

I recommend you to include this guided architecture cruise on itinerary. You may also want to read more about Chicago’s Sightseeing tour with Optional Architecture River Cruise.

There are several cruise companies in Chicago departing from Navy Pier including Wendella Boats, Shoreline Sightseeing and Seadog Cruises.

A few discoveries, on the way:

• Get to know about when and why the flow of the Chicago River was reversed
• Find out how Chicago architects pioneered skyscraper construction
• Know why the beautiful Chicago lakefront is almost all parkland
• Learn about an $80 million dollar skyscraper construction mistake
• Travel through the historic Chicago River Locks and up the Chicago River to Willis Tower formerly known as Sears Tower.

Chicago Architecture River Cruise Schedule

Departs:

Departure Point: Cruise departs from Navy Pier, Chicago

Departure Time:

April 16 – September 10 (Monday – Friday)

• 9:15am
• 11:15am
• 1:15pm
• 7:15pm

April 16 – September 10 (Saturday & Sunday)

• 11:00am
• 12:45pm
• 2:30pm
• 4:15pm
• 6:00pm
• 7:45pm

September 11 – October 31

• 9:15am
• 11:15am
• 1:15pm
• 7:15pm

*Board cruise 20 minutes prior to departure time

 Duration:

60 minutes (approx.)

Tour options:

• 11:45am
• 12:15pm
• 1:30pm
• 2:15pm
• 3:15pm
• 4:15pm
• 5:00pm
• 6:15pm

Additional Information

Inclusions:

• Sightseeing cruise
• Passage through the historic Chicago River Locks and up the Chicago River to Sears Tower
• Architectural tour and Speedboat Ride on Lake Michigan
• Gratuities
• Local fees and taxes

Exclusions:

• Hotel pickup and drop off

Additional Info:

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Coast Guard regulations require a photo ID for each guest to board
• All cruises are weather permitting
• Not recommended for participants with back problems
• Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions
• Not recommended for pregnant women
• Wheelchair accessible, please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required
• Infant rates apply provided they do not occupy a seat

Planning a visit to Chicago? You may also like my one day Chicago itinerary using Go Chicago Card.