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    Wendella Tours & Cruises

    4.4 (1.6k reviews)
    Open • 9:30 am - 8:00 pm

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    Boat from above
    Martha R.

    This cruise was the absolute best way to experience the famous architecture along the river. My family took the 90 minute tour and bought our tickets on site. Our tour guide was remarkably knowledgeable, witty, and engaging with the crowd. My family loved the historical ties to the region and fun facts about nearly every building we passed. Arrive ~20 mins early so you can queue up ahead of your boat time and snag a seat on the top deck. The city street is about two flights of stairs above to the loading area so be sure to plan for extra time as needed. Bring an extra layer as it can get breezy out on the water. There is also a lower level cabin with ac but the views are abysmal from there. They also have a full service bar with cocktails, wine, beer, and snacks to enjoy during the cruise. They have a designated parking lot nearby which they validate afterwards if you stop and ask the attendant in the booth down by the loading dock.

    Delvia W.

    My girlfriend suggested we take a mChicago architecture boat tour and I'm glad we did! There are several different companies and boats, but this is the one we chose. Definitely get there early! The website gave us an address, but when we arrived, we found out the actual entrance was around the other side of the building. We were traveling with someone with mobility issues, so we had to find the elevator instead of taking all the steps. We arrived around 4:55 for a 5:00 tour so we were cutting it CLOSE! The tour is about 90 minutes with a guide explaining the history and architecture of the different buildings. Our guide wasn't the most entertaining , so we mostly enjoyed the views on our own. The best part was the sunset! We took the 5:00 tour, and as the boat turned around to head back, the sun was setting behind the Chicago skyline. Absolutely beautiful! Overall, it was a good tour and a great way to see Chicago's amazing architecture. I would definitely recommend it just get there early especially if anyone in your group has mobility issues. They also sell alcoholic beverages and memorabilia

    Neha G.

    I've been to Chicago many times, but never did the architectural boat tour thinking 'oh it's too touristy.' This time I gave in thinking the weather is nice and I want to do something relaxing. Wendella was highly ranked and a friend recommended them. I was bummed when I saw the 90 minute sunset tour was sold out. I saved $50. lol I was happy to find that they had a 45 minute tour at 8pm. This was actually perfect and for $28! I got to see a little bit of light when we boarded and the actual sun setting and views of the city in the dark. Very beautiful. The host tries to tell us history and be funny, but I think most were busy taking photos or just relaxing as a breeze hit. The ride is smooth so not to worry if you typically get motion sick. I felt fine. You may book tickets online and I'd show up by 7-7:15pm to get on the 8pm boat. The line gets long and if you want premium seating in the back or along the sides, then you want to be early. This 45 minute tour takes off a little bit further in than the 90 min one that has entry just off the bridge by Michigan Ave. Not sure if the boat had a restroom. Overall I'd budget about 2ish hours for this activity from the time waiting in line, cruise, and getting off the boat. Highly recommend!

    The Opera Building
    Diane W.

    So many choices, lucked out with today's architectural tour with the amazing John narrating. Knowledgeable, comical, and personable, I learned an incredible amount of Chicago history and architecture while being entertained. Who knew? Plus over 75 photos!!! This is a MUST DO for visitors and locals alike !!! Thank you John!!

    Wendella Tours & Cruises provided a memorable experience, showcasing Chicago's culture and architecture. 10/10
    Soraia P.

    My family and I had such a wonderful time with Wendella Tours and Cruises! Even though the weather wasn't perfect, it actually made our adventure even more special. The friendly and knowledgeable staff went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable, including cleaning the seats for us. Our tour guide was so well-informed and kept us dry, which was really impressive. They even had $5 rain ponchos for sale. The boat had two floors, and those who preferred a more private space could also buy drinks like free spirits and alcoholic beverages. Since this was my very first trip to Chicago, I definitely want to join the tour again. The price was fair, the staff was warm and welcoming, and the relaxed atmosphere made the whole experience even more enjoyable. Plus, I learned so much! Overall, my family had a fantastic time, and we wholeheartedly recommend it!

    June 2026 ticket counter
    Michelle C.

    90 minute Architecture tour It was a cloudy, windy, and cold day in June. Even with the clouds rolling in & out and blocking a lot of the views it was still interesting and our awesome guide, Bobby, was knowledgeable, funny, and kept it interesting and flowing for adults and kids. The tour starts on the river heading towards Lake Michigan. The ride into the lock was a little lengthy as we had to wait for them to fill it with boats first. Once we made it onto Lake Michigan it was very chilly, but I'd rather be freezing than sweating like crazy on a hot humid day. We were on a smaller boat which was nice. - upper deck: Seats long the outside and chairs in the middle. Only wish they had cushions. - lower deck: had some small seating outside and standing bar tables - lower deck: indoor restrooms and bar area - snacks, drinks available for purchase If rain is in the forecast bring paper towels to clean off your seats. I also saw some people with Wendella rain ponchos, but not sure where to get them? Really fun and beautiful way to see the city! Highly recommend!

    Nelson M.

    We went on the 90 minute boat tour. This was the first time we ever did this even though I've lived in Illinois for about 35 years. I thoroughly enjoyed this experience even as someone that lived in Chicago for six years. It was very informative and it was an amazing sight seeing all the different architectures in the city. If you've never been even though it's expensive, spend the money. It's well worth it for the experience.

    Elizabeth S.

    First time in Chicago and the river cruise was recommended to us by a friend. We chose to have this cruise with this tour Company for 7 PM. That was a long line going in the boat and first come first serve fortunately we were able to see it on top of it. The Tour Guide she was really knowledgeable and amazing. We were able to see different kinds of building art decor, architectural designs. the river Michigan history was explained to us while cruising. There's available drink downstairs on the first deck. The highlight of this Cruise was the evening sunset in the view of the entire city of Chicago at 8 PM where all the lights were lit up. Highly recommended when you're in Chicago City.

    Skyline view.
    Brandon F.

    First time on the architecture boat tour on the recommendation of a bunch of friends who had already taken the tour in the past. Personally, I was pleasantly surprised. The words "architecture" and "boat tour" don't immediately spell a fun time in my mind. But this tour is 1) a pleasant way to see the center of Chicago from the water, 2) actually interestingly informational, as the tour guides are extremely on top of their game, 3) much more dense that you expect (these guys are talking non-stop), and 4) surprisingly good views, especially when you get all the way out into the edge of the harbor! Finding the place was a bit roundabout, but once we got there, staff were super friendly, and it was easy to get on the boat and off to our next stop afterwards. Parking suggestions on the site are solid too. I'm not sure whether I'd do it again, but I'd definitely recommend it as a must-do stop on any visit!

    Angie Nicole N.

    Did this cruise when they had a dog friendly option and had a blast with my pups! It was one dog per person, and they had ample room for all the people and dogs aboard. Loved it such a fun experience for the pups!

    Destinee R.

    This cruise was such an educational and amazing experience and the highlight of my trip. It was nice to learn about the extensive history of Chicago and its architecture. The trip was about an hour and a half and has a bar that serves a few cocktails and snacks. There was ample seating on the top deck and lower seats as well. We scheduled around 3pm which was a great time to visit. Access to the boat was easy to locate. I would recommend arriving at the stop earlier as seats are first come first served.

    McKayla S.

    When you arrive the signs are very clear. We almost got looped in with the wrong time and the employees were very helpful in ensuring we made it to the right boat! A side note there is a Peet's coffee right above this that you can stop in for a snack. They also have a full bar and snacks available for purchase on the boat which was a surprise to me! The bathrooms on board are super clean as well. Now, the best part was Scott! Our tour was engaging, fun, and very informative. You can barely feel yourself moving which is wild! I got a ton of great photos and learned so much about the city. I would do this exact tour again it was so fun. They do have lots of options to choose from!

    Chicago river from street
    Dave T.

    Definitely worth the money. The 90 minute trip taught Mr things about Chicago's skyline that I never knew. The narrator was very knowledgeable on the history and specific details of buildings along the river. We have friends that live downtown and they even learned things about downtown buildings they never knew. Staff was very friendly and helpful. If you are ever in Chicago this is a tour to do without a doubt.

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    Wendella Tours & Cruises Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Wendella Tours & Cruises

    Would it be a problem if during the Sunset Cruise we scattered cremains in Lake Michigan?

    Hi Jane, I'd recommend you call Wendella directly at (312) 337-1446 to discuss.

    Do your 45 minute architecture tours have heated cabins or is it out in the open? Just trying to determine whether we will need to bundle up extra to enjoy the tour

    Yes. All our boats have heated main cabins and full bars.

    Can someone please tell me the route for the sunset cruise? Do you do the different branch of the river and some of the lake? I can't find a map online. Thanks!

    The Sunset Cruise is primarily a lake cruise. It is not the standard narrated architecture tour. We do not go on the north or south branches of the river.

    What's the best seat on the boat?

    Captain's seat 😎😎... Jst Kidding .. Get the bench on the back.

    Do you need to make reservations?

    Purchasing in advance is recommended due to reduced capacity because of Covid. However they are not required and we do sell many tickets right before the scheduled departure.

    My family will be visiting dec 31 to jan 3rd. Do you recommend this tour during this time of year?

    Just be sure to bundle up

    I am visiting Chicago from San Francisco but may only have time to do a 8pm tour. How is the scenery at night? Hoping to take pictures and see the skyline?

    The scenery is great - night time skyline! You might bring coat at night time in near term.

    Does Wendela offer group rates?

    Yes, we do offer group rates for 20 people or more. Their available and the actual discount depends on when and what time you want to go. Call our office for details.

    We are considering doing this with our 13 yr old son. I don't see many reviews of people bringing kids or young teens. Just don't want him to be bored. anyone take teens on this? thoughts?

    Gail We get lots of kids! We tailor our tours for families visiting Chicago. We don't think they are here for a college dissertation on Chicago. We think they come to learn… 

    Is there indoor seating to avoid the cold wind/rain in late October?

    There was indoor seating when I went a couple weeks ago as some people went in as it got windy and cold once we got to the lake

    Is the sunset cruise long enough to where it is dark so you can see the skyline at night?

    Yes, I did it last August and we finished just after dusk. IMHO it's the best time of the day for a cruise.

    What time of day is the best for the architectural tour? I am with my mother and my four children.

    Hi Lisa- we went first thing in the morning. Not a lot of people on the boat and you could move around and see every vantage point.

    View All 13 Questions

    Review Highlights - Wendella Tours & Cruises

    “You see so much of the skyline and get an enormous amount of history about architecture and the city as well.”

    Mentioned in 145 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Shoreline Sightseeing - Chicago Fire Department near Navy Pier

    Shoreline Sightseeing

    (1.9k reviews)

    Near North Side

    A river tour is a must when visiting Chicago! We decided to do Shoreline Sightseeing, and it was…read moresuch a great experience. We were nervous because my mom gets motion sickness easily, and we weren't sure she'd be able to enjoy the tour. Thankfully, the water was calm enough, and she absolutely loved it! The views were beautiful, and we learned so many fun facts about the city along the way. Definitely recommend adding this to your Chicago itinerary!

    This tour was on the top 10 list of our things to do in Chicago. I researched all the boat…read morecompanies that offered the Chicago architecture boat cruises and Shoreline Sightseeing came out hands down #1 for us in tour length, type of cruises, accessibility and in price for what you got. Best deal. Our tour guide was happy, energetic, and very knowledgeable about Chicago because he was born and raised there. We chose the 75 minute, 4pm Chicago River tour and it covered a lot! We never lost interest and learned about Chicago's history. It is well worth it! Our Architecture River Tour boat departed from the dock at Navy Pier. We learned that their boats are the most accessible at this location. Their boats can accommodate wheelchairs up to 30-inches wide. Your wheelchair must be able to navigate a ramp with a 2-inch step at one end. I needed one that was kind to my knees. Best to call them for more details. They were very helpful whenever we called them. Their boats are both double-decker and single-level boats, and there is generally no protection from the sun, rain, or wind. There is a small bar on the main level. Restrooms are located on the lower deck, which is accessible only via stairs from the upper deck. Enjoy! It's amazing!

    Chicago Line Cruises - The bridge is up

    Chicago Line Cruises

    (274 reviews)

    Near North Side

    While in Chicago, my wife scheduled an architectural tour on the Chicago River. In the summertime,…read moreespecially, this is prime time to take one of these tours, where you can enjoy seeing the different architectural designs of the skyscrapers built over the past 100-plus years. When we went, the weather was gorgeous, but it was hot since it was early August. Make sure to hydrate, or at least bring some sort of beverage, even if it's an Aperol spritz. Our tour guide was great and explained the history and stories behind each building we saw, including the Chicago Tribune building. During the 90-minute tour, you go west, south, north, then east along the Chicago River to check out the various buildings and the stories behind them, as well as others under construction, like the Bally's Casino. As a sidebar, that building is pissing off the locals across from it because it is now blocking their view. Make sure you buy tickets in advance and arrive at least 15 minutes before the boat leaves, as the queues build quickly, and you will want a good seat on the top deck to capture the buildings around you and take pictures. Also check whether the staff creates a second queue as they take ticket holders from both at the same time, so if you are in the back of one, they don't go through that queue first before the other. In the summertime, the tickets will sell out quickly, so make sure you buy in advance if you're looking to take a tour.

    We took a Saturday morning architectural cruise with Chicago line cruises. The check-in process was…read moreextremely organized, as was the boarding. We had great seats on the back of the boat and the staff was very helpful. After the safety briefing, we got underway. The guide was so knowledgeable about the history and the architecture of Chicago. Highly recommend! They offer free water, lemonade, and soft drinks, as well as alcoholic beverages for purchase. The tour guide was so funny and offered spare hats to the men who had limited hair on the boat to keep them from getting sunburned!

    Marquette Building - The Marquette Building

    Marquette Building

    (6 reviews)

    The Loop

    The Marquette Building is a beautiful example of the Chicago School of architecture. The early…read moresteel framed sixteen story skyscraper was built in 1895. The steel frame is what allowed long "Chicago windows" due to less pressure of the masonry. It was designed by Holabird and Roche. The skyscraper was named for Father Jacques Marquette, the first European settler who explored Chicago in 1674-1675. Mosaics, sculptures and bronzes honor this expedition in the Marquette's entry and lobby. The bronzes and sculptures show the trip and important historic figures that were met along the journey. The railing around the atrium features beautiful Tiffany designed mosaics. Louis Comfort Tiffany was commissioned to create a mosaic frieze to detail the story of Marquette's life, the exploration of Chicago and the Native Americans that he met. Art panels are made of lustered Tiffany glass, mother-of-Pearl and semi-precious stones. It is stunning! The building is free and open to explore. Ask the security guard for a brochure or if you are lucky, he may even share some history about the building. There is also a small exhibit behind the lobby that discusses Chicago skyscrapers and architecture.

    Chicago September 2019…read more Walked into the Marquette Building in downtown Chicago to view the beautiful artwork in the lobby. No admission fee. Just walk in and enjoy the view. The lobby is not too big but filled with stain glass art work that is eye catching. One can view the art from the first or second floor. Many Yelpers have already posted photos with great historical commentary. I'll just add a #metoo. No where to park around here unless you want to spend $30.00 ... I just jump on the CTA and pay $2.50 one way (or $5.00 round trip). Many of the buildings in downtown Chicago have fantastic art work in their lobbies. Most are free to explore. Welcome to Chicago !

    Wendella Tours & Cruises - boatcharters - Updated September 2026

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