Chicago Architecture River Cruise Experience

Embark on a captivating Chicago River cruise and explore the city’s iconic architecture. Marvel at the stunning skyline, visit famous landmarks, and learn about the unique architectural styles from an expert guide.

Duration: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Chicago River - The cruise takes place along the Chicago River.
  • Chicago Skyline - Delight in a breathtaking view of the city’s skyline.
  • Navy Pier - Spanning 50 acres, it features parks, promenades, gardens, shops, eateries, and attractions, including a 15-story Ferris wheel.
  • Tribune Tower - This neo-gothic tower is renowned for…
What's Included
  • Pet-friendly
  • On-board restrooms
  • Live expert commentary on board
  • Guided architecture cruise of the historic Chicago River
What's Not Included
  • Drinks (available for purchase)
  • On-board WiFi
Additional Information

Discover the breathtaking allure of Chicago on an enchanting cruise along the historic Chicago River. This architectural tour navigates the main branch of the river, travels up the north branch to the East Bank Club, and then heads south past the renowned Willis Tower (Sears Tower) to the historic Old Post Office Building.
Admire the impressive city…

Location
124 N Streeter Dr
North Streeter Drive
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(15150 Ratings)
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1 star
Srclay
Aug 14, 2025
Amazing - Thoroughly enjoyed the River Cruise. Stephanie was excellent, and we learned so many new things about Chicago and its beautiful skyline. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aprilgz9416hu
Aug 6, 2025
And Now you know ;) - Really learned a lot about Chicago. Our tour guide was exceptional; Made an effort to say hello and chat with most folks, also quite enthusiastic, informative and quite passionate about Chicago’s architectural styles, history and sites to see. As a result left feeing quite informed about the city and excited to be heading to the LondonHouse rooftop for a lil refreshment :). Definitely a memory maker!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Richardsp6138re
Jul 28, 2025
Great way to see the city - While my wife went up to the obs deck with two of the kids, I took the other on a boat trip. We boarded and I was able to get myself a nice cold craft beer and my son a coke. The boat was really comfortable, the staff friendly and the tour guide was excellent. Entertaining but also extremely knowledgeable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christine
Jun 30, 2025
Excellence of care - Captain Lair, Jessica, Olivia, Curtis and the rest of Captain Lairs crew took wonderful care of me. I'm was overheating and felt really ill and they made certain that I'm was in the very best care. Never leaving my side and always reminding me that it was their priority to make me feel safe and comfortable. The sun/heat stroke inwas suffering from hit me hard and fast. Otherwise, I wouldn't have take the tour to begin with. My girlfriend loved the entire tour. The narration of all of the buildings and stories behind our great city were factual and fun! I will be returning in cooler weather to be able to enjoy all that Captsin Lair and his boat tours have to offer. Grateful and forever thankful for taking amazing care of me Christine G.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kelly_m
Jun 28, 2025
Rhe best tourist activity - This was probably the best "touristy" experience I have ever had. The guide was very knowledgeable about ALL the buildings and the Chicago architecture was, of course, incredible. The ride was 90 minutes and did not seem long at all. It's a must see/do if you are ever in Chicago.
Review provided by Viator
Sam_c
Jun 7, 2025
Ruby did a fantastic job... - Ruby did a fantastic job walking us through the beautiful architectural history of Chicago! She was very entertaining and funny, and was very knowledgeable and passionate about Chicago.
Review provided by Viator
Scottjb7489go
Jun 4, 2025
Always a fun experience - This was my second experience on the Architecture Tour. Always good and interesting information. At the endo of the tour, they mentioned that you can pay a little extra and take the longer tour to Lake Michigan. Use anytime, only have to have the original ticket and was able to transfer that to my daughter to use when she wanted.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jayda_m
Aug 10, 2025
Eh - I feel like my experience was not the best essentially considering space on the boat was not what I expected, many people were squished and drinks were deffinently an expense that I did not expect. Overall. Great operator and veiw!
Review provided by Viator
Cassie_s
Jul 14, 2025
Obnoxious Tour - Tour guide was obnoxiously loud, which became annoying. Jokes were kind of funny but if we can please lower her microphone.
Review provided by Viator
Mike_m
Jul 2, 2025
Doesn’t go on lake - Does not go out on the lake. We were told there was free parking. There is not. We were told it goes out on the lake. It does not.
Review provided by Viator
From $44
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).