Step aboard a boat for a comprehensive cruise that details the history of Chicago's architecture. Enjoy views of the Chicago skyline accompanied by architecture-focused commentary that points out each of the landmark buildings. As you cruise through Lake Michigan, snap photos of you and your party against the stretch of Chicago's 26-mile shoreline.

Comprehensive architectural tour
Live commentary on Chicago’s architectural gems
Travel by boat along the Lake Michigan shoreline
Buy tickets in advance for this must-do Chicago activity

What To Expect

Chicago River

Lake 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 Free

Lake Michigan

Your tour travels along Lake Michigan and explores Chicago’s beautiful skyline.
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Centennial Fountain And Water Arc

Dedicated 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.

• Admission Ticket Free

Merchandise Mart

The largest commercial building in the world.
• Admission Ticket Free

Marina City

Pass by these iconic mixed-use apartment buildings – “a city within a city” with their unique corn-cob exterior.
• Admission Ticket Free

Michigan Avenue Bridge

Michigan Avenue is home of the Chicago Water Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and the shopping on the Magnificent Mile.
• Admission Ticket Free

Wrigley Building

This white, terra-cotta landmark was built in 1922 as headquarters for the Wrigley chewing gum company.
• Admission Ticket Free

Chicago Riverwalk

An open, pedestrian waterfront called the city’s ‘Second Lakefront.’
• Admission Ticket Free

The Lyric Opera House

Second-largest opera auditorium in North America, with an Art Deco interior
• Admission Ticket Free

Highlight

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Weapons prohibited by US Coast Guard
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
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
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 300 travelers

Include

All taxes, fees and handling charges
Restroom on board
Local Expert Guide
Outdoor and Indoor climate-controlled seating option

Exclude

Alcoholic drinks, non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks available for purchase on board
Storage