Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Chicago River, Chicago, IL
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.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Lake Michigan, Beaches for swimming, IL
Your tour travels along Lake Michigan and explores Chicago's beautiful skyline.
Duration: 45 minutes
Pass By: Centennial Fountain And Water Arc, 400 N McClurg Ct, Chicago, IL 60611-4323
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.
Pass By: 222 Merchandise Mart Plz, Chicago, IL 60654-1103
The largest commercial building in the world.
Pass By: Marina City, 300 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654-5414
Pass by these iconic mixed-use apartment buildings - "a city within a city" with their unique corn-cob exterior.
Pass By: Michigan Avenue Bridge, 333 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601-3901
Michigan Avenue is home of the Chicago Water Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and the shopping on the Magnificent Mile.
Pass By: Wrigley Building, 410 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611-4213
This white, terra-cotta landmark was built in 1922 as headquarters for the Wrigley chewing gum company.
Pass By: Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago, IL 60601
An open, pedestrian waterfront called the city's 'Second Lakefront.'
Pass By: The Lyric Opera House, 20 N Wacker Dr 60606, Chicago, IL 60606-2806
Second-largest opera auditorium in North America, with an Art Deco interior
See Availability.
400 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
1 hour 30 minutes(approx.)
Returns to original departure point
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 experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 300 travelers
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Posted By : Tereasa_P
John was a great storyteller. We had a great time. The tour was full of interesting history and John was so well informed.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-05-18
Posted By : Susan_R
Seeing the city from water was nice. The boat didn’t have enough seats for us up top and couldn’t see from bottom deck which defeated the purpose of a guided tour
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-05-18
Posted By : dawn_m
The guide (Jay) was very informative and entertaining. The cruise was nice and great tour of the city while learning about not only architecture but the gangster life in Chicago. Everyone on the vessel was very nice and polite.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-05-18
Posted By : Grace_A
Views and great host. She knows Chicago’s history and is a great guide. It was a great day. Learned a lot about architecture and city’s history.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-05-18
Posted By : Tracy_K
Spirit was entertaining and knowledgeable. It was such a fun way to see the city! We enjoyed a few drinks as we went down the Chicago River and in to Lake Michigan.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-05-18
Posted By : Kathleen_G
Our narrator Josh was witty and informative- I learned a lot and laughed a lot. Highly recommend for families too.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-05-17
Posted By : Keith_C
Great little tour of the architecture, and history, of the downtown Chicago skyline. It was very neat getting the background out how, why, when all these buildings were constructed.
Also, our tour guide had lots of info about Chicago's history. How Chicago got it's name...after stinky onions 🌰 to how the city burned down back in the 1800's. And it wasn't because of Mrs. O'Leary's cow 🐄 , as the fable has been told.
Another interesting fact among many, the tour boats 🚢 can't just float out to Lake Michigan from the river. They enter a lock and dam system to raise the boats to the level of the lake when departing the river. They reverse the process when returning back to the river.
Lots of neat info! Book a tour with Welland. We did the 90 minute tour, which is cheaper than the 45 minute tours (I guess people want the shorter tour). I cannot see the benefit though, as you probably miss quite a lot in those other 45 minutes.
Furthermore, the boat has upper and lower decks (upper deck is best for viewing, unless it rains like it did on us for a short while). But below deck is cover, bathroom(s), and a bar with non-alcoholic/alcoholic drinks and snacks.
Enjoy!!! Thank me later
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-05-17
Posted By : Anastasia_L
John was our tour guide and he was fabulous! His knowledge of the history of the city and explanation of the architecture was superb. Highly recommend this tour!
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-05-16
Posted By : Patricia_D
All of it was great! I especially liked being on the latter part of the River and learning about the different buildings and building styles
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-05-16
Posted By : Lori_P
Asked for refund due to one of friends extremely sick. No one ever responded to request. I understand 24 hour cancel policy however it was morning of and we were going for her birthday. She’s in from Vegas so can’t pick another day. Asked for consideration and haven’t heard from anyone. Called and emailed
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-05-16
