Chicago Architectural Cruises

Enjoy a one-hour cruise of the historic Chicago River as your guide showcases over 40 landmarks of modern American architecture.

Join us on an exciting journey as we tour the Chicago River and its architectural landmarks. Our professional guides will recount the dramatic story of Chicago's rise from the Great Fire of 1871 to become the home of the skyscraper and the cradle of modern American architecture. Along the one-hour route, you will see buildings by world-famous architects including Mies van der Rohe, Skidmore Owings & Merrill, and Helmut Jahn. Our complimentary map and guide is yours to keep as a souvenir of your cruise.

Our tour boards at Navy Pier. The Chicago Architectural Cruise goes down the main branch of the Chicago River, up the north branch to the East Bank Club, and then south past Sears Tower to the old Post Office Building.

The cruise is led by a knowledgeable professional in the architecture field who will provide detailed descriptions of more than 40 buildings seen on the river cruise. If you need to book for 20 or more, please click here for our Chicago group tours.

Special Schedule Notes
-There will be no tours August 24-29, due to the Tall Ships Chicago Festival.

Schedule Notes

Our regular schedule of weekday Architecture Cruises begin in May and end in October. HOWEVER, CRUISES MAY BE SCHEDULED IN LATE MARCH, APRIL AND/OR NOVEMBER, BASED ON WEATHER. Click on the Availability button beneath the Buy Now Button to see the current schedule and availability. PLEASE NOTE: Schedules are subject to change, based on weather and customer traffic.

Architectural Cruises are also available on Weekends and Holidays - from April through November. Please order Please order Chicago Architectural Cruise - 1 to 19 Persons - Weekends and Holidays.

For parties of 20 or more persons on weekdays, please order Chicago Architectural Cruise - 20 or More Persons - Weekdays.

Tour Description

The Forest of Skyscrapers lining the Chicago River had its roots in 1770 in the low-lying prairie river area the Indians called "Chicagou," which means smelly onion patch.

Two major events helped shape the architectural history of the city: balloon frame construction and the famous Chicago fire. The unique Chicago invention in the 1830's of balloon frame construction was a method of building in sections that let homes be assempled quickly. This innovative concept was used to build towns from Chicago across the nation to the West Coast.

On the Chicago Architectural Cruise, you will see and learn about the following landmarks:

Navy Pier, Lake Point Tower, Aon Tower, John Hancock Center, Cityfront Center, Illinois Center, NBC Tower, Chicago Tribune Tower, 360 North Michigan, 333 North Michigan, 401 North Michigan, Wrigley Building, 35 East Wacker, Leo Burnett Building, IBM Building, Marina City, R.R. Donnelley Center, LaSalle-Wacker Building, 222 North LaSalle, Central Office Building, Merchandise Mart, 333 West Wacker, Montgomery Ward Complex, River Cottages, Merchandise Mart, Fulton House, 225 West Wacker, Boeing World headquarters, Civic Opera Building, AT&T Corporate Center and USG Building, Riverside Plaza, Citicorp Center, Sears Tower, Chicago Board of Trade, Central U.S. Post Office, U.S. Post Office Central Processing and Distribution Center, 311 South Wacker, and River City.

You will see over 40 buildings, learn about the achitects and architecture, and hear the history of this fascinating city.

All boats have full rest rooms, double deck seating, and a full bar. For your convenience, all of our tour boats have easy boarding ramps and are accessible to people with disabilities. However, only the upper decks of our Architecture Cruise boats are handicap accessible. The vessels are not equipped with elevators - therefore restrooms, which are located on the lower deck, are not accessible to those in wheelchairs. Additionally the upper decks of our boat are open and provide no protection from the elements.

These rates are available for parties of 1 to 19 persons on weekdays, but not holidays. All prices include taxes. All rates and schedules are subject to change. This tour does not offer hotel pick-up. Child rate applies to children ages 3 to 12. Please reserve online or call us toll-free at 888-881-3284.