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Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour

2,012 Reviews 4.75 out of 5 stars Based on 2,012 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 95% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Chicago, USA

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1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
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Instant confirmation

Overview

An authentic Chicago tradition since 1935, this is the tour that started it all. This unique excursion tells the story of more than 200 years of fascinating social, cultural and political history, and explores more than a century of groundbreaking architecture. The journey begins with an up-close perspective of Chicago's internationally-known architecture as seen from the Chicago River. Then venture through the Chicago Lock on to the calm, cool waters of Lake Michigan for expansive views of Chicago's extraordinary 26-mile skyline. Take the selfie of a lifetime on this inspirational experience!

What's Included

  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Outdoor and Indoor climate-controlled seating option
  • Restroom on board
  • Alcoholic drinks, non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks available for purchase on board
  • Storage
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

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.
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45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Lake Michigan

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

Centennial Fountain And Water Arc (Pass By)

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.
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Merchandise Mart (Pass By)

The largest commercial building in the world.
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Marina City (Pass By)

Pass by these iconic mixed-use apartment buildings - "a city within a city" with their unique corn-cob exterior.
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Michigan Avenue Bridge (Pass By)

Michigan Avenue is home of the Chicago Water Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and the shopping on the Magnificent Mile.
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Wrigley Building (Pass By)

This white, terra-cotta landmark was built in 1922 as headquarters for the Wrigley chewing gum company.
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Chicago Riverwalk (Pass By)

An open, pedestrian waterfront called the city's 'Second Lakefront.'
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The Lyric Opera House (Pass By)

Second-largest opera auditorium in North America, with an Art Deco interior
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Show 7 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • All bags are subject to search
  • Arrive 30 Minutes prior to your departure time
  • Contact tour operator for wheelchair & ADA access

Frequently Asked Questions

(8)

Q: Will I get seasick on Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour?

A: If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy. Read more Feb 2023

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-76126P2

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.75
2,012 reviews

Average 4.75 out of 5 stars based on 2,011 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
1,702
4 stars
199
3 stars
55
2 stars
36
1 star
19

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What's Included

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Outdoor and Indoor climate-controlled seating option
  • Restroom on board
  • Local Expert Guide
  • Alcoholic drinks, non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks available for purchase on board
  • Storage

Additional Info

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Weapons prohibited by US Coast Guard
  • 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
  • Operated by a business

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Language & Country

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Free Cancellation

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CDT).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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