75-min Chicago River Architecture Cruise

Heart of Chicago's architectural marvels

As you step off the Magnificent Mile and onto the dock, your architectural journey on the Chicago River begins. Set sail on a 75-min guided tour, offering unparalleled views of more than 40 of the city's iconic landmarks from a vantage point like no other. As you traverse all three branches of the river, your expert guide will regale you with the tales of Chicago's architectural wonders — from the Tribune Tower, housing fragments from world-famous structures like the Great Wall of China, to the Wrigley Building, which was the city's first office building to be air-conditioned.

Sailing through history

Soak in the skyline view, and watch as the city's history unfolds before your eyes. As you glide by Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), learn about its history as the world's tallest building. Pass by the East Bank Club, the old Post Office Building, and the fascinating Marina City, known for its corn-cob design and its cinematic history. The cruise culminates with a return to the dock, leaving you with a greater appreciation of why the Windy City is a beacon of modern architecture.

75-min Chicago River Architecture Cruise

Dive into a world of architectural marvels by setting sail from Michigan Avenue dock in the heart of Chicago, where you'll embark on an unforgettable 75-minute journey through the city’s iconic skyline. With live English commentary from your knowledgeable guide, every bend and turn reveals another layer of Chicago's storied past and innovative present. Marvel at over forty landmarks, each a testament to architectural ingenuity, including the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower with its embedded fragments of world-famous structures, and the 398-foot Wrigley Building, standing proud against the skyline. This cruise weaves history and modernity, offering memorable encounters that forge connections while understanding the ever-evolving nature of urban landscapes.

Exploring The Tribune Tower's Embedded Treasures

The Tribune Tower stands as a beacon in Chicago’s architectural heritage, featuring an impressive façade adorned with fragments from famous global landmarks. During your cruise, you’ll witness this tower’s unique blend of Gothic and modern influences, where history meets contemporary design. With its walls embedded with pieces such as the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal, the Tribune Tower symbolizes Chicago's cosmopolitan spirit and architectural prowess, inviting visitors to ponder the city's place in a global context.

Experience The Wrigley Building's Architectural Grandeur

The Wrigley Building offers an awe-inspiring view from your cruise, standing tall with its distinctive blue terra cotta façade. This iconic structure, known for its Art Deco and Gothic Revival elements, is a must-see during the tour’s highlight segment where you’ll marvel at its intricate details and expansive presence along the Chicago River. The Wrigley Building not only serves as a symbol of Chicago's rich architectural history but also showcases the city’s commitment to preserving and celebrating iconic landmarks.

Discovering Navy Pier's Boardwalk Magic

Navy Pier, an integral part of your cruise experience, invites you to explore its vibrant boardwalk brimming with entertainment and cultural offerings. Embark from this dock to enjoy a unique perspective on the Chicago skyline, enhanced by the pier’s array of attractions and activities. This embarkation point enriches the tour's comprehensive itinerary, providing visitors not only with architectural insights but also an immersive experience into Chicago’s recreational and social landscape.

Tour Highlights

• Set sail from Michigan Avenue dock for unparalleled views
• Board vessel featuring over forty landmarks including Tribune Tower and Wrigley Building
• Receive live English commentary highlighting Chicago's architectural evolution comprehensively
• Embark from Navy Pier dock offering entrance to renowned boardwalk optional experience unique
• Discover the Great Wall of China fragments embedded in Tribune Tower walls fascinatingly authentic
• Marvel at 398-foot Wrigley Building’s blue terra cotta façade architecturally impressive

Sail away for explorers of architectural wonders, devotees of Chicago’s skyline, and seekers of historical insights. This river cruise weaves history and modernity, offering unforgettable encounters that forge connections while understanding the dynamic nature of urban landscapes, like a tapestry woven with threads of time and change.