Architecture River Tour
There’s nothing quite like experiencing a Chicago architecture tour from the water. Shoreline Sightseeing’s architecture river tour travels along all three branches of the Chicago River, offering a memorable view of the city’s world-famous buildings. From hidden architectural gems to Chicago’s most recognized landmarks, you’ll see over 40 iconic sites on our 60, 75, or 90-minute architecture boat tour.
As you cruise the river, take in the views while listening to our expert guides share how Chicago’s buildings, architecture, and engineering helped shape the city. Each narrated architecture tour brings the skyline to life through engaging stories and insights.
Tour highlights
TICKETS & PRICING
Architecture River Tour
Starting at:
$39
Children (3-12): Starting at $20
Children 2 and under: Free
Casting off
Our Architecture River Tours depart from two convenient locations, one at Michigan Avenue and the other at Navy Pier. No matter which dock you choose, you’ll enjoy the full architecture river tour route and experience the same incredible sights along the Chicago River.
Michigan Avenue
401 N. Michigan Ave
Steps from Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, our Michigan Avenue dock places you right in the heart of the city as you begin your Chicago architecture river tour.
Navy Pier
124 N. Streeter Drive
Start your narrated architecture tour at our Navy Pier dock, located at the entrance to the iconic Navy Pier boardwalk. This departure point also offers easier accessibility for wheelchairs.
Route
Our Chicago architecture river tour travels up and down all three branches of the Chicago River, offering sweeping views of the city’s most famous skyscrapers and architectural landmarks throughout the journey.
FAQ
A Chicago architecture tour is a guided sightseeing experience that explores the city’s most famous buildings and design history. Our architecture river tour takes place on the Chicago River and features a 60-minute, narrated boat experience highlighting more than 40 iconic landmarks.
If you’re wondering whether this is a boat tour or a walking tour, this experience is a guided architecture boat tour on the Chicago River. Guests remain on board for the full 60-minute tour while enjoying views from the water and live narration from expert guides.
Yes. Our architecture river tours are fully narrated by knowledgeable guides who share stories about Chicago’s architects, engineers, and landmark buildings as you cruise along the river.
Adult tickets start at $46, children ages 3-12 start at $29, and children 2 and under ride free. Pricing reflects a 60-minute guided architecture boat tour featuring over 40 Chicago landmarks.
Our architecture river tour lasts approximately 60 minutes and travels along all three branches of the Chicago River, offering continuous views of Chicago’s most well known buildings.