5 (2 Reviews)
USA
From: ZAR916
5
(2 reviews)
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Duration

1 hour 15 minutes (approx.)

Cancellation

No Cancel

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

English

About this activity

Cruise down the Chicago River to see the city’s famous architecture on this boat tour. With commentary from your onboard guide, watch the spectacular skyline glide by, including more than 40 notable buildings like the Wrigley Building and the John Hancock Building. Cover all three branches of the Chicago River, passing the East Bank Club, the old Post Office Building and the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower).

What To Expect

Make your way to either Navy Pier or Michigan Avenue (depending on option chosen) for your cruise departure. Board your riverboat and find a comfortable seat; a restroom and sometimes a full bar are available on the boat. Listen as your guide, an architecture expert, gives you an introduction to the city’s landmarks.  Along the scenic route, see buildings by world-famous architects including Mies van der Rohe, Helmut Jahn, and Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. A boat on the river is the best vantage point to admire the distinct city skyline. Pass by more than 40 distinctive buildings, including the John Hancock Center, the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower), the Wrigley Building, and more. Learn about how the invention of balloon-frame construction revolutionized how homes were built, and hear the dramatic story of Chicago’s rise from the Great Fire of 1871. Both of these milestones led Chicago to become one of the cradles of modern American architecture. Your cruise ends at its starting point.

Highlights

  • Discover all three branches of the Chicago River with your guide
  • Enjoy the best vantage point to admire Chicago's skyline and architecture
  • See more than 40 buildings, like the Wrigley Building and Willis Tower
  • Discover the events that shaped the architectural history of Chicago

Included/Excluded

  • Guided architecture cruise of the historic Chicago River
  • Live expert commentary on board
  • Restroom on board
  • Pet-friendly
  • Drinks (available for purchase)
  • WiFi on board

Itinerary

Cruise takes place on the Chicago River.

Enjoy an amazing view of the city's skyline.

50 acres of parks, promenades, gardens, shops, eateries and attractions, including a 15-story Ferris wheel.

The neo-gothic tower's signature is the exterior collection of stones from other famous edifices, like the Parthenon, St. Peter's Basilica, Notre Dame, the White House and most recently, the Berlin Wall.

The John Hancock Center, is a 100-story, 1,128-foot supertall skyscraper

Durations

1 hour (approx.)

Language

English

Frequently asked questions

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

Activity's Location

USA

Reviews

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2 reviews on this Activity - Showing 1 to 2
Chicago Architecture River Cruise
Ethan Miller
11/16/2024

Unforgettable Chicago River Cruise

Velocity Travel and Tours provided an unforgettable Chicago Architecture River Cruise experience! We learned so much about the city’s history while enjoying breathtaking views. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Chicago
Chicago Architecture River Cruise
Sophia Evans
11/16/2024

Amazing Chicago Architecture River Cruise

Our Chicago Architecture River Cruise with Velocity Travel and Tours was fantastic! The views of the iconic buildings along the river were stunning, and the guide was incredibly knowledgeable. A perfect way to explore the city's architecture

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From: ZAR916
5 (2 Reviews)
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