Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise

Cruising down the Chicago River is an excellent way to get to know the city. Experience the towering skyline and learn about Chicago's status as the birthplace of the skyscraper.

Tour Details

The meeting point is along Wacker Drive, where passengers will board a boat to explore the Chicago River from a unique perspective.

During the cruise, the boat will launch from the main branch of the Chicago River, heading towards the East Bank Club. Highlighted along the way are notable structures such as the Willis Tower, the John Hancock Center, and the Wrigley Building.

Onboard, participants will learn about the history of the buildings, the architecture, and the engineering that positioned Chicago as a leader in skyscraper construction and modern American architecture. The city transformed from a small settlement into a large metropolis in less than a century. Additionally, the tour will cover the significant engineering achievement of reversing the river's water flow, resulting in it now flowing backwards.

After approximately 1.5 hours of cruising, the tour will conclude with a return to the starting point.