Highlights
Book your tour today. Guests can relax onboard a boat and admire scenic views of the Chicago skyline with a knowledgeable guide
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About This Deal
Chicago River Architecture Tour – 90 Minutes: Be inspired by the captivating, visual art that is Chicago’s legendary architecture, and the exceptional architects who created this ever-changing, dynamic legacy for all to enjoy and admire. This comprehensive tour will navigate through the heart of the city on all three branches of the Chicago River while your professionally-trained architectural guide tells the story of more than 130 years of innovation in design, style and technique and why it is important today. This tour departs from Michigan Avenue at 400 North Michigan Avenue. Descend the stairs at the Michigan Avenue bridge to the dock level.
Wendella’s Signature Lake & River Tour - 90 Minutes: A Chicago family 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! This tour departs from Michigan Avenue at 400 North Michigan Avenue. Descend the stairs at the Michigan Avenue bridge to the dock level.
Chicago Sunset Cruise - 90 Minutes: Be a part of nature’s nightly celebration as you watch the sun slowly set behind the city from the tranquil waters of Lake Michigan on this serene and romantic cruise. Toast the end of the day with a glass of wine, ice-cold beer or hand-crafted cocktail. Chicago’s magnificent skyline is simply stunning! Share this unique experience with someone special. This tour departs from Michigan Avenue at 400 North Michigan Avenue. Descend the stairs at the Michigan Avenue bridge to the dock level.
45 Minute River Architecture Tour – Michigan Avenue: Experience the energy and spirit of the city on this awe-inspiring voyage through the concrete, steel and glass canyon of downtown Chicago. This casual, family-friendly introduction to the Windy City’s rich history and architectural heritage may be brief but it is not short on discovery and wonder. This tour departs from Michigan Avenue at 400 North Michigan Avenue. Descend the stairs at the Michigan Avenue bridge to the dock level.
45 Minute River Architecture Tour – Riverwalk: Experience the energy and spirit of the city on this awe-inspiring voyage through the concrete, steel and glass canyon of downtown Chicago. This casual, family-friendly introduction to the Windy City’s rich history and architectural heritage may be brief but it is not short on discovery and wonder. This tour departs from The Riverwalk in between Clark and LaSalle Streets. Go to the intersection of Lasalle and Wacker and descend stairs to Riverwalk.
All Wendella vessels have full service bars and rest rooms. Most Wendella vessels have climate control.
Fine Print
About Wendella Tours & Cruises
In 1935, Albert Borgstrom, a Swedish immigrant, and carpenter by trade, set about constructing a 65-foot wooden yacht. He named the ship The Wendella and charged each visitor $0.25 to ride through the city, admire views, and listen to a guide expound on the sights. This simple vessel ended up being a steppingstone, and 75 years later, guests still ride along, now craning their heads back at the jagged opalescent silhouette of Trump Tower in the distance and the beehive curves of Marina City. Beneath the evolving skyline, the fleet has expanded to six vessels, which are now run by Albert's grandson, Michael Borgstrom. Wendella staffs a dedicated, in-house education department to keep the city's history alive and make sure that people continue to believe in water so it doesn’t disappear. On special excursions, the crew stocks the boats with wine for tastings beneath the stars or points the vessel through the verdigris waters of the lake to watch evening fireworks shows.