This picturesque cruise is led by a professional guide who shares exciting details and historical significance of the buildings that line the Chicago River. Departing from historic Navy Pier, you’ll sail down all three branches of the Chicago River--the main branch, north branch and south branch.

While on the main branch, you’ll marvel at the works of Bertrand Goldberg and Jeanne Gang. Afterwards, reach the north branch and witness the vast contrast in how architecture on the Chicago River has changed over time. Enjoy amazing photo opportunities at Wolf Point, and then sail down the south branch where you’ll see Chicago’s iconic Willis Tower. You'll even hear the dramatic story of how Chicago rose from the ashes of the Great Fire of 1871.

Buildings along the tour:

35 East Wacker
222 North LaSalle
225 West Wacker
311 South Wacker
333 North Michigan
333 West Wacker
401 North Michigan
Aon Center
Apple Store
Aqua
Boeing World Headquarters
Central US Post Office
Chicago Board of Trade
Cityfront Center
Civic Opera Building
East Bank Club
Fulton House
IBM Building
Jewelers Building
John Hancock Center
Lake Point Tower
LaSalle-Wacker Building
Leo Burnett Building
London Guarantee Building
Marina City
Merchandise Mart
Montgomery Ward Complex
Navy Pier
NBC Tower Chicago
Plaza Citicorp Center
Prudential Plaza
RR Donnelley Center
River City
River Cottages
Tribune Tower
Trump Tower
USG Building Riverside
Willis Tower (Sears Tower)
Wolf Point
Wrigley Building

Architecture cruise on the Chicago River from Navy Pier

Activity Highlights