Chicago River
Chicago River
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellersā Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellersā Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Chicago River
The area
Neighbourhood: Downtown / The Loop
Often visitors' first stop in Chicago, The Loop is a good starting point to sample the city's energy and flavor. This central business district boasts Michelin-rated restaurants, upscale hotels, premier shopping, and enough arresting architecture to keep your camera busy for hours. You wonāt find too many photo galleries of downtown Chicago without a shot of Millennium Park and Cloud Gate (āThe Beanā), one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. A stunning skyline coupled with cultural attractions like the Art Institute of Chicago present a Downtown where work and play peacefully coexist.
How to get there
- Clark/Lake ā¢ 3 min walk
- Clark/Lake ā¢ 3 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
3,551 within 5 kms
Attractions
1,043 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- TravelingSoccerLoonSaint Paul, Minnesota7,609 contributionsGreat To Walk Along or Ride on the River to Appreciate the Architecture of the CityThe Chicago River cuts through downtown Chicago and offers a great way to experience the city's incredible architecture. There are architecture boat tours that can be experienced and are very relaxing and worthwhile during the pleasant weather times of the year. Or you can stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk on the south bank of the river and experience many incredible views. Some of the best views are near the Michigan Avenue Bridge where the iconic Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower can be seen.Visited April 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 10 March 2024
- Sercan Kamil NergizciIstanbul, TĆ¼rkiye90 contributionsBeautiful RiverThe first of my travel is St. Patrickās Day and the coast of river is so crowded. The people was fun and dancing. Besides, the most beautiful thing is that the river was colored brilliant green by natural feed. The tours on the river can be taken and see more details about these lovely river.Visited March 2024Travelled on businessWritten 21 March 2024
- Dave & StephCanton of Bern, Switzerland1,287 contributionsWow! Love itThe main attraction of the city center! Boat tours, kayaks, jets, taxis, riverwalk. You absolutely have to see this in Chicago! The river has been extensively renovated and the direction of flow has been changed, but listen to one of the guides who can explain this in detail ;)Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 June 2024
- IrinaUnited States14,599 contributionsSummer Days on Chicago RiverOne of the best and most admired attractions in downtown Chicago is Chicago River, that divides this part of the city into two large areas -- Chicago Loop and Near North Side. Chicago River is a stunning result of two vanguard engineering projects in the past: in 1889 - 1910 the flow of Chicago River was redirected, reversing it, making it flow out of Lake Michigan, and flow into Des Plaines River -- 156 miles away from Chicago. Chicago River is always beautiful, and in summer, especially on weekends, the River is getting very busy with the river traffic: kayaks, rental boats, water taxis, tour boats, etc. The views from Chicago River banks, from Chicago Riverwalk, multiple bridges, and river boats are spectacular. Riverboat architecture cruises are very popular with Chicagoans and visitors, who can fully enjoy the contemporary city architecture and its historic architectural heritage, as well. There are famous iconic sites and buildings along Chicago River (Tribune Tower, Wrigley Building, Marina City Towers, Merchandise Mart), many restaurants and modern, upscale hotels. Chicago River is undoubtedly an exciting part of town, making this gorgeous city look even more vibrant and beautiful. Enjoy!Visited June 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 29 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,035 reviews
Excellent
1,520
Very good
451
Average
55
Poor
6
Terrible
3
True-advice-1A
Chicago, IL205 contributions
Aug 2019
If you want to city Chicago with all its esplendor. Take the river night cruise during the spring and summer time. Usually starts around the end of May thru September. The tickers are around $50 but 100% worth it. An experience the you w'll always remember.
Written 14 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CaptTrouble
Hudson, WI7,852 contributions
Sept 2019
My husband and I took a really enjoyable walk along the Chicago River when we stayed in the City.
The Chicago River runs through the City, connecting the Great Lakes (Lake Michigan) with the Mississippi River Basin, and ultimately the Gulf of Mexico. There is the Chicago Riverwalk, which runs along the south bank of the main branch of the river. This pedestrian walkway has restaurants, park benches, a kayak rental, and other amenities along it, and it is well-landscaped.
We discovered a WWII Submarine Memorial along the river that marks the spot where many submarines, manufactured in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, passed by on their way to service. (I have tried to get the memorial listed so people know about it, but TA says it doesn't meet the criteria.)
There are numerous boat tour operators that can take you on various architectural tours of the City. A couple of years ago, we took a sunset architectural tour and it was magnificent! Really a wonderful asset that the City has cleaned up and made into an attraction.
The Chicago River runs through the City, connecting the Great Lakes (Lake Michigan) with the Mississippi River Basin, and ultimately the Gulf of Mexico. There is the Chicago Riverwalk, which runs along the south bank of the main branch of the river. This pedestrian walkway has restaurants, park benches, a kayak rental, and other amenities along it, and it is well-landscaped.
We discovered a WWII Submarine Memorial along the river that marks the spot where many submarines, manufactured in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, passed by on their way to service. (I have tried to get the memorial listed so people know about it, but TA says it doesn't meet the criteria.)
There are numerous boat tour operators that can take you on various architectural tours of the City. A couple of years ago, we took a sunset architectural tour and it was magnificent! Really a wonderful asset that the City has cleaned up and made into an attraction.
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janet M
5 contributions
Aug 2022
We launched at the put in right behind REI on Kingsbury and paddled all the way to navy pier then back around south to see Chicago architecture from a different viewpoint. It was the air and water show but the weather was not great this year, so we did not see as much as in years past.
Make sure you know how to handle your kayak because some of the large sightseeing vessels make large wakes, and you definitely don't want to capsize. The river is cleaner than it used to be but still definitely not clean enough for a dip unless you want to get sick š²
We own our own kayaks but if you don't own your one you can rent from REI or book one of their experiences with their guides. If you are a coop member you get a rental/trip discount!
Make sure you know how to handle your kayak because some of the large sightseeing vessels make large wakes, and you definitely don't want to capsize. The river is cleaner than it used to be but still definitely not clean enough for a dip unless you want to get sick š²
We own our own kayaks but if you don't own your one you can rent from REI or book one of their experiences with their guides. If you are a coop member you get a rental/trip discount!
Written 18 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dolores S
3 contributions
Aug 2022 ā¢ Couples
Didn't bother going through the hassle and risk of not finding the dock area. We drove around the address given and could not find Wendella Tours the day before we thought of riding. I later called them asking for better directions and if they had any openings for the sunset tour for 2. They did but had to order $42 tickets each online or by phone in advance before attempting to park and show proof of purchase at the gate to pay a $12 fee. Then take a risk of not finding and losing our money by walking .2 miles to the boat dock via instructions and not getting there on time. Too much for seniors like us visiting for the first time. So complicated, why does it have to be?
Written 21 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jydeoo
Lagos, Nigeria2,311 contributions
Jan 2020
The river is in downtown Chicago, just a couple of blocks away from the Lake waterfront. The way the buildings and bridges combine with the river in the middle of the city is what struck me most. I would love to spend lots of time along the river banks.
Written 13 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
teacher1349
Billerica, MA29 contributions
Jun 2021
We loved walking the river and people watching. In April, it was cold but still beautiful and fun to visit. In June, it was happening and nice to have a wine outside City Winery! Watching all the boats go by is fun, and watching all the dogs walk by was sweet. You can get a great sense of the river, the history, and the city by walking a good portion of the river, and if you are inclined - you can reach the lake by an underpass. There are bathrooms midway along the riverwalk and they are very clean. The bridges are cool to look at and for history buffs, there are plenty of plaques to read. Go there on day 1!
Written 26 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessica A
1 contribution
Jun 2022
We parked right at the marina and were greeted by friendly, helpful staff. Our tour guide, Hillary was outstanding, full of fascinating information about the history and the city, the buildings, and the architecture. She delivered the information in a fun, but informative way so it was never dull or boring. The views from the boat were incredible. We brought our teenage daughters and they loved it as much as we did. I highly recommend this tour !
Written 21 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tarynitup While Traveling
Elkhart, IN1,025 contributions
Sept 2021
While walking around the city, we stopped at the Chicago River to snap a nice night photo of the buildings (see attached). This location really is a great shot as you have a lot of buildings, lights, and river all in the same location.
It is also neat to watch the tour boats traveling through. This is a great stop while touring around Chicago.
It is also neat to watch the tour boats traveling through. This is a great stop while touring around Chicago.
Written 13 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kinh N
21 contributions
May 2021
By taking of the River Cruise on Chicago River... It gave us a big beatiful pictures of the City River and its one of the best Architecture of the Chicago City... First time visiting Chicago, it made me missed the areas after got home! Hope you will enjoy your trip here!!!
Written 2 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Irina
United States14,599 contributions
Jun 2023 ā¢ Friends
Chicago River makes its way through the downtown area of the city. Historically, as a result of two major engineering projects (1889 -- 1910), the flow of the river was redirected, turning it away from Lake Michigan, so since then Chicago River flows into Des Plaines River, which is over 150 miles away from Chicago.
Chicago River is a part of a large system, that includes the North Branch, the South Branch, and Main Stem of Chicago River, as well as 52 miles of constructed waterways.
Flowing through the central part of the city, Chicago River makes the whole area look even more colorful and beautiful. You can walk or drive on the bridges from the Loop to the Near North Side, take the River cruises, architectural boat tours, or just enjoy the Chicago Riverwalk, that in any time of the year shows the beauty of Chicago River and the stunning architecture of the city.
I always enjoy Chicago River and the views, when I am in the downtown area of this great city.
Chicago River is a part of a large system, that includes the North Branch, the South Branch, and Main Stem of Chicago River, as well as 52 miles of constructed waterways.
Flowing through the central part of the city, Chicago River makes the whole area look even more colorful and beautiful. You can walk or drive on the bridges from the Loop to the Near North Side, take the River cruises, architectural boat tours, or just enjoy the Chicago Riverwalk, that in any time of the year shows the beauty of Chicago River and the stunning architecture of the city.
I always enjoy Chicago River and the views, when I am in the downtown area of this great city.
Written 10 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Estare en aƱo nuevo en Chicago, me pueden recomendar algun lugar para la fiesta de aƱo nuevo ya que los cruceros de Navy Pier no aceptan niƱos y tengo do adolescentes
gracias
Written 28 August 2019
Kann leider keine Empfehlung aussprechen, da gibt es zu viele Mƶglichkeiten.
Written 14 September 2019
hola! quisiera saber si el paseo nocturno tiene habla hispana, de no ser asĆ, a que hora estan los guĆas de habla hispana?
Written 14 January 2018
No hice el nocturno. El diurno de arquitectura es jueves y sabados. No se en invierno que pasa pero es recomendable.
Written 15 January 2018
Showing results 1-2 of 2
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viatorās booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing