Chicago Architectural River Cruise
Since we visited Chicago in late summer, we knew we wanted to include at least one activity on the water. After spending the morning exploring the city on foot, a Chicago Architectural River Cruise turned out to be the perfect choice. Our noon cruise gave us a chance to slow down, enjoy the breeze, take in the incredible skyline, and learn about the city from an entirely different perspective.
What makes a river cruise in Chicago so special is that the architecture isn’t simply something you see in the distance—it surrounds you. As we moved along the Chicago River, we were able to look up at some of the city's most impressive buildings while learning about the architects, engineering innovations, and history behind them. Each family member found the stories fascinating, and by the end of the cruise, we all agreed it was one of our favorite experiences in Chicago.
We booked via Viator with the Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours and you can get 15% off using this link to book your tour!
A Comfortable Way to Explore Chicago
After a morning of walking around the city, we especially appreciated how comfortable the cruise was. Our boat had a beverage bar with water, coffee, lemonade, and cocktails, so everyone could grab something to enjoy during the ride. There were also restrooms onboard, which was particularly convenient since we'd already been out exploring all morning before our noon departure.
And then there was the breeze. On a warm late-summer day, being out on the river with the wind moving through the boat was incredibly refreshing. We could sit back, relax, and simply enjoy the views while our guide brought Chicago's architectural history to life.
Chicago Architecture From the River
The cruise is essentially a moving history lesson, and the variety of architectural styles is what makes the experience so fascinating. Chicago is famous for its role in the development of the modern skyscraper, and seeing the buildings from the river gives you a real appreciation for how the city evolved.
Along the route, you'll encounter examples of:
Chicago School architecture — Early skyscrapers characterized by steel-frame construction, large windows, and functional designs that helped transform the city's skyline.
Art Deco — Recognizable for its geometric shapes, decorative details, and dramatic vertical lines.
Beaux-Arts — Grand and ornate buildings inspired by classical European architecture, often featuring columns, symmetry, and elaborate decoration.
International Style — Clean lines, minimal ornamentation, glass and steel, and an emphasis on function.
Modernism — A broad movement that embraced new materials, technology, and simpler architectural forms.
Postmodern architecture — Buildings that often play with historical references, color, unusual shapes, and decorative elements.
Contemporary architecture — Bold, innovative designs that continue to push the boundaries of what a skyscraper can look like.
Seeing these styles side by side makes it easy to understand why Chicago is considered one of the world's great architectural cities.
The Views Are Worth It Alone
Even if you aren't particularly interested in architecture, the views from the river are reason enough to take the cruise. Looking up from the water creates a completely different perspective of Chicago's skyscrapers. Buildings that seem familiar from street level suddenly look enormous and dramatic, and the reflections on the river add another dimension to the skyline.
We also loved the opportunity to simply sit together and enjoy the city. After a busy morning, there was something wonderful about being on the water, drink in hand, with the Chicago skyline surrounding us.
Why We Loved the Chicago Architectural River Cruise
For our family, the cruise checked all the boxes. It was interesting without feeling like a traditional tour, relaxing without being boring, and educational without feeling like a history lesson. We learned so much about Chicago's architecture and the city's remarkable history while enjoying beautiful weather and some of the best views in the city.
If you're visiting Chicago in the warmer months, we'd absolutely recommend adding an architectural river cruise to your itinerary. The combination of history, architecture, water, and skyline views makes it an enriching experience for everyone—and we all loved it.
