Skip to content
visitorfun
ToursLocal GemDate NightFamily Favorite

Wendella Sightseeing Boats

400 N Michigan Ave · Chicago, IL

Why you should go…

Chicago's original tour-boat company has been showing off the city from the water since 1935, with architecture cruises on the river and skyline sails out on Lake Michigan. Departures right at the Michigan Avenue Bridge make it an easy add to any downtown day. Sunset lake cruises are a sneaky-great date night.

  • #boat tour
  • #river cruise
  • #lake michigan
  • #sightseeing

Good to know

General tours guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Confirm the meeting point

    It is often a corner, a lobby, or a dock rather than the address you searched for. Check it the night before.

  • Small groups fill first

    In high season the intimate departures sell out well before the big-bus options do.

  • Ask how much is on foot

    Knowing how much of the route is walking, standing, or outdoors tells you what to wear and carry.

  • Read the weather policy

    Cancellation windows and rain rules vary by operator, and they are easier to find before you pay than after.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Wendella Sightseeing Boats, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Tours
    Iconic

    Chicago's First Lady

    $50+

    Ninety minute Chicago River cruise narrated by Chicago Architecture Center docents past the city's landmark buildings.

    Right next doorMore like this

  • Tours
    Iconic

    Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise

    $50+

    Expert docents narrate the skyline's greatest hits on the beloved river cruise aboard First Lady.

    Steps awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Chicago Riverwalk

    Free

    A 1.25-mile waterfront promenade of patios, wine bars, and skyline views along the Chicago River.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Theatre & Events
    Iconic

    The Chicago Theatre

    $25–$50

    The marquee that means Chicago, catch a show or tour the gilded 1921 movie palace.

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Theatre & Events

  • Shopping
    Iconic

    The Magnificent Mile

    Free

    Chicago's iconic stretch of Michigan Avenue: 400+ stores, landmark towers, and the historic Water Tower, river to Oak Street.

    0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping

  • Tours
    Quirky Fun

    Chicago Crime Tours

    $25–$50

    Guided bus tours through Chicago's Prohibition-era mob history and notorious crime landmarks.

    0.6 mi awayMore like this