Glide along the Chicago River aboard a private charter as a world-class architect narrates the stories behind the city's iconic skyline. This is the definitive way to witness the greatest concentration of architectural genius on the planet.
What to expect
Your guide brings 40 landmark buildings to life with vivid stories of Sullivan, Mies van der Rohe, and the engineers who rebuilt a city after the Great Fire. Glide beneath 50 bridges as the canyon of glass and stone rises around you. Premium onboard service includes beverages and panoramic open-air decks. The 90-minute journey covers the main and north branches of the river, offering angles no street-level visit can match.
Good to know
Pre-book private charters at least 2–3 weeks ahead. Public departures sell out daily in summer — book online the moment your itinerary is confirmed. Departs from the Chicago Riverwalk, roughly 20 minutes by rideshare from Navy Pier. Last public departure typically 7:30 PM, well clear of most all-aboard times.