You can now nominate us for Best Tour in @chicago_reader’s 2024 Best-Of! To cast your vote, just click the link in our bio, scroll to Best Tour, type in WENDELLA TOURS & CRUISES, and hit Nominate! 
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EVENT SOLD OUT - Experience the world-famous Chicago river dyeing! This Chicago tradition aboard the Wendella fleet has a front row view of the river dyeing, then takes a cruise along the Chicago River with festive music and drinks. Package tickets include three drink tickets with the price. (Saturday, March 16, 2024)

SOLD OUT - St. Patrick's Day Cruise (21+)

Join us (11/23/24) for a family-friendly fireworks cruise on the Chicago River! Listen to seasonal music and celebrate the kick-off of the holiday season. Wendella will provide complimentary hot apple cider, hot cocoa, and Stan's Donuts!

Celebrate the Holidays with Wendella

Experience New Year's Eve from the Chicago River with Wendella's first-ever New Year's Eve Cruise! This cruise will depart at 11:00 PM, and will tour amazing architecture before viewing the New Year's Eve Fireworks. The vessel will not go out to Lake Michigan but will view the fireworks from an unobstructed view. The vessel will feature a climate-controlled lounge and full-service cash bar.

Ring in the New Year with fireworks on the Chicago River!

Experience the city’s legendary architecture from the best seat in the house—the river. Our experienced tour guides detail the 130 year long history behind the skyline, while our bartenders and staff keep you comfortable and entertained. This comprehensive tour navigates through the heart of the city on all three branches of the Chicago River. It’s the one thing everyone tells you to do in Chicago, done right.

Chicago River Architecture Tour (90 min)

A Chicago family tradition since 1935, this is the tour that started it all. The journey begins with an up-close perspective of Chicago's internationally-known architecture as seen from the Chicago River. Then, venture through the Chicago Lock to gain a new perspective of Chicago's architecture from Lake Michigan.

Lake & River Architecture Tour (90 min)

Awe-inspiring with a casual vibe, watch the sun slowly set behind Chicago’s architectural backdrop. This lake cruise is light on narration and heavy on incredible and spectacular!

Chicago Sunset Cruise (7pm)

Experience our world-famous architecture tour along the green Chicago river! This comprehensive 90-minute tour navigates through the heart of the city on all three branches of the green Chicago River. The Green Hue of the river remains for a short time after the dyeing and is dependent on weather conditions. Although we cannot guarantee the river will be emerald green for long we can guarantee a great time had by all! 

(The best chance to cruise the green river is 3/16  - 3/18)

90 minute Architecture Tour - Chicago (Green) River

Sample a variety of craft beers from local breweries paired with authentic barbecue bites. A different brewery is featured each month. Enjoy these Chicago favorites while cruising Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. Must be 21+.

Beer & BBQ Cruise

Celebrate your special occasion on Chicago’s most exclusive open-air venue—your own private Wendella boat. Take in skyline views as you cruise through the heart of the city on the Chicago River or out onto Lake Michigan. From a corporate outing to a cocktail party, a birthday to a private architecture tour, our event planners will help you customize your event to meet (and exceed) your expectations.

Book a Private Event

Wendella guests may park for up to 12 hours at a discounted rate of $12.00 with a parking chaser coupon from our ticket office. Parking is subject to availability.

InterPark Public Parking

Wendella guests can receive a $5.00 off parking chaser coupon from our ticket office. Parking may be reserved in advance by visiting StateWabashParking.com ($5.00 off parking chaser coupon cannot be applied to parking reservations made in advance).

AMA Plaza Parking

Book convenient and affordable parking in advance through SpotHero, the nation’s leading parking reservation app.

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Relax with a glass of wine and take in the evening views of the Chicago skyline! Enjoy sweet and savory wine and cheese pairings while cruising Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. Must be 21+.

Wendella Tours & Cruises