Chicago River architecture tours and water taxis from LondonHouse
LondonHouse Chicago sits at 85 E Wacker Drive on the Chicago River; from the hotel you can walk to Michigan Avenue river docks to catch Chicago River architecture boat tours and the Chicago Water Taxi. The hotel concierge can help book architecture cruises and point you to the nearby Water Taxi dock at the north base of the DuSable (Michigan Avenue) Bridge.
In this guide
Where to catch river tours and water taxis from LondonHouse
LondonHouse Chicago sits at the corner of East Wacker Drive and North Michigan Avenue beside the Chicago River, putting river docks and the Michigan Avenue Bridge within a one- to three-minute walk of the front door.
The Chicago Water Taxi’s Michigan Avenue dock (listed by the operator at 400 N Michigan Ave) is on the Riverwalk at the north base of the DuSable Bridge; many architecture tour operators launch from docks a short walk east or west of Michigan Avenue.
- Walk time from LondonHouse to Michigan Avenue dock: a short walk — the hotel is adjacent to the bridge and Riverwalk.
- Ask the LondonHouse concierge for precise walking directions and dock locations on the day you travel.
- Bring a photo ID if you plan to board LH Rooftop later the same day — the rooftop enforces a 21+ entry policy in the evenings.
| Nearby Dock/Point | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago Water Taxi (Michigan Ave dock) | 400 N Michigan Ave (Riverwalk at north base of DuSable Bridge) | Short walk from LondonHouse; runs to Ogilvie/Union and other downtown stops |
| Architecture boat tour docks | Docks near Michigan Avenue or along the Riverwalk | Departure points vary by operator; check your ticket or ask concierge |
| City Cruises (lake & river options) | Departs near Navy Pier for lake cruises; river departures vary | Navy Pier is about 1.4 miles from the hotel; river cruise boarding is often closer |
Chicago River architecture tours: what to expect
Architecture tours on the Chicago River focus on the history and design of the city’s skyline, covering landmarks, the evolution of skyscraper engineering, and the story of the Michigan Avenue Bridge District. Tours are narrated and typically last around 60–90 minutes, but exact durations vary by operator.
Departure points and times differ by company; many highly recommended cruises run seasonally and year-round with covered or heated boats for colder months. Take a jacket in spring and fall—Chicago weather can change quickly.
- Narrated tours explain the 19th- and 20th-century development of the Loop and Near North Side.
- Boats often have indoor seating and open decks for photos.
- Ask the operator or concierge about wheelchair access and any service restrictions.
| Typical Tour Features | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Live narration by guide | Gives historical and architectural context |
| Indoor and outdoor viewing areas | Shelter in bad weather, open deck for photos |
| Runs multiple times per day in peak season | Flexible options for different schedules |
Chicago Water Taxi: short hops and practical tips
The Chicago Water Taxi is a practical way to cross the river and reach neighborhoods along the downtown river corridor. The Michigan Avenue dock is the closest Water Taxi stop to LondonHouse; schedule and stops change seasonally, so check the operator site the day you travel.
Water Taxis serve commuters as well as visitors; tickets are sold per ride, and boarding etiquette is similar to other short transit ferries (prepare exact fare or purchase via the operator’s payment method).
- Find the Michigan Avenue Water Taxi dock on the Riverwalk at the north base of the DuSable Bridge (400 N Michigan Ave).
- Water Taxi does not stop directly at Navy Pier; the Michigan Ave dock is about one mile west of Navy Pier.
- Confirm current hours and stops before you go—service and routing may change seasonally.
| Service | Practical note |
|---|---|
| Chicago Water Taxi | Short, frequent downtown hops; check operator site for current stops and hours |
| River shuttles/seasonal launches | Operators may run additional shuttles or specialty services at peak times |
| City Cruises (commuter & tour options) | Longer sightseeing cruises depart from different docks; not direct Water Taxi service |
What you'll see from the river
River cruises highlight the concentration of architectural styles along the Chicago River—early 20th-century office towers, mid-century modern structures, and recent glass towers—plus landmark sites like the Michigan Avenue Bridge District and the views toward the Loop and North Michigan Avenue.
From the water you get a different perspective on skyline features, façades, bridges, and the riverwalk activity that you won’t get from the street. Many tours point out historically significant buildings and design innovations.
- Michigan Avenue Bridge and the historic buildings surrounding it
- Riverside façades of early skyscrapers and modern glass towers
- Views toward Millennium Park, the Loop skyline, and out to Lake Michigan on some routes
| Feature | Seen from |
|---|---|
| Michigan Avenue Bridge District | Immediate river corridor outside LondonHouse |
| Loop and Near North skyline | River views heading west and east |
| Riverwalk activity and public art | Close-up on daytime cruises |
Booking, tickets and hotel help
LondonHouse Chicago’s concierge can advise on current tour operators, departure docks, and recommended sailings; they can also help arrange or reserve tickets. The hotel website and front desk give up-to-date local transit and dock guidance.
If you prefer to purchase directly, check the operator’s website for schedules, accessibility information, and cancellation policies. For same-day plans, the concierge is your fastest route to confirm a departure and best boarding point from the hotel.
- Ask LondonHouse concierge about nearby boarding points and current operator recommendations.
- Buy tickets in advance online for popular weekend sailings, especially during peak summer months.
- Confirm boarding directions (which dock) on your ticket—departure docks can vary by operator.
| Where to buy | When to use |
|---|---|
| Hotel concierge/front desk | Same-day bookings or if you need local dock directions |
| Tour operator website (advance) | Guaranteed tickets and printed/mobile confirmation |
| Water Taxi operator site | Check live schedules and stop lists |
Staying at LondonHouse: the best rooms for river views and convenience
If you want river-facing rooms, request a Room, River View or other accommodations described as river-facing when you reserve. LondonHouse blends the historic 1923 London Guarantee & Accident Building with a modern glass tower, and many guest rooms look onto the Chicago River and downtown skyline.
On-site dining and bars make it easy to extend a river day into an evening: Bridges Lobby Bar overlooks the river from the lobby level, LH on 21 sits on the 21st floor for meals and cocktails, and LH Rooftop is the hotel’s three-level rooftop bar for skyline views (the rooftop enforces a 21+ entry age in the evenings).
- Ask for a Room, River View for direct river/window vantage points.
- Bridges Lobby Bar serves Afternoon Tea daily; reservations are recommended for tea service.
- LH Rooftop has three levels (indoor bar, outdoor terrace, Cupola) and runs daily hours from 11:00 AM to midnight; dress code is Smart Casual on occasion.
| Hotel Venue | What it offers |
|---|---|
| Bridges Lobby Bar | River-facing lobby bar, Afternoon Tea, daily 11:00 AM–11:00 PM |
| LH on 21 | Contemporary American restaurant on 21st floor; lunch & dinner service |
| LH Rooftop | Tri-level rooftop bar (indoor lounge, outdoor terrace, Cupola); daily 11:00 AM–12:00 AM |
