Wendella Boats is a family-owned Chicago tour and cruise company that has welcomed passengers aboard since 1935. Known as Chicago’s original architecture tour operator, it offers visitors and locals a distinctive way to explore the city’s skyline, riverfront, and Lake Michigan from the water. Its experiences include 90-minute and 45-minute Chicago River architecture tours, a Lake and River Architecture Tour, and seasonal options such as sunset, fireworks, holiday, and wine-and-cheese cruises.

Climate-controlled cabins, covered decks, and open-air seating help guests cruise comfortably in different weather conditions, while guides share Chicago stories, answer questions, and point out notable sights. Wendella launches from downtown Chicago and describes its crew as experienced and trained to deliver safe, welcoming trips. The company also operates Chicago Water Taxi, providing downtown rides, and offers private events and gift cards.

Still family-owned after more than nine decades, Wendella combines local history, skyline views, and narrated sightseeing for a range of occasions