Marina City Tours
The dueling main columns of Marina City overlook the Chicago River. Its scalloped “corn-on-the-cob” exterior, formed by undulating half-moon balconies, has made it instantly recognizable and a popular setting in movies such as Batman Begins, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and The Blues Brothers. While the historic buildings are largely residential—some 1,400 people call Marina City home today—visitors are welcome to the complex. You can head up to roof decks for 360 degree views of the city skyline, rent boats in the attached marina to explore the Chicago river, dine in restaurants like Smith and Wollensky’s Grill, catch a concert in the House of Blues, and even use the structures’ ice skating rink, swimming pool, and bowling alley.
Marina City’s 588-foot towers, designed by great Chicago architect Bertrand Goldberg, were the tallest residential structures and the tallest concrete buildings in the world when they were constructed in the early 1960s. Forty-stories of pie-shaped apartments, designed to emphasize city views, sit atop twenty stories of parking. Designed as a “city within a city,” with shopping, dining, office buildings, recreational spaces, and entertainment for its residents, the then-novel concept was part of a movement encouraging Chicagoans to return to downtown from the suburbs.
Practical Info
Marina City is located on the Chicago River at 300 N. State Street across from the famous “Loop” central business district. Parking in the area can be challenging, so it’s best to use public transit. The closest stops are Grand on the red line (three blocks north) and the Merchandise Mart on the brown and purple lines (three blocks west).
Address: 300 N. State Street, Chicago, Illinois, USA
8 Tours and Activities to Experience Marina City
Sort by:Featured
Chicago Architecture River Cruise
Cruise down the Chicago River to see the city's famous architecture on this boat tour. With commentary from your onboard guide, watch the spectacular skyline glide by, including more than 40 notable buildings like Navy Pier, the Wrigley Building, and the John Hancock Building. Cover all three branches of the Chicago River, passing the East Bank Club, the old Post Office Building and the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower).
…More
From
$38.85
From
$38.85
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Chicago Crime and Mob Tour
Explore Chicago's gangster past on this mafia tour in a coach vehicle. Drive around the Windy City to see where Al Capone, The Untouchables, Hymie Weiss, and John Dillinger, among other thugs hung out. A history-savvy guide introduces you to some of the most storied locations of Chicago’s criminal past, including Holy Name Cathedral, Biography Theatre, and the site of the bloody St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. You'll be able to get out and pose for pictures in front of a historic courthouse, among other infamous sites.
…More
From
$45.00
From
$45.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Chicago Night Crimes Tour
Discover the ‘dark side’ of the Windy City thanks to this 2.5-hour, bus-based, nighttime crime history tour of Chicago. Explore the lives of notorious mobsters like Al Capone, Frank Nitti, Bugs Moran, and more as you explore infamous crime scenes like the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, learn about ‘The Enforcer’s Safe,’ and stop by local watering holes.
…More
From
$50.00
From
$50.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady
The Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady has long been the gold standard among all Chicago tour experiences, and is the only Chicago architecture boat tour led by highly trained expert docents. On this 90-minute cruise, you will enjoy an overview of historic and modern architectural styles including stories about the people who designed and built Chicago. No visit to Chicago is complete without experiencing this award winning tour, so accept no substitutes.
…More
From
$53.25
From
$53.25
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Your Way or the Highway: 2-hour Customized Private Walking Tour (EN - FR - NL)
Enjoy a private 2-hour walking tour with Belgian-American tour guide Leentje. She will introduce you to the city she calls home since 2014. Every tour is different and custom-made. Tours are available in English, French, or Dutch.
Focus can be on public or street art, architecture, food, and much more!
…More
From
$180.00
per group
$20.00 savings
From
$180.00
per group
$20.00 savings
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Chicago Walking Tour: Modern Architecture
Embark on a walking tour of Chicago's more-recent architecture heritage with a 2-hour stroll highlighting the city's modern, postmodern, and international structures. Especially known for its architectural originality, Chi-town boasts everything from the elegant metal and glass tower of One South Dearborn to the Harold Washington Library, with its Beaux-Arts inspired exterior. Your guide will highlight these and other unique buildings, relaying background on their individual histories and construction en route.
…More
From
$26.00
From
$26.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Chicago Ghost Hunt: Ghosts of the Chicago River
Let’s Roam is the #1 app-led scavenger hunt company. Walk to all the best landmarks and hidden gems, answering trivia questions and solving challenges. Work with your team or compete against them, as you learn new facts and create memorable experiences. Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunts are great as an everyday activity, or for bachelorette parties, birthday parties, corporate team building events and more! Each player chooses an interactive role, with challenges varying by person.
…More
From
$12.31
From
$12.31
Chicago River Walk Tours
Discover the architectural gems and historical buildings of Chicago’s River Walk during a 1.5-hour walking tour with a guide. See downtown landmarks including the Tribune Building, Lyric Opera House, InterContinental Hotel, and Magnificent Mile as you walk at an easy pace along the Chicago River’s pedestrian walkway. Learn about Chicago’s history and culture from your guide, and get great photo ops throughout the tour. Return to your starting point via water taxi for another perspective to the Windy City.
…More
From
$20.00
From
$20.00
Things to do near Chicago
- Things to do in Illinois
- Things to do in Indianapolis
- Things to do in Detroit
- Things to do in Cleveland
- Things to do in Nashville
- Things to do in Duluth
- Things to do in Pittsburgh
- Things to do in Kansas City
- Things to do in Toronto
- Things to do in Niagara Falls & Around
- Things to do in Memphis
- Things to do in Atlanta
- Things to do in Washington DC
- Things to do in Indiana
- Things to do in Michigan