Wendella's dock is at 400 N Michigan Avenue, beside the historic Wrigley Building and DuSable Bridge — one of the most recognizable riverfront spots in Chicago. Whether you are joining an architecture tour, a fireworks cruise, or another Wendella departure, plan to arrive about 30 minutes before your scheduled time. Boarding typically begins 15 minutes before departure, and that extra cushion covers downtown traffic, parking, transit, and weather.
This guide covers every way to get there — CTA, bus, Metra, Amtrak, Chicago Water Taxi, rideshare, and nearby parking — so you arrive relaxed and ready to board.
Dock Address
Use this address for navigation and rideshare drop-off:
400 N Michigan AvenueChicago, IL 60611
The dock sits near the Wrigley Building at the northwest corner of the DuSable Bridge. When you arrive, a Wendella team member will direct you to the dock. Before you leave home, double-check your ticket for the tour name, departure time, and any arrival instructions specific to your booking.
How Early to Arrive
Wendella recommends arriving 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. Boarding typically begins 15 minutes before the boat leaves.
That buffer matters. The dock sits in one of Chicago's busiest downtown corridors, and the difference between a relaxed arrival and a last-minute sprint is usually just one wrong turn or a parking garage that took longer than expected.
Build in extra time if you are:
- Parking downtown for the first time
- Traveling with children or a larger group
- Arriving by train and walking from a station
- Visiting during peak summer tourism season
- Unfamiliar with the Michigan Avenue bridge area
Once the boat leaves the dock, your ticket is non-transferable. Arriving early is always the right call.
Getting There by CTA Train
CTA is one of the most reliable ways to reach Wendella from anywhere in the city.
Red Line
Exit at Grand. Walk east to Rush Street, then south toward the river. The dock is a short walk from there.
Green, Orange, Pink, Brown, or Purple Lines
Exit at State/Lake. Walk east on Lake Street to Michigan Avenue, then north toward the river.
Both routes get you to the dock with a manageable downtown walk. Use whichever line is closer to your starting point.
Getting There by Bus
Wendella lists the Michigan & Illinois stop as the most useful bus option near the dock. Routes serving that stop include: 2, 3, 26, 120, 121, 143, 146, 147, 148, 151, and 157.
From Michigan & Illinois, walk toward the river. If you are cutting it close to departure, check live CTA arrival times before you leave.
Getting There from Metra or Amtrak
If you are arriving by Metra or Amtrak, your options depend on which station you use.
Union Station or Ogilvie Transportation Center
You can walk, take CTA, use rideshare, or board Chicago Water Taxi. Wendella specifically notes that riders can board Chicago Water Taxi at the northwest corner of the Madison Street Bridge and ride directly to the Michigan Avenue stop — right by the Wendella dock.
Millennium Park Station
Walk north on Michigan Avenue to the river. The dock is a straightforward walk from the station.
LaSalle Street Station
Walk north on LaSalle to Wacker Drive, then east to Michigan Avenue and down to the river.
Taking Chicago Water Taxi to Wendella
Arriving by Chicago Water Taxi is one of the better ways to begin a Wendella tour day, especially if you are coming from Ogilvie or Union Station. Instead of navigating downtown streets, you are already on the river before you step aboard.
Board at the northwest corner of the Madison Street Bridge and ride to the Michigan Avenue stop. From there, Wendella's dock is close by.
It is a practical connection that also happens to feel like a good start.
Getting There by Rideshare
Set your destination to 400 N Michigan Avenue and use the Wrigley Building or DuSable Bridge as your visual landmark for the driver.
This is a busy downtown drop-off zone. Your driver may stop slightly away from the exact dock entrance, so give yourself a moment to find the river level and check in with Wendella staff once you arrive.
Parking Near the Wendella Dock
There is no parking directly at the dock, but Wendella lists several nearby garages. Rates and coupon availability should be confirmed before your visit, as parking policies can change.
InterPark — 430 N Rush Street
Entrances on Rush Street just south of Illinois, and on Hubbard Street just west of Rush. Wendella notes guests can park up to 10 hours for $14 with a coupon from the ticket office. Park first, then get the coupon at the ticket office. Subject to availability.
AMA Plaza Parking — 401 N State Street
Enter from Wabash across from Trump International Hotel & Tower, or from State Street near the Hertz sign. Ask the ticket office for a $5 off parking coupon. Note: the coupon cannot be combined with an online reservation at StateWabashParking.com.
Trump Tower Parking — 401 N Wabash Avenue
An enclosed garage close to the river. Wendella notes self-park up to 6 hours for $18 with a coupon from the ticket office. Subject to availability.
SpotHero
If you prefer to lock in parking before you leave, Wendella recommends SpotHero to find and reserve a nearby spot in advance.
What to Check Before You Leave
A quick checklist before heading to the dock:
- Your exact tour name and departure time
- Your route to 400 N Michigan Avenue
- Parking or transit timing if needed
- Weather — Wendella tours run rain or shine
- Bag rules — bags are subject to screening
- Outside alcohol and weapons are not permitted onboard
If you are traveling with a group, share the dock address and meeting time before everyone splits up. It is easier to coordinate at the Wrigley Building with a plan than from opposite sides of the Michigan Avenue bridge.
Check the schedule and book your Wendella tour
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Wendella dock address?
Wendella's dock is at 400 N Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, near the Wrigley Building at the northwest corner of the DuSable Bridge.
How early should I arrive at Wendella?
Plan to arrive about 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. Boarding typically begins 15 minutes before the boat leaves. Arriving early is especially important if you are parking downtown or traveling with a group.
Which CTA train goes to the Wendella dock?
The Red Line stops at Grand — walk east to Rush Street and south to the river. The Green, Orange, Pink, Brown, and Purple Lines stop at State/Lake — walk east on Lake Street to Michigan Avenue, then north to the river.
Is there parking near the Wendella dock?
There is no parking at the dock itself. Wendella lists several nearby options: InterPark at 430 N Rush Street, AMA Plaza at 401 N State Street, Trump Tower Parking at 401 N Wabash Avenue, and SpotHero for advance reservations. Rates and coupon details should be confirmed before your visit.
Can I take Chicago Water Taxi to Wendella?
Yes. If you are coming from Union Station or Ogilvie Transportation Center, you can board Chicago Water Taxi at the northwest corner of the Madison Street Bridge and ride to the Michigan Avenue stop near Wendella's dock.
Which bus routes stop near the Wendella dock?
Wendella lists the Michigan & Illinois stop as the nearest bus option. Routes serving that stop include 2, 3, 26, 120, 121, 143, 146, 147, 148, 151, and 157. Check live CTA times before leaving if you are close to your departure window.
