2026 What's Next for Wendella

Michigan Avenue Dock Renovation

Our iconic Michigan Avenue Dock is getting a major facelift!

Our Michigan Avenue dock is being fully renovated with a focus on improving the guest experience from the moment you arrive. The enhancements will feature beautiful new landscape architecture and significantly optimized queuing and boarding spaces, creating a safer, more beautiful, and highly efficient starting point for your Wendella cruise. Prepare for a grand new gateway to the Chicago River.

During this fall and winter, while our Michigan Ave Dock is under construction, Wendella will continue running Chicago's best tours and cruises from our West Dock, located between the Wrigley Building and Trump International Hotel & Tower, location pictured below. 



The Wendella Fleet Welcomes a New Sister Ship: MV Lena

Welcome MV Lena, the latest custom-built tour boat to join the Wendella fleet!

Designed with the same commitment to passenger comfort and excellent viewing, Lena will allow us to offer more departures, more tour options, and accommodate more exceptional private events in 2026. Look for Lena to expand your opportunity to cruise Chicago’s stunning waterways! Lena is under construction at Burger Shipyard in Wisconsin, she will make the journey down the shores of Lake Michigan to her home in Chicago in the Spring.


 

The Historic Relaunch: MV Sunliner

The classic returns! We are thrilled to relaunch the beloved MV Sunliner, our oldest vessel, back into service as a dedicated Water Taxi.

Built in 1962, the Sunliner will be the oldest water taxi operating on the Chicago River, adding a touch of classic charm to your commute or sightseeing journey. Her return significantly increases our Water Taxi capacity and frequency, ensuring you can hop on and off faster than ever before. Ride a piece of Chicago history!