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Wendella Boats

Wendella Sightseeing, Co. Inc. located on the intersection of Michigan Avenue and The Chicago River, is a Chicago family owned and operated passenger vessel business which offers architecture tours, private charters, and water taxi service. As Chicago's original architecture tour, Wendella is entering its’ 78th season as one of the city's premier sightseeing and tourism venues. Founded in 1935 by Albert Borgstrom, a Swedish immigrant, Wendella is now in its third generation of ownership and has expanded to include ten vessels and multiple docks throughout the Chicago. The company has been and continues to be an integral part of activities associated with expanded use of the Chicago River and the city’s evolving lakefront.Wendella's mission statement and motto is- "Showcasing Chicago to the World. Setting the Standard for the Industry

History
Wendella was founded in 1935, at the northeast corner of Navy Pier by Albert Borgstrom, a Swedish immigrant. Albert knew that people wanted more than just the small speedboat rides that were popular at the time. A carpenter by trade, he rebuilt a 65’ wooden yacht named Wendela (later changed to Wendella for pronunciation); added seating for about 100 passengers; included a narrator well versed in Chicago’s architecture and history; and charged 25 cents for a 30 minute boat ride. On its way to becoming a Chicago institution, Chicago’s original guided boat tour was born. In 1938, Wendella moved to its present location on Michigan Avenue, at the Wrigley Building and extended the tours to 90 minutes. The tour now included a trip up and down the Chicago River and a trip through the new Chicago River Lock onto Lake Michigan; this tour remains a Wendella staple today.

Chicago Water Taxi
In 1962, Wendella started a rush hour commuter service between Michigan Avenue and the Northwestern and Union Train Stations, which provided a unique, inexpensive and fast way to get between work and the train. In 1999 the service was named the RiverBus, providing Chicago with an all day, seven-day a week water transportation system. The goal of the service is to get people out of their cars by providing a fast, convenient and economical way to get around downtown Chicago. In 2001, the Chicago Area Transportation Study (CATS) recommended the RiverBus for inclusion in the Federal Governments Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ). A program aimed at reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality in urban areas. CATS determined that the RiverBus provides a measurable benefit in reduction of auto emissions and auto congestion within the crowded downtown area. Wendella was awarded federal funding for construction of a new vessel to expand the scope and frequency of the service. The vessel was completed and placed into service in April 2002. In 2007 the service was rebranded and expanded into The Chicago WaterTaxi with a new stop in Chinatown. Currently Wendella plans to expand the Chicago Water taxi to the north branch of The Chicago River and further down the south branch.

Wendella Today
As a full service passenger vessel company, Wendella now operates four tour boat vessels, providing private Special Event Charters, the Combined Lake and River Tour, the Chicago River Architecture Tour, Wine Tasting Tour and the Chicago at Sunset Tour. In addition Wendella also operates four Chicago Water Taxi vessels. Wendella is a member of various associations and non profits dedicated to the passenger vessel business as well as the health of the Chicago River including but not limited to Freinds of The Chicago River and The Passenger Vessel Assoctaion.