Started in 1935, Wendella is the granddaddy of Chicago sightseeing operators (it's now run by the original owner's grandsons). The company operates a 1-hour tour along the Chicago River and a 1 1/2-hour tour along the river and out onto Lake Michigan. (One of the most dramatic events during the boat tour is passing through the locks that separate the river from the lake.) Boats run daily year-round. The 2-hour sunset tour runs Memorial Day to Labor Day starting at 7:45pm. Scheduling depends on the season and the weather, but cruises usually leave every hour during the summer.