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Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady

Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady

Overview

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.
As a certified nonprofit, all ticket purchases directly support education efforts and community engagement projects. No visit to Chicago is complete without experiencing this award winning tour, so accept no substitutes.

City: Chicago

Fri 27 Jun

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $56.00

Make a reservation

Fri 27 Jun

Starting at $56.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Local guide (docents)

Restroom on board

Live commentary on board

River sightseeing cruise

Climate controlled lower level

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Not recommended for children younger than 12 years
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
IMPORTANT: For safety reasons, motorized scooters and electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. Guests who are able to transfer may use the company's manual wheelchair based on availability.
WARNING: Tickets are not refundable or transferrable to other departures.
Pets are not allowed
IMPORTANT: There is no elevator access to the boat dock.
IMPORTANT: Most, but not all, departures are wheelchair accessible, please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required
All seating is General Admission. Boarding is on a first come, first serve basis
Routes, specific vessels, and schedules are subject to change without notice

What To Expect

Chicago River

The story of the Chicago River is one that continues to unfold. Through periods of industry, transportation, revitalization and recreation, it has grown and changed like the city itself.

Chicago Architecture Center

The Chicago Architecture Center is directly across Wacker Drive from the Chicago's First Lady docks. Discounted admission of $5 per person is available if you show your river cruise ticket.

Navy Pier

From naval base and university campus to shipping hub and entertainment destination, Navy Pier is Chicago’s hallmark of adaptive reuse.

Marina City

When architect Bertrand Goldberg envisioned Marina City, it was an urban experiment designed to draw middle-class Chicagoans back to the city after more than a decade of suburban migration.

Merchandise Mart

Size has always mattered in the Midwest. Upon its completion in 1930, it was the largest building in the world and served as Marshall Field’s wholesale warehouse, where retailers could buy stock.

Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME)

View the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Building, located at 20 S Wacker Drive.

Show 3 more stops

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (1000)

K7680ICpaulh

Jan 2025

Amazing tour. I”d done another river tour 6 years earlier, from a different provider, and this was clearly superior. Leaps and bounds. So clearly knowledgeable, well spoken, comfortable. Couldn’t ask for more.

Response from Host

Jan 2025

Thank you for the wonderful review! We're so happy you enjoyed the tour and hope to see you again!

MrJonnySegment

Dec 2024

A brilliant tour of the city. It was fascinating to see the history of Chicago revealed by the architecture along the river. Every building is a new chapter! Terry was an excellent guide – charming and funny and very knowledgeable! Highly recommended.

Response from Host

Jan 2025

Thank you for the great review! We're so happy you enjoyed the tour and hope to see you again next season!

cemeredith

Dec 2024

Loved the river cruise. Really interesting and all the architectural info gave a great feel for Chicago, the river and its history. Docent was knowledgeable, entertaining and obviously loved the city and its history. I’d definitely recommend to anyone (as had been recommended to me.)

Response from Host

Dec 2024

Thank you for the great review! We hope to see you again the next time you are in Chicago and appreciate the recommendation!