Chicago Urban Adventure River and Lake Cruise

Overview

Our popular 90-minute daytime river and lake tour, the Urban Adventure Cruise, delights family members of all ages with incredible views of Chicago's world-renowned architecture and stunning skyline. Lively, knowledgeable tour guides bring Chicago’s rich history to life with fun stories and interesting facts. Relax and unwind on a scenic tour of the city from the unique perspective of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Welcome aboard!

City: Chicago

Tue 24 Dec

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $42.00

Make a reservation

Tue 24 Dec

Starting at $42.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

All taxes, fees and handling charges

Live commentary on board

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Discounted parking available at 111 E. Wacker Drive. Please visit the dockside box office for parking ticket validation

What To Expect

Lake Michigan

Travel along Lake Michigan to view the Chicago Skyline!

Chicago River

The tour cruises through the main branch of the river. You will hear information about Chicago's famous architecture.

Marina City

View the unique architecture of Marina City, a building complex which is its own self-contained community.

Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower

From the lake, view the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere!

Wrigley Building

The Wrigley Building was built to house the corporate headquarters of the Wrigley Company.

Navy Pier

View Navy Pier's 50 acres of parks, promenades, gardens, shops, eateries and attractions, especially the 15-story Ferris wheel.

Buckingham Fountain

Located in the center of Grant Park. Dedicated in 1927, it is one of the largest fountains in the world!

Field Museum

One of the largest natural history museums in the world!

Shedd Aquarium

Shedd Aquarium was once the largest indoor aquarium in the world.

Adler Planetarium

See this famous planetarium in the heart of Chicago's museum campus.

Soldier Field

Soldier Field is a Chicago landmark and home to the Chicago Bears.

The McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum

At river level, visitors can view the massive gears of Chicago’s most famous movable bridge and then journey through time as they experience the story of the Chicago River. Once at the top of the Bridgehouse, visitors are treated to magnificent 360 degree views of the city and river, and will gain a whole new perspective on the beauty and complexity that is Chicago.

Navy Pier

Navy Pier is a 3,300-foot-long (1,010 m) pier on the Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan. Navy Pier currently encompasses more than fifty acres of parks, gardens, shops, restaurants, family attractions and exhibition facilities. The ferris wheel it is currently the sixth-tallest wheel in the United States.

John Hancock Center

The John Hancock Center is a 100-story, 1,128-foot[6] supertall skyscraper located in Chicago, Illinois. Located in the Magnificent Mile district, its name was changed to 875 North Michigan Avenue on February 12, 2018. View from the lake.

Chicago Riverwalk

The Chicago Riverwalk is an open, pedestrian waterfront located on the south bank of the main branch of the Chicago River in downtown Chicago, Illinois. You can find dining, entertainment, shops, boat tours and breweries.

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Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (185)

JulieImagines

May 2018

We brought 75 6th graders on this cruise to connect with a unit on architecture students experienced in art class. Marie, the narrator, was very knowledgeable about the river's and city's history, famous landmarks and buildings. She was also a very entertaining speaker. I'm so glad we chose Mercury for our field trip!

Jean K

May 2018

About 40 cousins joined us on opening day in April 2018. The narrative was informative, highlights pointed out. Liked the fact the lower deck windows are on the side of the boat without a walkway to obstruct viewing of the sights. Though I had warned my cousins from the East Coast to the West Coast to dress warm as it's always cooler by the lake, when the north wind hit us, half escaped the top deck to the lower deck. The directions to lower lower Wacker Drive for our bus were accurate and helped a lot as we had several cousins who couldn't do stairs. I appreciate the fact the staff was attentive to our group.

Keith S

Sep 2017

A pleasant river and lake cruise spoilt by a change in the weather. from sunny to drizzle. At one point the skyscrapers were hidden from view by the low cloud. The captain gave interesting commentary of the various building and how Chicago grew into a modern city.Drinks available on board if needed