Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady
Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
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.
From naval base and university campus to shipping hub and entertainment destination, Navy Pier is Chicago’s hallmark of adaptive reuse.
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.
When our docents explain that the Trump International Hotel & Tower reflects its surroundings, they aren’t only referring to its shiny glass and steel exterior.
One of the last American projects designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, this powerful Modernist structure occupies a prominent place on the Chicago River.
Gravity-defying 150 North Riverside has already taken its rightful place among Chicago’s architectural and engineering wonders.
View Boeing International Headquarters at 100 N Riverside Plaza.
For nearly 25 years after its completion, the Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, held the title of tallest building in the world.
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.
View the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Building, located at 20 S Wacker Drive.
Chicago Tribune Freedom Center.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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
Reviews(6,757)
4th time for us, and nice to learn of updates on new buildings while revisiting old classic architecture. Jane was an enthusiastic and knowledgeable tourguide, and gave an interesting commentary on city river history and major incidents. We enjoyed it very much, even though it drizzled half of the time.
Information packed commentary which was very easy to hear.
My family did a 7 PM cruise. It was a great time as we started in daylight and ended with the sun setting. Chris, a volunteer with the Chicago architecture center was our guide. He was very knowledgeable in all aspects of the buildings and things in Chicago. I highly recommend taking this cruise. The only downside is that it’s not handicapped accessible as you must take stairs to the river boat.
Our guide Mark was excellent—entertaining and a great communicator. We took the tour at 7 PM (sunset is around 8 PM in August) and the city is very beautiful at that hour. We were lucky to have good weather.
This is a very Zen reprieve from a go go go vacation. We all loved being 100% in the moment as we studied the fantastic buildings. The guide was interesting and the tour gave us a lot to think and talk about the rest of our trip. Chicago's history is on display in the architecture and this gives you great context for the area.
This was so interesting. We loved the knowledge of our tour guide. He was so knowledgeable about the buildings and their history. We enjoyed every moment.
The First Lady tour was incredible! We loved the docent and her incredible storytelling about architecture and history, We learned so much about familiar buildings and got to go down segments of the river to see new buildings we’ve never seen before. Highly recommend this wonderful tour!
I can’t say enough about this very informative tour. Katherine was a fantastic guide. A lot of interesting information. Very relaxing.
Mark was an interesting and knowledgeable guide. Highly recommend
Mark was so knowledgeable and an amazing tour guide!!! Would recommend!
