Tours/Chicago/Chicago By Night River and Lake Cruise
Viator · group up to 250 pax

Chicago By Night River and Lake Cruise

4.5(344)Chicago1 hour
VIATOR4.5(285)TRIPADVISOR4.7(59)

Description

Glide along the Chicago River and Lakefront as you're dazzled by the sparkle of the city at night! Enjoy breathtaking views of the dramatic skyscrapers and Buckingham Fountain's spectacular light display. Hear lively commentary as you feel the night breeze and see Chicago’s skyline transformed into a glittering jewel. A one-of-a-kind experience to scratch off your Chicago bucket list. Family-friendly cruises are our specialty!

Tour Options

Priority Boarding
  • Please arrive 30 minutes early: Priority Boarding Tickets include an exclusive early boarding period and the skip-the-queue during general boarding.
General Boarding

Itinerary

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Travel along the Chicago River to learn about the city's rich history as our lively tour guides bring Chicago to life with interesting stories.

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Admire the Chicago skyline as you cruise along Lake Michigan.

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Get unbelievable views of this shopping and dining area, and the famous Centennial Wheel.

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Take in this 100-story, 1,128-foot supertall skyscraper at 875 N Michigan, home to the 360 Chicago Observation Deck.

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Cruise past Chicago's museum campus and see Adler Planetarium.

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See the The Field Museum, one of the largest natural history museums in the world.

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Shedd Aquarium was once the largest indoor facility in the world!

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Home of the Chicago Bears!

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Enjoy breathtaking views of Buckingham Fountain's spectacular light display.

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The Wrigley Building is a skyscraper built to house the corporate headquarters of the Wrigley Company.

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Pass and view famous landmark.

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Pass and view famous landmark.

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Pass and view famous landmark.

Highlights

All taxes, fees and handling charges
Restroom on board
Live commentary on board
Snacks and beverages are available for purchase onboard.

What's included

Included
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Restroom on board
Live commentary on board
Snacks and beverages are available for purchase onboard.
Not included
Gratuities

Traveller Ratings

4.5
344 reviews
5
265
4
37
3
14
2
5
1
23

Important Information

  • 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

Reviews(344)

S
Seth_P
July 1, 2026
Night Cruise On The Lake and River

The Chicago By Night River and Lake Cruise was outstanding. The director of the tour was funny, very knowledgeable and engaging. The boat was clean and the bartenders were skilled. The organizers were professional and I really enjoyed my time. I’m glad I did it

K
Karen_M
June 30, 2026
Views

Windy and cool on the lake! Excellent guide pointed out all the history and architectural gems in the city!

Operator response

Thank you for your review. We are thrilled you enjoyed your tour with us. We strive to make our tours memorable for our guests. Hope you return soon.

J
Joel_L
June 29, 2026
Seeing it is believing it.

The views and history are unbelievable. Breath taking views. Great crew. Take a ride of a lifetime. Take lots of pictures.

Operator response

Thank you for your review. Yes, Chicago is a beautiful city especially in the evening. We strive to make our tours memorable for our guests. We are thrilled you enjoyed your tour with us. Hope you will return soon.

A
Angelo_S
June 29, 2026
A wonderful experience

Great experience! RJ was a great tour guide. Extremely passionate and knowledgeable about the down town city of Chicago.

Operator response

Thank you for your review. We think RJ is awesome too. We strive to make our tour memorable for all of our guests. We are thrilled you enjoyed your tour. Hope you will return soon.

L
Laura_L
June 29, 2026
Bring a jacket for...

Bring a jacket for evening tours All seats have a great view Person educating on what you're seeing is very knowledgeable and entertaining

Operator response

Thank you for your review and feedback. We are thrilled you enjoyed your tour with us. Hope you will return soon.

S
Sharon_L
June 29, 2026
Very clean boat; fun...

Very clean boat; fun narrator. Lovely evening cruise. Interesting info about Chicago. Would recommend it.

Operator response

Thank you for your review. We are glad you enjoyed your tour with us. Hope you will return soon.

5
566jaredg
June 27, 2026
Great tour despite weather

Great sightseeing even though it was foggy and cool on our tour. I'd recommend bringing a jacket and blanket if it's not a warm evening.

Operator response

Thank you for your review. We love the feedback. Yes the weather on the Lake can be a bit cooler. Glad you enjoyed your tour with us. Hope you will return soon.

A
Agnes_G
June 26, 2026
This was one of the best...

This was one of the best boat tours we experienced. The tour was well organized, the boat was well maintained. Chicago is a beautiful city, the night view was spectacular. Olivia did an excellent job presenting the highlights and history of the buildings. We particularly appreciate her presentation of the architectural backgrounds of the shoreline buildings. If you only have time to take one boat tour in the city I would highly recommend this one.

Operator response

Thank you for your review. We think Olivia is awesome too. Chicago is a beautiful city especially at night. We are glad you enjoyed your tour with us. Hope you will return soon.

A
Aryn_B
June 24, 2026
Good choice for history and vibes

This river by night tour was a worthwhile experience. The history presented was both informative and fun. The true vibes happened at sunset coasting by an illuminated city.

Operator response

Thank you so much for your kind review Aryn! We're delighted to hear you enjoyed history and narration on the tour. Sunset is truly a special time on the river and the view is quite breathtaking! We appreciate your kind words and hope to see you join us for another memorable evening!

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Priscilla_V
June 21, 2026
Doug was an excellent...

Doug was an excellent guide, sharing history and information about Chicago, including some of the iconic buildings, the locks, Lake Michigan. The captain kept the boat smooth even in the somewhat rough waters of the lake, the bartender was charming, and the deck hands did a great job, and, above all else, the lights of Chicago were stunning. Highly recommend!

Operator response

Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Priscilla! We’re delighted to hear that Doug helped make your evening so memorable and that you enjoyed learning more about Chicago’s landmarks and the journey through the locks and out onto Lake Michigan. It’s great to know the captain kept things smooth, and that our bartender and deck crew added to the experience as well. We couldn’t agree more—the city lights at night are truly something special. We really appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back aboard again soon!

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