Chicago Sightseeing River and Lake Cruise
Description
Our popular 90-minute daytime river and lake sightseeing tour delights family members of all ages with incredible views of Chicago's world-renowned buildings 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!
Tour Options
Itinerary
The tour cruises along the main branch of the river. You’ll hear stories and insights about Chicago’s most iconic buildings and skyline landmarks.
Cruise along Lake Michigan for stunning views of the Chicago skyline.
Features nearly 50 acres of parks, promenades, gardens, shops, restaurants, and attractions, including the iconic Centennial Wheel, which rises nearly 200 feet above Lake Michigan.
See the 100-story, 1,128-foot skyscraper on the Magnificent Mile, from the lake.
One of the largest natural history museums in the world!
Shedd Aquarium was once the largest indoor aquarium in the world.
See this famous planetarium in the heart of Chicago's museum campus.
Soldier Field is a Chicago landmark and home to the Chicago Bears.
Located in the center of Grant Park. Dedicated in 1927, it is one of the largest fountains in the world!
The Wrigley Building was constructed as the corporate headquarters of the Wrigley Company, the famous maker of chewing gum.
See the twin 65-story towers along the Chicago River known for their distinctive circular design and mixed-use layout.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
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(605)
Bring a sweater. You never know when it might get chilly out on the great lake. Of course you can by one while on the boat. Warm and snuggled with a great fit.
River cruise into Lake Michigan with an amazing guide who knew the entire history of Chicago. He points out a lot of buildings and other sights. Before you can go into the lake you have to wait for the water to settle which is interesting in itself. You will have a great view of Chicago from the water.
Thank you for your review. The Chicago Harbor Lock is an engineering marvel and Chicago's skyline is photogenic.We are glad you enjoyed your tour with us. Hope you will return soon.
This was a perfect way to see Chicago to start our trip! Our tour guide, Matthew, was incredibly knowledgeable and entertaining! Our kids, boys aged 9 & 12, also enjoyed the tour!
Thank you for sharing your experience, Matthew! We're glad to hear that our guide made the experience both memorable and enjoyable for your family. It's especially wonderful to know that your sons enjoyed the tour as well! We appreciate your kind words and hope the rest of your time in Chicago is just as memorable!
Tour guide was exceptional! Great event to do if visiting from out of town! Book in advance if if definitely want to sit in the front get priority boarding
Thank you so much for your fantastic review Agustin! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed the tour and that our guide made such a positive impression. It's wonderful to know you'd recommend the experience to visitors from out of town. We also appreciate your helpful tip about priority boarding for guests who want front row seating! Thank you for choosing first lady, and we hope to welcome you aboard again soon!
It was excellent. Very beautiful, interesting, a great experience. The guide, MC I think, was very knowledgeable.
Thank you for your wonderful review Monica! We're thrilled to hear that you had an enjoyable experience and found the tour both beautiful and engaging. We're especially pleased to hear that MC helped make your cruise memorable. We appreciate you choosing First Lady and look forward to welcoming you aboard again soon!
Very interesting and relaxing. A great way to see downtown Chicago from the river and Lake Michigan!
Thank you so much for your review Marilyn! We're so glad you found the tour both interesting and relaxing. The view of downtown from the river and Lake Michigan is truly a memorable experience. We appreciate you coming aboard and hope to welcome you back for another cruise soon!
The overall experience was fine. The venue is not handicapped assisible, and was challenging for someone on a cane to get to gate.
Thank you for your review. We’re sorry to hear you experienced challenges with accessibility when arriving to our location. As we are situated along the Chicago Riverwalk, certain access routes are determined by the city and are outside of our control. We do our best to guide guests to the most convenient options available, including the nearby ramp a few blocks from our departure gates or access via Lower Wacker Drive. We also provide detailed arrival and accessibility information on our website at firstlady.com/location to help guests plan ahead. We appreciate your feedback and hope to have the opportunity to welcome you again.
It was very interesting experience. My cousin and I enjoyed this excursion, and I would definitely recommend it.
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re so glad to hear that you and your cousin enjoyed the excursion and had a memorable time. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you both back again soon for another great adventure!
Fantastic boat tour of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan! The views of the skyline were breathtaking, and the guide provided interesting history and architectural insights throughout the trip. Seeing Chicago from the water offered a unique perspective, especially when transitioning from the river to the lake. The boat was comfortable, the crew was friendly, and the experience was well worth it!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience, Larry! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline and had such a great time out on the water. It’s wonderful that the guide’s commentary added to your experience and that you found the transition from the river to the lake so memorable. We’re also glad the boat, crew, and overall experience met your expectations. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you aboard again soon!
Sebastian was lively and knew the material. I learned a lot about Chicago and its architecture. Joey the bartender remembered my cocktail and that was lovely! Plan to wear layers because you are out on the water and the temperature changes throughout the tour.
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re so glad to hear Sebastian brought great energy to the tour and helped make it enjoyable, and that Joey made your time at the bar extra special by remembering your drink—that’s the kind of service we love to provide. We also appreciate your helpful tip about dressing in layers for the changing temperatures on the water. We hope to welcome you back again soon for another great experience!
