Tours/Chicago/Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady
4.9(7,415)Chicago1h 30min
VIATOR4.8(1,239)TRIPADVISOR4.9(6,176)
+6 photos
At a glance
Duration
1h 30min
Price from
$57 / person
Location
Chicago, United States
Rating
4.9 / 5 · 7,415 reviews
Languages
EN
Group
Small group, up to 250
Cancellation
See policy below
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Chicago Architecture Foundation & Chicago's First Lady Cruises
Meeting point
On Chicago's Riverwalk at Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive. Please use 112 E. Wacker for GPS navigation. Look for our black awning at street level on the southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive.
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.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
16 times a day, 9:30 AM–5:00 PM
Next available
Tue, Oct 13
Adult (ages 4+)
$57
Infant (ages 0–3)
$24
Out at sunset: the 4:30 PM departure is under way when the sun sets, around 5:54 PM in the coming weeks.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 12.
Tour Options
Architectural River Cruise
Itinerary
Chicago River
90 min
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
Pass by
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
Pass by
From naval base and university campus to shipping hub and entertainment destination, Navy Pier is Chicago’s hallmark of adaptive reuse.
Marina City
Pass by
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.
Pass by
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.
Pass by
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.
Pass by
Gravity-defying 150 North Riverside has already taken its rightful place among Chicago’s architectural and engineering wonders.
Pass by
View Boeing International Headquarters at 100 N Riverside Plaza.
Pass by
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.
Merchandise Mart
Pass by
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)
Pass by
View the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Building, located at 20 S Wacker Drive.
Pass by
Chicago Tribune Freedom Center.
What's included
Included
Local guide (docents)
Restroom on board
Live commentary on board
River sightseeing cruise
Climate controlled lower level
Not included
Drinks & light snacks (available to purchase)
Storage for luggage
WiFi on board
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.9
7,415 reviews
5
7,117
4
179
3
52
2
19
1
48
How it compares in Chicago
No. 3 by number of reviews among 522 tours in Chicago
Starting price $57 is close to the typical $57 for tours of similar length in Chicago
Excurgo comparison of 522 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
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
Cancellation
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
0+ days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady take?
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady lasts about 1h 30min. The itinerary has 12 stops.
How much does Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady cost?
Prices start at $57 per person for this Chicago experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, with 16 departures a day between 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM.
Can I cancel Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady for free?
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is On Chicago's Riverwalk at Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive. Please use 112 E. Wacker for GPS navigation. Look for our black awning at street level on the southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 250 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult Not recommended for children younger than 12 years
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair accessible 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. IMPORTANT: Most, but not all, departures are wheelchair accessible, please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 7,415 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Chicago Architecture Foundation & Chicago's First Lady Cruises.
Reviews(7,415)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
F
felicityjanewilliams
October 8, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
highly recommend
Our guide was so knowledgeable and the volume of info he communicated in 90 mins was astounding. At times was slightly difficult to hear him, although he was mindful of not trying to talk over loud traffic interruptions - it’s just that the speaker system could have been a bit louder, in my opinion. I was fascinated throughout and would highly recommend this tour ! He imparted so much interesting local Chicago history, and it has changed how I look at architecture and urban landscapes in general.
C
Cliff_L
October 8, 2026 · via Viator
Non-profit organization....
Non-profit organization. Sit left side of boat for better view IMO. Steve the narrator was knowledgeable, excellent, full of energy and made it very enjoyable. Found out no gratuities required and they are non-profit. Highly recommend everyone take their cruise!
S
suzannemM5749ZH
October 8, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
The BEST thing we did on our stay in Chicago.
Fabulous experience! The Chicago Centerb for Architecture should be commended. Our tour guide was so knowledgeable and personable. You could tell she loved her job as a descent for the CFA!
J
Joann_D
October 8, 2026 · via Viator
Take your camera and...
Take your camera and listen well!
So many beautiful and unique Chicago skyscrapers. I was pleased that we were on the river and also went into Lake Michigan.
The cruise boat was comfortable and the docent was extremely well informed.
V
V7100RSmariaa
October 8, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Must do Architecture River Cruise
My friend and I took the 11:00 am architecture river cruise and had a great time. The guide was knowledgeable, the views were amazing, and the entire experience was relaxing and well organized. I highly recommend it for both visitors and locals.
A
ABR60
October 8, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Wonderful despite the Rain
Despite the rain it was a fantastic informative tour. Our guide was phenomenal with the knowledge and history he shared. He himself is an architect which I’m sure added to his knowledge of the many unique buildings.
Highly recommend!
K
K5452IXrobertm
October 8, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Fantastic
Unfortunately it rained, but our intrepid guide provided awesome commentary while getting soaked. Thanks to him, the cruise was a highlight of our visit to Chicago. We enjoyed the Chicago Architecture Center as well.
H
HeyVAGal
October 8, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Fabulous experience!
The Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise was the highlight of our trip! Our guide was so engaging and had an incredible knowledge of the history and facts. Don't think twice ~ book this tour!
L
lokes468
October 8, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Five-Star Architectural Tour
An outstanding experience aboard the First Lady Chicago Architecture Tour! Docent “Mike the Mapper” is a passionate, engaging storyteller who brings Chicago’s skyline and riverfront to life with fascinating insights into the city’s history, architectural landmarks, and engineering feats. He delivers a wealth of information in easy-to-digest bites, weaving in humor and keeping the tour lively, informative, and easy to follow. The pacing was excellent, and the 90 minutes flew by. The quality of the tour exceeded my expectations. Highly recommended for anyone looking to experience Chicago from a fresh perspective!
E
elizabethlU1208IC
October 8, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Excellent tour but check the weather first
Tickets can’t be exchanged or refunded and we bought tickets before the forecast called for rain. So it was POURING rain and the top section is not covered. So check the weather before you book! Otherwise it’s a really informative tour with lots of beautiful views.
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Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady