O
Great!
Everything was great. Our tour guide, Paul S. was outstanding!
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady
+6 photos
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
Local guide (docents)
Restroom on board
Live commentary on board
River sightseeing cruise
Climate controlled lower level
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
4.9
7,018 reviews
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(7,018)
6
Beautiful views, even better storytelling
Bob was an amazing tour guide. Knowledgeable, passionate and entertaining. The whole process from check-in to disembarking was seamless and easy and the entire staff both on and off the vessel were friendly and helpful. This tour was the highlight of our downtown stay in Chicago over Labor Day weekend 2026.
6
Gorgeous afternoon on the river filled with learning
Great information. Lovely bar staff. Highly recommend!
N
Excellent and informative
Leslie was such an excellent and informative guide. The experience was interesting and the views of the city from the river were beautiful. Great experience!
Q
Beautiful Tour
This was one of the best parts of my recent weekend in Chicago! Easy to book, found the departure site very easily, and there were plenty of great seats open once we boarded. Paul was our tour guide, and he was magnificent! Not only was I in awe of the buildings, but I also had so much fun learning so much of the history from Paul! 10/10. Can't wait to do it again!
A
A MUST DO for visitors and locals!
Our docent Bill was amazing! SO knowledgeable, passionate and full of wonderful fun facts and antidots. Thank you, Bill!
N
Fortunate to experience this with Mark
Mark is amazing; he’s passionate about the City and its architecture ! Totally worth it
R
Wonderful experience!
I’ve been on 2 other architecture river tours before and this is by far the best one!! Our tour guide, Ronnie, was impressively knowledgeable and entertaining. This tour has made me love and appreciate Chicago even more. Such a fun activity!
R
Great tour guide
The guide we had for this tour was extremely informative, we went on September 2 and I’m sorry I didn’t get her name. That is my whole reason for writing the review, she was amazing. I’ve taken this to her many times, and usually it gets very boring, but not with her.
G
Great boat ride
Very knowledgeable narrator Only negative was my print out did not have your address. Went to the wrong company first and they were kind enough to add your address
