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
- Wheelchair accessibility varies by vessel. Please contact us in advance to confirm availability.
Reviews(693)
This is an Excellent cruise!! Our tour guide Doug was outstanding and the boat was very comfortable.
We missed the boat by a minute- it was still at the dock. I’d really like to re-book for a time in September when we are back out here from Nevada.
Thank you for your review. We apologize for your experience. Our boats must depart promptly to stay on schedule, and the departure process begins before the boat leaves the dock, during which we cannot accommodate additional passengers. We were also unable to locate your booking or any communication regarding a rebooking request. If you still need assistance, please contact us at clientservice@firstlady.com, and we’ll be happy to help.
Our tour guide was Savannah and she was funny and extremely informative considering she is from Wyoming lol. It was a great !! It happened to be an excellent time to go because the Sea & Air show was this weekend so we were at vantage point that was not to be beat! We were on the lake! I definitely recommend this tour. Going through the locks was very interesting.
Fantastic with kids. Lets them see the city from the water so they can see how big it is while also seeing how the boat locks work. I think this is a must do with kids in Chicago.
Thank you for your review. We are thrilled that you enjoyed your tour with us. Hope you will return soon.
It was a great time. It was informative, scenery was awesome. The boarding and exiting was orderly. It was just an all around good time.
Thank you for your review and feedback. We are thrilled that you enjoyed your tour with us. Hope you will return soon.
This tour was amazing and beautiful. 10/10 worth the money. Nice views. The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable on the architecture of Chicago. We got stuck BUUUUT the boat crew remained calm and got us back safely. They gave us a refund before we got back to shore. I would recommend getting new wine because the wine that was there was really nasty lol.
The boat broke on us in the middle of lake Michigan. The crew worked to get us back but the damage was done for me. No clear communication when it happened. Got more communication from the boat the came to help
Thank you for your review. We sincerely apologize for the disruption to your experience. While the captain did speak with guests regarding the situation, we understand that not everyone may have received the communication. Unfortunately, the boat had lost power, which prevented the captain from making an announcement over the PA system. We appreciate your feedback and will review the situation with our team to identify ways we can improve communication in the future.
My husband and I went to Chicago for the first time to Chicago. We didn't know what to expect so we booked this cruise to occupy some time and get a feel for Chicago. It ended up being the highlight of the trip. The narration was spot on and the boat ride was smooth and so fun. There was lots of room to get up and move around and take photos from both the lake and the river. The views were spectacular. If we go back to Chicago, which we probably will, we will definitely take this cruise again. Highly recommend.
Thank you for your review. We are thrilled that you enjoyed your tour with us. Hope you will return soon.
Great views of Chicago’s architectures from the river and Michigan lake. The guide was very informative!
Thank you for your review. We are thrilled that you enjoyed your tour with us. Hope you will return soon.
The guide was AMAZING!!! His knowledge and passion for Chicago was infectious!!!
Thank you for your review. We are thrilled that you enjoyed your tour with us. Hope you will return soon.
