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.
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.
Terry, our tour guide, was absolutely wonderful. He had the perfect amount of humor, and oh my, what architectural knowledge. I highly recommend this boat tour, and especially Terri, to anyone visiting the Chicago area, resident or tourist alike.
Cherril was amazing and very knowledgeable about everything we saw; she spoke clearly and did not rushed.
Everything was great. Our tour guide, Paul S. was outstanding!
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.
Great information. Lovely bar staff. Highly recommend!
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!
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!
Our docent Bill was amazing! SO knowledgeable, passionate and full of wonderful fun facts and antidots. Thank you, Bill!
Mark is amazing; he’s passionate about the City and its architecture ! Totally worth it
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!
