Take in the views on this award-winning 90-minute Architectural Tour, a jaw-dropping excursion through a city that defies all expectations!
Tour Options
Architecture River Cruise
Itinerary
Pass by
Throughout our signature cruise one of our award-winning Docents will present more than 50 skyscrapers, bascule bridges, and historic sites.
90 min
On your Architectural Tour, you will learn how the Great Chicago Fire jumped a river and allowed for visionaries of structural steel and plate glass, such as John Wellborn Root, William Le Baron Jenney, Louis Sullivan (Wright’s mentor) and Daniel Burnham, in less than ten years, lift Chicago from the ashes of the fire to new heights. Chicago’s ascent continued into the 20th century with titanic figures such as Bertrand Goldberg, Fazlur Khan and Mies van der Rohe – (higher/taller) buildings, sleeker – and it has soared in the 21st century with audacious new steeples such as The Trump Tower and Aqua designed by Jeanne Gang, an internationally known artist of architectural design.
Beer, wine, and cocktails (available for purchase)
Traveller Ratings
4.7
856 reviews
5
668
4
130
3
25
2
13
1
20
Important Information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum drinking age is 21 years
Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
Reviews(856)
J
John_B
September 4, 2026
The original architecture tour
A very hot day in Chicago so it was OK that the boat had covered lower deck. Otherwise it might’ve been a no go.
But the boat was not what was pictured. It was an older boat in the picture that I booked because it looked quaint and different.
Staff and amenities on the ship were great, it was cold water, and included soft drinks. Information from the guide to talk to almost an hour and a half about the architecture of the city of Chicago was very good detailed and interesting.
L
Lynette_K
August 29, 2026
This was the perfect...
This was the perfect activity for us to enjoy the stunning city views on a late summer day on the water and to learn more about Chicago and its fascinating architectural history. Our guide was engaging, the drink bar was a nice perk as we had been and continued to tour and play in the city. Highly recommend
B
B_K
August 26, 2026
If you’re just looking to...
If you’re just looking to be on the river, this option is fine. But if you’re looking for an informative tour and a good overall experience, I’d recommend looking elsewhere.
The photo is misleading - you won’t be on the smaller boat pictured. The check-in staff weren’t very attentive; seating was first come, first served with no real seat management, and several guests were left without seats. Don’t expect much assistance from the crew.
Free water, coffee, tea, and bar fountain soda/pop are available downstairs, but if you sit there, you will struggle to hear the guide or see what they’re pointing out. Overall, the guide was fine but the crew seemed disengaged, which made for a pretty lackluster experience overall.
M
Melissa_C
August 20, 2026
The tour was great. It...
The tour was great. It was very informative and the guide was knowledgeable. We appreciated the smaller boat and more intimate experience over the larger boats.
M
maryanneh2023
August 20, 2026
It's a 10!
What a visually stunning way to see the city! I learned so much about the history and styles of th buildings. Our Volunteer docent, Cressida (?) the pharmacist, was knowledgeable and engaging. I suspect you could take this cruise multiple times and learn something new from each new docent. It's a plus that First Lady Cruises is affiliated with the Architectural Society of Chicago. Highly recommend.
C
Chadd_C
August 18, 2026
Exceptionally Knowledgeable Guide
Our guide had an architectural history degree which made him extremely knowledgeable, but his ability to weave the Chicago skyline into stories was exceptional.
M
Mary_I
August 16, 2026
Great Chicago River Architecture Boat Tour
Really nice size boat. Not too large. Free refreshments!!! Really good tour guide.comfortable seating. Good commucation.
S
Steve_M
August 13, 2026
Nice boat, great docent!
A great tour in a well kept boat. Our docent did a great job, and was very knowledgeable. I can’t recall his name, but he was a lifelong resident of Chicago.
X
X2443KWcl
August 13, 2026
Great booking
Great “thing to do”! One of the best bookings we have done
M
Mike_A
August 10, 2026
My review
It’s very educational and lots to learn about the history and architecture of Chicago. We had a great time.
