Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady

4.9 (7,454 reviews) 1 h 30 min

out of 5

7,454 reviews

4.9

Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Relax and enjoy the view — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

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At a glance

Duration: 1 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 250 people
People per booking: 1–10
Guide: English
Operated by: Chicago Architecture Foundation & Chicago's First Lady Cruises

Ages: Infants (0–3 years) · Adults (4–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Local guide (docents)
Included: On-board restrooms: Restroom on board
Included: Live commentary on board
Included: River sightseeing cruise
Included: Climate controlled lower level

Not included

Not included: Drinks & light snacks (available to purchase)
Not included: Storage for luggage
Not included: On-board WiFi: WiFi on board

Itinerary

Chicago River

1 h 30 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

Passing 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

Passing by

From naval base and university campus to shipping hub and entertainment destination, Navy Pier is Chicago’s hallmark of adaptive reuse.
Marina City

Passing 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.
Stop 5

Passing 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.
Stop 6

Passing 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.
Stop 7

Passing by

Gravity-defying 150 North Riverside has already taken its rightful place among Chicago’s architectural and engineering wonders.
Stop 8

Passing by

View Boeing International Headquarters at 100 N Riverside Plaza.
Stop 9

Passing 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

Passing 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)

Passing by

View the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Building, located at 20 S Wacker Drive.
Stop 12

Passing by

Chicago Tribune Freedom Center.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

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.

End 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.

Using your ticket

Please arrive 30 minutes in advance of your departure time to redeem your ticket at the dockside box office and queue-up for boarding. Every passenger must have a ticket in hand for boarding.
Your tickets will be held at the dockside box office for collection on the day of the tour up to ten minutes prior to cruise departure time. You will be required to present this voucher, along with photo ID in exchange for your ticket(s).
Not recommended for children under 12

For safety reasons, motorized scooters and electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated aboard the ship. Guests who can transfer may use the activity provider's manual wheelchair based on the availability.

Cancellation

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

If you cancel	You get back
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

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