Only the Chicago Architecture Foundation and Chicago's First Lady Cruises can showcase Chicago's world renowned city architecture with style, class and comfort. Open-air and air-conditioned seating is available.
Learn about the architecture and design of over 50 buildings as described by CAF-Certified Docents/Guides. Don't settle for imitations, look for the CAF logo.
90 minute river cruises depart daily for the 2009 season beginning Saturday, May 2 and ending on Sunday, November 22, 2009.
All tours depart from Riverside Gardens, Michigan Ave. and Wacker Dr. (Southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge). Look for our blue awning. Please be on time for boarding. Tickets may not be reissued if you miss your boat!
A portion of the cruise fee supports architecture education, provided by The Chicago Architecture Foundation.
Pricing
Upper Deck Seating
Prices for all cruises are:
$32.00 each: Saturday, Sunday, and holidays
$28.00 each: Monday through Friday
All persons must have a ticket including infants and children. Cruises board 15 minutes before departure time. Advance reservations are highly recommended. Cruises depart from the Chicago's First Lady Dock located at the Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive. Look for our blue awning. A snack bar and indoor salon with air conditioning and outdoor general admission seating is available for each guest.
Purchasing Tickets
The Chicago's First Lady ticket window is open daily from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. beginning May 1, 2009. Note: Tickets purchased in person at this window or the ArchiCenter are exempt from Ticketmaster fees.
Along the River
Tickets may also be purchased at the Chicago ArchiCenter located at 224 S. Michigan Avenue, and at the Chicago Water Works Visitor Center at Pearson St. and Michigan Ave. Tickets may be purchased with Cash, Visa/MasterCard, or Travelers Checks. Open 7 days per week. Individual tickets on sale April 1, 2009.
Tickets may also be purchased with a credit card through Ticketmaster by calling 1-800-982-2787, or online with a credit card through Ticketmaster or in person with cash at any Ticketmaster outlet located in Carson Pirie Scott or Hot Tix on Randolph St. Or, just click on the Ticketmaster Link and look for the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise. To learn more about other Chicago Architecture Foundation Tours, visit www.architecture.org.
Group Reservations
Groups of 10 or more may be booked directly by calling the Chicago Architecture Foundation at 312-322-1131 (certain discounts may apply.) Docents/Guides for private parties are also available. Group reservations are taken throughout the year.
Click Here to make a Group Reservation.
Effective July 1, 2004 all passengers boarding vessels for the CAF architecture river cruise (and their carry-on items) are subject to inspection pursuant to U.S. Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security regulations. Cruises depart rain or shine as the interior is climate controlled. Please do not bring luggage aboard. Thank You.
