- Tickets available online through Ticketmaster or in-person at dock during regular season hours
- $44.48 (plus tax) per person for daytime tours
- $49.21 (plus tax) per person for 7:30 p.m. Twilight Tour
- NOTE: when purchasing online tickets please be aware you must first select time (+add button) and then un-click the "River Cruise with Exhibit" combination option in order to purchase the "River Cruise only" option
- Optional upgrade: include a visit to the new Chicago Architecture Center for just $5 (save $7 off regular price)
- Each person must have a ticket including infants and children
- Every ticket is general admission seating
- Tickets may not be refunded or exchanged if you miss your boat - allow extra time!
- Choose "Print at Home" or "Mobile Ticketing" for immediate tickets (no need to visit our ticket office); choose "US Mail" only if you have enough time to receive prior to your visit
- Select "Will Call" to pick up your tickets at our dockside ticket office; bring your confirmation number and arrive 30 minutes early to collect your tickets
- Click here to view our FAQs
Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady
**Please note: when purchasing online tickets be aware you must first select time (+add button) and then un-click the "River Cruise with Exhibit" combination option in order to purchase the "River Cruise only" option
Tour Chicago aboard Chicago's First Lady Cruises and see why we are the #1 tour in the city based on TripAdvisor user reviews! Chicago is legendary for its architecture, and as the only cruise partnered with the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC), we provide the best architecture tour experience. Highly trained and passionate volunteer docents provide a detailed narrative of Chicago's various architectural styles and the stories of the people who designed and built our city.
The relaxing 90-minute daily Chicago river tour features indoor and outdoor seating, a full service bar aboard each vessel and is consistently recognized by locals and visitors alike as the best way to see Chicago. A portion of each ticket supports architecture education provided by CAC.
Location
All Chicago architecture boat tours depart from the Chicago Riverwalk at Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive (southeast corner of the DuSable/Michigan Avenue Bridge). Look for our blue awning. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure time. Tickets may not be refunded or exchanged if you miss your boat!
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TripAdvisor users rank the Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady as Chicago's #1 tour. See what our reviewers are raving about!
Tickets
- Tickets available online through Ticketmaster or in-person at dock during regular season hours
- $44.48 (plus tax) per person for daytime tours
- $49.21 (plus tax) per person for 7:30 p.m. Twilight Tour
- NOTE: when purchasing online tickets please be aware you must first select time (+add button) and then un-click the "River Cruise with Exhibit" combination option in order to purchase the "River Cruise only" option
- Optional upgrade: include a visit to the new Chicago Architecture Center for just $5 (save $7 off regular price)
- Each person must have a ticket including infants and children
- Every ticket is general admission seating
- Tickets may not be refunded or exchanged if you miss your boat - allow extra time!
- Choose "Print at Home" or "Mobile Ticketing" for immediate tickets (no need to visit our ticket office); choose "US Mail" only if you have enough time to receive prior to your visit
- Select "Will Call" to pick up your tickets at our dockside ticket office; bring your confirmation number and arrive 30 minutes early to collect your tickets
- Click here to view our FAQs
Tickets
Tour Details & Tips
- 2019 Season: March 30 through November 24
- Tour duration: 90 minutes
- Advance reservations highly recommended
- Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your cruise departure time - allow extra time in summer!
- Guests board 15 minutes before departure time
- If you choose a mid-day departure, please be sure to wear sunglasses, visor or a cap as the sun can interfere with your view of the buildings
- Cruises depart rain or shine
- Tour route subject to change without notice
- Upgrade your ticket for $5 and include a visit to the new Chicago Architecture Center (you'll save $7 off the regular admission price)
- Discounted parking available at 111 E. Wacker Drive
- Visit our Location page for full travel and parking details
- View tour route map
Amenities & Accessibility
- Each vessel features an open-air upper deck and a climate-controlled interior salon for guest comfort. Every guest is guaranteed an outdoor seat; indoor seating optional
- A full-service bar and snack bar are available onboard
- Well-appointed restrooms onboard each vessel
- Children must be removed from strollers prior to boarding. Strollers will be folded and stored in salon during cruise
- Guests with limited mobility: please see our Location page for drop-off location and directions. Please present yourself to our staff if you prefer early boarding
Tour Details & Tips
- 2019 Season: March 30 through November 24
- Tour duration: 90 minutes
- Advance reservations highly recommended
- Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your cruise departure time - allow extra time in summer!
- Guests board 15 minutes before departure time
- If you choose a mid-day departure, please be sure to wear sunglasses, visor or a cap as the sun can interfere with your view of the buildings
- Cruises depart rain or shine
- Tour route subject to change without notice
- Upgrade your ticket for $5 and include a visit to the new Chicago Architecture Center (you'll save $7 off the regular admission price)
- Discounted parking available at 111 E. Wacker Drive
- Visit our Location page for full travel and parking details
- View tour route map
Amenities & Accessibility
- Each vessel features an open-air upper deck and a climate-controlled interior salon for guest comfort. Every guest is guaranteed an outdoor seat; indoor seating optional
- A full-service bar and snack bar are available onboard
- Well-appointed restrooms onboard each vessel
- Children must be removed from strollers prior to boarding. Strollers will be folded and stored in salon during cruise
- Guests with limited mobility: please see our Location page for drop-off location and directions. Please present yourself to our staff if you prefer early boarding
Photo: Melanie Mapes
Testimonials
The boat was immaculate. I had seen the brassware being polished before we boarded.
TripAdvisor Reviewer
Easily one of the best tours taken in 50+ years of travel.
TripAdvisor Reviewer
My parents came into town and a family member recommended we should go on this tour and it was, by far, the best thing I've ever done in Chicago. The tour guides (known as 'docents') are all local and know an incredible amount about the stunning architecture that exists in this city. The views from the river are stunning and provide hundreds of great photo opportunities.
TripAdvisor Reviewer
This tour is AMAZING. It came highly recommended, and it did not disappoint. One of my most favorite things we did on our trip to Chicago. Really amazing photo opportunities, too. P.S., the narrators are all volunteer, they truly love the city and its architecture and it shows! You'll love it...buy a ticket in advance/online, spots fill up fast!
TripAdvisor Reviewer
I had visitors from England visiting me and we had one day to see Chicago. We took Chicago’s First Lady boat tour given by the Chicago Architectural Foundation. My guests can’t thank me enough for their extraordinary sightseeing experience. What a wonderful way to show Chicago to out-of-town guests! My husband now wants to take our children so they can learn more about our great city too! The hospitality from the crew and tour given by the docent were outstanding. I highly recommend this tour. We will be going again!
TripAdvisor Reviewer