EveningRiver Cruise

NASCAR parking restrictions and street closures in effect June 2 - July 15. Click here for more information.

Evening River Cruise

Welcome aboard! Our 2023 season is underway!

Experience our renowned Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise in the glow of the setting sun. Serene and bathed in a softer light, the city's architecture takes on a whole new life as it begins its transition from day to night. Savor the views with friends and family as you enjoy a relaxing evening on the water with cocktail in-hand.

NASCAR Parking Restrictions and Street Closure Notice

Parking restrictions and street closures related to July’s NASCAR street race throughout downtown Chicago begin on June 2nd and extend through July 15th. Please visit this link for a full list of restrictions and closures prior to your visit and allow for extra time in arriving to our dock.

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We are committed to following the recommendations of public health officials and will continue to adapt as needed to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our guests and team.

General Boarding Tickets Start At

58.57

plus applicable tax

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Ticket Details

Priority Boarding tickets start at $73.49 and include exclusive early boarding period, skip-the-queue during general boarding, and Chicago Architecture Center admission
General Boarding tickets start at $58.57. Include a visit to the Chicago Architecture Center for just $5 more!
Tickets can be purchased online, in-person at our dock during regular season hours or at the Chicago Architecture Center. Avoid the box office by choosing "eTickets" or "Print at Home" as your delivery method.
Tour departures frequently sell out. Reserve your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
Select "Will Call" to pick up your tickets at our dockside ticket office; bring your confirmation number.
Each person must have a ticket including infants and children.
Prices do not include applicable tax and are subject to change.

General Boarding Tickets Start At

58.57

plus applicable tax

Ticket Details Buy Tickets

Full Schedule

Early Spring March 31 - April 27

Mon
Tues
Wed
Thu
Fri 6:00^pm
Sat 6:00^pm
Sun 6:00^pm

Late Spring April 28 - May 25

Mon
Tues
Wed
Thu
Fri 7:00^pm
Sat 7:00^pm
Sun

Summer May 26 - October 9

Mon 5:30^pm 7:30^pm
Tues7:00^pm
Wed
Thu 5:30^pm 7:30^pm
Fri 5:30^pm 7:30^pm
Sat 5:30^pm 7:30^pm
Sun 5:30^pm 7:30^pm

Early Fall October 10 - October 29

Mon
Tues
Wed
Thu
Fri 5:30^pm 7:30^pm
Sat 5:30^pm 7:30^pm
Sun 5:30^pm

Schedule

Mon 5:30^pm 7:30^pm
Tues 7:00^pm
Wed
Thu 5:30^pm 7:30^pm
Fri 5:30^pm 7:30^pm
Sat 5:30^pm 7:30^pm
Sun 5:30^pm 7:30^pm

See all seasons

Location

Located on Chicago’s Riverwalk

112 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago IL 60601

We are located at Michigan Ave and Wacker Drive, Chicago IL

More Info

Photo Gallery

Is there a bar and food onboard?
Yes. All boats have a full bar available onboard with cocktails, wine, craft beer, water, cold brew and more, as well as locally sourced snacks available for purchase.
What sets your tours apart from the others?
We are the only tour that partners with the Chicago Architecture Center to offer the official Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady. All of our tours are given by experienced, volunteer docents who receive hundreds of hours of training from the Chicago Architecture Center before guiding the river cruise tour.
How long is the tour?
Each tour is 90 minutes.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Advance reservations are recommended as many tours sell out.
Is there assigned seating?
All seating is general admission, though proper distancing measures are put in place to ensure the safety of each party outside of their own groups, per city ordinances. There is enough seating for all guests to have a seat outside. While seat numbers are printed on the tickets, you can ignore these as they are not valid.
Are tours offered in any languages other than English?
The Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady is given in English. However, there are foreign language brochures available at the ticket office and next to our outdoor beverage cart, in a variety of languages: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Chinese and Arabic.
Do I have to print my tickets?
You do not have to print your tickets. You can show your mobile ticket to our dock attendant with your smartphone, or you can have your tickets printed at the dockside will call window (be sure to bring a photo ID and your confirmation number).
Does the boat go on the lake?
No, the tour is only on the Chicago River. If you’d like to take a lake tour, please check out our sister cruise line Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline.
Are there restrooms onboard?
Yes, all the boats have restrooms onboard. There are also wheelchair accessible bathrooms on the Classic Lady and Leading Lady. Please note: the restrooms close 15 minutes before the end of the tour for safety reasons.
Can I bring luggage onboard?
Due to security reasons, luggage cannot be brought onboard. There is not an area to store your luggage dockside either. We recommend having your hotel hold your luggage.
Can I bring a stroller onboard?
Yes, you can bring a stroller onboard. Children must be removed from strollers before boarding. Strollers will be folded and stored in the salon during the cruise.
Are there changing tables onboard?
The Classic Lady and Leading Lady have changing tables onboard in the family restroom. The Little Lady, Fair Lady, and First Lady do not have changing tables onboard.
Are dogs allowed onboard?
Only service dogs are allowed onboard. Our sister company, Mercury, offers the popular Canine Cruise on summer weekends.
How can I get to your dock without using stairs?
There are two ways to reach our dock along Chicago’s Riverwalk without using stairs:
1. On foot via the ramp located on Wacker Drive at State Street.
2. Vehicle drop-off area on Lower Wacker Drive.
Can I trade my tickets for a different date/time?
No, all tickets are nonrefundable and nonexchangeable.
Do you cruise rain or shine?
Yes, we cruise rain or shine. All the boats have two levels – the top deck is open-air, and the lower deck is an enclosed, climate-controlled salon. Each salon is surrounded by large windows so you can stay comfortable while still taking in the magnificent views. Tour commentary is broadcast over speakers on both levels.
Are the boats wheelchair accessible?
Chicago's Leading Lady and Chicago’s Classic Lady are wheelchair-accessible. These vessels cruise at the 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 5pm departure times. When boarding, guests cross two ramps and enter through a 36-inch-wide opening (doorway). Crew members will assist in guiding the wheelchair across the gangway. Please present yourself to our staff if you prefer to board before general boarding starts. Guests unable to climb stairs to the upper deck may choose to sit in the open-air bow or the enclosed, climate-controlled salon with large windows. 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.

Evening River Cruise

General Boarding Tickets Start At

Ticket Details

General Boarding Tickets Start At

Full Schedule

Schedule

Location

Tour Details & Tips

Amenities & Accessibility

Photo Gallery

FAQ