Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
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
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What‘s Included
Local guide (docents)
Restroom on board
Live commentary on board
River sightseeing cruise
Climate controlled lower level
Drinks & light snacks (available to purchase)
Storage for luggage
WiFi on board
What To Expect
Chicago River
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
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.
Options
Architectural River Cruise
Reviews
5,464 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Gorgeous day, great guide
V7354OJsarahf,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the most beautiful weather day in Chicago on Nov. 4 and thoroughly enjoyed our architecture tour. It kept our three kids’ (16, 13, and 10) attention the whole time and was also wheelchair accessible for my husband (minus access to a bathroom). Phil was an excellent tour guide and really filled us with knowledge over the hour and a half tour. Excellent ride. (I would have appreciated a family rate, but the boat was very clean and tidy; probably a fair rate!)
So informative,...
Julia C,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00So informative, comfortable, on time, and we had great weather - so, exceptional all-round! Highly recommended.
Great boat tour for history and architecture buffs!
marygS1943DR,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an outstanding and extremely educational tour on the Emerald Lady. Perfect introduction to the fascinating history of the city and its architecture, from past to present. Capt. Diamond and her crew were very professional, and the boat was comfortable inside and out. Our docent was extremely knowledgeable and did a great job of telling stories without going too far "into the weeds." This was my first time visiting Chicago, and I would definitely do this trip again. Thank you!
Highly Recommended
AbidF 12,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A 90-minute guided river tour which was most enjoyable. The ticket was $56 but it was worth it. The guide was eloquent and the speaker system was high quality. The boat was not overly crowded and there was ample time to follow each bit of information handed down by the guide Alyssa. Chicago is an extraordinary city in terms of architecture styles and this tour gave us a very well-rounded overview of how buildings had evolved here. It added a lot to my general knowledge and I was deeply appreciative of the hard work that had gone into this tour. The time of starting was 6 pm and this gave us half the time in daylight and half during and after sunset. It was beautiful. The ticket also enabled us to visit the Chicago Architecture Museum for an additional $5 ticket only and that to was worth it.
Well worth the money on a...
Cindy P,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Well worth the money on a beautiful sunny day. We did not venture inside so I can’t speak to that. Guide was very knowledgeable and added her personality to make her presentation lively.
Exceeded expectations
T2910VFjasonm,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic way to learn about and see the city! Totally exceeded expectations. Taught all about city history with architecture as the basis of the history.
Quintessential Chicago Experience!
196cindym,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Phil was an excellent guide! Very knowledgeable, professional, personable! I have taken this tour several times, and you always learn something new!
Freshly educated and enthused!
Marcspomper,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Super experience. Informed guide and a beautiful way to take in the citiy’s architecture and history.
Top notch experience
208margheritag,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The experience totally exceeded our expectations. Now we understand why so many friends had recommended it to us, and feel compelled to do the same for other people. It was a beautiful fall morning, the boat was comfortable and the service flawless, but most importantly our guide was incredibly knowledgeable. This company works with the Chicago Architecture Center, so all of their guides are incredibly competent and really convey interesting facts and details that you would not otherwise know, while my understanding is that other companies are more geared towards comedy and entertainment. Entertainment. Now I understand why it's a bit more expensive than other companies, but we were totally glad we chose this.
Excellent tour of high rise buildings
Helen B,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This is led by a knowledgable docent from the Chicago Architecture Center do visitors will learn more than on other tours.
Related Experiences
Operated by Chicago Architecture Foundation & Chicago's First Lady Cruises