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
5,060 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Terry the guide was great
Thomas R,
Sep 25, 2025
- Viator
5.00Terry the guide was great! Staff attentive to safety. Loved the vista seen from the top of the boat.
Chicago History from a Boat’s-Eye View
Christine S,
Sep 23, 2025
- Viator
5.00Non-English speakers may have difficulty understanding explanations because our tour spoke really fast.
Witness Chicago in Evolution
JuanCarlos V,
Sep 23, 2025
- Viator
5.00Excellent tour through the river. The guide, a volunteer from the Architecture Museum, was extremely knowledgeable and entertaining at the same time. We felt iur trip to Chicago was greatly enhanced by the information he imparted and visited the St. Regis for their 1871 Bloody Mary cocktail on his recommendation, which was excellent! Great tour, I highly recommend it, especially on the first or second day of a visit to Chicago, it helps with your bearings and understanding of this continuously evolving city.
Wonderful
Kelly K,
Sep 22, 2025
- Viator
5.00Tour guide was excellent. Lots of information for subjects. Can I remember all that? Not possible now..,
Chicago Architecture Tour
Sherry B,
Sep 22, 2025
- Viator
5.00Our guide was very knowledgeable about the buildings on our tour. I recommend sitting on the front deck with a clear view of everything.
Related Experiences
Operated by Chicago Architecture Foundation & Chicago's First Lady Cruises