Chicago River Ghost & Dark History Night Cruise
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
See Chicago from a different perspective on this evening cruise that explores the city’s darker side. As twilight settles over the skyline, glide along the Chicago River while hearing chilling tales of disasters, infamous criminals, and eerie legends tied to the city’s past.
This relaxed river cruise blends atmospheric storytelling with some of the best nighttime views of Chicago’s renowned skyline and landmarks. Grab a drink from the onboard bar, settle in, and let the city’s shadowy history unfold as you cruise through the heart of downtown.
By the end of the journey, you’ll have experienced Chicago’s skyline in a whole new way—while uncovering the chilling events, legends, and mysteries that shaped the city.
Please arrive 30 minutes in advance!
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Discounted parking available at 111 E. Wacker Drive. Please visit the dockside box office for parking ticket validation.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Chicago Riverwalk
Chicago's famous river walk is lined with things to do and see.
Pass and view famous landmark.
What‘s Included
Live commentary on board
Restroom on board
Alcoholic beverages and coffee/tea available for purchase
Options
General Boarding
General Boarding
Priority Boarding
Priority Boarding
Reviews
105 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Ghost town
LaQuita H,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The experience was different hearing all the stories made me feel connected to the city. We enjoyed ourselves and plan to visit the city before the end of the year.
Awesome tour, bad city.
Kyla T,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00If you do the last tour be prepared to not find food after everything closed on me after the tour. Taking pictures and listen to the guide/actor
Halloween Activity
C2012YIshannonw,Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Beautiful boat and gorgeous night time ride. There is an indoor section if you are cold. The bathroom is nice and there was a bar where I was able to get hot chocolate! The ghost are more family friendly.
Great time!
868coltonh,Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Overall this was a wonderful experience. Jacob the guide did a fantastic job of weaving stories of the city with lighthearted jokes and just a touch of morbidity and was very knowledgeable on the past of the city. The price was reasonable, bar was great and views were amazing. Good length to get a bite sized tour of the cities sordid past
Great time for a spooky outing!
Elsa A,Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a great spooky season tour and the tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable!!!! Views were amazing - definitely recommend if you want to learn about the dark side of Chicago
Fun experience with great views
Y6049THjenniferw,Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience. Beautiful views of the city and fun spooky tales with fun history. Our guide was great and it was a lot of fun.
Great experience!
juanmarbar,Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a fun activity, The views of the city from de river are spectaculars. The host was very eloquent while telling the city's spooky stories.
Great mix of history and the supernatural
braxtonh472,Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very fun experience!!! The guide was very informative and told the spooky stories and the history behind them which I very much enjoyed. there is a bar and bathroom on board which is very convenient. The only downside is that specifically when I went the elevators from the street to the riverwalk were not working so for anyone who has an issue with stairs you might want to call ahead.
Staff was extremely unprofessional and rude! Not worth it!
Katelyn R,Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00We spent 90 dollars for two people which isn’t bad priced. But we got 30 minutes earlier per instructed. The staff were unprofessional and extremely rude. The younger check in lady screamed at me because apparently I wasn’t starting correctly in the right spot because I was helping my disabled mother stand as they made us wait to board in the rain! I’m not mad we had to wait but I don’t appreciate being screamed at all because I was an inch from “touching” rope and apparently it wasn’t the start! I was the first person! Plus what’s the point of a ticket if y’all are going to check 3 times and still ask me what the name on the ticket was! Cruise was over crowded and since it was raining we had to shove inside the boat. Couldn’t hear the tour guide at all because everyone was screaming and drunk. They refuse to turn up the microphone or speaker whatever you call it. I’m not mad about the weather as that’s nothing you can control. But as I’m writing this 30 minutes into this cruise. Yall decide to give out rain ponchos. This was utterly disappointing.
If there’s any chance of rain don’t book and don’t expect creepy
J1338UMchelseal,Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00The girl attendant was rude. Then because they don’t allow any sort of exchange or refund. we were all forced to sit inside all soaking wet or face the pouring rain/lightening. You couldn’t hear the tour guide and it was not creepy at all due to the loud talkative atmosphere. It has been the biggest waste of money.
From US$46.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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