Chicago Sightseeing River and Lake Cruise
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Our popular 90-minute daytime river and lake sightseeing tour delights family members of all ages with incredible views of Chicago's world-renowned buildings and stunning skyline. Lively, knowledgeable tour guides bring Chicago’s rich history to life with fun stories and interesting facts. Relax and unwind on a scenic tour of the city from the unique perspective of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Welcome aboard!
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
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 River
The tour cruises along the main branch of the river. You’ll hear stories and insights about Chicago’s most iconic buildings and skyline landmarks.
Lake Michigan
Cruise along Lake Michigan for stunning views of the Chicago skyline.
What‘s Included
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Live commentary on board
Gratuities
Food and drinks
Options
Priority Boarding
Please arrive 30 minutes early: Priority Boarding Tickets include an exclusive early boarding period and the skip-the-queue during general boarding.
General Boarding
Reviews
567 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
First Rate on First Lady
Cecile L,May 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the Chicago river and Lake Michigan cruise. The tour guide was very professional, had great stories and knew an awful lot about Chicago’s architecture. The boat was clean, crew was friendly and everyone had a place to sit. All in all we had a fabulous time!
Very informative,...
John B,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very informative, relaxing and enjoyable! The boat was clean and the guide was superb! Grab a snack or drink right next to the boarding gates.
Great views! Interesting history about Chicago and the beautiful architecture!
Marline C,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour with beautiful views! Michael was great! Loved the history provided re: architecture and cultures and Lake Michigan. Went at 630pm so hit the sunset photo ops.
Interesting, informative...
Anthony L,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Interesting, informative enjoyable 90 minutes. Matthew our tour guide was awesome. Definitely worth it!
First Lady river boat tour
Timothy D,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful views of Chicago architecture, knowledgeable guide, gorgeous lake views. Very enjoyable! Would recommend highly.
Enjoyable!
496sammyj,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Perfect views of Chicago and very informative!
Highly recommended
Patricia O,Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00So informative and interesting, our guide was Uber knowledgeable and fun. So happy we took in the lake as well as the river.
Great tour of Chicago river and Lake Michigan
Micheal B,Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a fantastic river and lake tour that gives you great insight into the architecture of Chicago and some of its history. Our guide Hayley was fantastic (as was Mary Jo at the bar). Informative, fun, engaging — a great way to see some of Chicago!
Fantastic lake and river boat tour
YouMeanNo,Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great way to see the skyline from Lake Michigan plus some of the architecture from Chicago River. Joey, the tour guide, was on good form - funny and informative. A little more time on the river and less on the lake might have been better but would definitely recommend as a way of seeing Chicago from both.
It was a cool experience,...
Madison B,Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00It was a cool experience, but they did not offer enough seats. There were 4 of us, and had to stand on the side of the boat (where we were asked to move several times by a worker because we were in the way). Only other option was to sit inside the boat and miss out on part of the experience and sightseeing.
From US$46.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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