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 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.
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
Options
Architectural River Cruise
Reviews
5,593 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Architecture Pro led tour
Passport55366857971,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Docent on this cruise with the First Lady was informative and made the experience very enjoyable! If he were to lead a walking tour of rest of Chicago’s interesting buildings, I would join in a heart beat!
Knowledgeable, professional tour guide
F976CGshawnk,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide, Bob was very professional and extremely knowledgeable. Highly recommend this tour if you want to see the sites and get to know everything about all of magnificent skyscrapers in the area.
How much you enjoy it is...
Lionel R,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00How much you enjoy it is gonna depend on how annoying the people around you are. I got pretty lucky it was cold and people went down. Great time!
Chicago river tour
Gary G,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a Great experience our volunteer guide Mary was outstanding! This is a must do Chicago experience.
Fantastic tour!!
TechLifeSteph,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was totally worth the price of the ticket! I was in Chicago for a conference and was able to sneak out for a bit to take this tour and it did not disappoint. Our tour docent Amanda was super knowledgeable and really gave us an appreciation for how absolutely beautiful the city of Chicago is!
Educational and Beautiful Tour
A189UFkylem,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved it! Doug is a great tour guide! He's very informative of the history of chicago along with the designs of the buildings.
A perfect cruise!
Trail17253767560,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We really enjoyed the boat ride. Our docent Doug H gave a perfectly paced, informative narration that made the historic buildings shine.
Great trip and very worrhwhile.
Richard W,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The commentary was done by Amy. She was amazing and her knowledge was amazing. The boat trip was a great way of seeing the amazing architecture and history of Chicago.
Great tour even with rain
Brandi G,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and engaging and delivered a quality tour despite the cold, rainy, blustery day. Key info - plastic rain ponchos available for purchase at the bar!
Anthony is the best!
Elizabeth T,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour is an absolute must for anyone visiting Chicago. The First Lady is a beautiful boat and all the staff was very professional. Our guide Anthony was incredibly knowledgeable about the architecture and history of every building along the river as well as a lot of history regarding Chicago. His presentation was spectacular!! We will be back and highly recommend to others!
From US$57.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Chicago Architecture Foundation & Chicago's First Lady Cruises