Popular things to do
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Wendella Cruises Chicago
Since 1935, family‑owned Wendella Cruises Chicago has been sharing the city’s story from the water. Depart downtown for an architecture tour along the Chicago River, a scenic Lake Michigan cruise, golden‑hour sunset sail, fireworks voyage or private charter; each boat features climate‑controlled salons, open‑air decks and expert local narration.
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First Lady Cruises Chicago
First Lady Cruises Chicago operates a fleet of elegant boats; each with open‑air upper decks, climate‑controlled lower salons, upscale marble restrooms and a full bar. As the only official cruise partner of the Chicago Architecture Center, they deliver expert‑led river and lake sightseeing, enchanting sunset and fireworks voyages, plus fully customizable private charters for groups large or small.
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Chicago River Architecture Cruise Tickets
The Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise follows the Chicago River through the Loop and along the lake, with licensed architect guides pointing out the city's landmark skyscrapers and design history. Find 90-minute standard cruise tickets, sunset session options, and evening cruise formats here.
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Shoreline Cruises Chicago
Shoreline Cruises Chicago operates the city’s largest fleet; 11 tour vessels and 7 water taxis-delivering architecture river cruises, skyline lake excursions, festive fireworks sails and custom private charters. Guests enjoy open‑air observation decks, fully climate‑controlled cabins and entertaining expert commentary on Chicago’s architectural heritage.
Top experiences in Chicago
Free cancellation
Slide 1 of 1, Dinner cruise boat on Chicago River with illuminated city skyline at night.

Free cancellation
Slide 1 of 1, Guests dining on Odyssey Lake Michigan Dinner Cruise at sunset.

Free cancellation
Slide 1 of 1, Odyssey Chicago River boat cruising on the Chicago River with city skyline.

Free cancellation
Slide 1 of 1, Guests enjoying drinks on a Lake Michigan dinner cruise with Chicago skyline in the background.

Free cancellation
Slide 1 of 1, Fireworks over Chicago River with boats during dinner cruise.

Free cancellation
Slide 1 of 1, Chicago River with tour boats and bridges in downtown Chicago.

Free cancellation
Slide 1 of 1, Cruise boat on Chicago River with city skyline in background.

Slide 1 of 1, Cruise boat on Chicago River passing under Clark Street Bridge.

Free cancellation
Slide 1 of 1, Tour boat on Chicago River with city skyline and bridge in background.

Free cancellation
Slide 1 of 1, Chicago River cruise boat passing under DuSable Bridge with city buildings in the background.

Free cancellation
Slide 1 of 1, Chicago River cruise boat passing under a bridge with city skyline.

Free cancellation
Slide 1 of 1, Chicago River architecture cruise boat passing under a lift bridge with city skyscrapers in the background.

4.8(272)
Sightseeing Cruises
$45
Slide 1 of 1, Chicago River cruise boat with city skyline in the background.

Free cancellation
Slide 1 of 1, Cruise boat on Lake Michigan with Chicago skyline at sunset.

Slide 1 of 1, Chicago River cruise boat at night with city skyline in the background.

Selling out fast
Slide 1 of 1, Crowd on Chicago Haunted River "Creepy Cruise" by First Lady under moonlit skyline.

Free cancellation
Slide 1 of 1, Moored tour boats on the Chicago River at sunrise with city skyline.

Free cancellation
Slide 1 of 1, Cruise boat on Lake Michigan with Chicago skyline in the background.

Free cancellation
Slide 1 of 1, Sea Dog Cruise boat on Lake Michigan with Chicago skyline in the background.

Free cancellation
Slide 1 of 1, Tour boat on Chicago River with city skyline in background.

Free cancellation
Slide 1 of 1, Tour boat near Chicago's Navy Pier on a sunny day during the Chicago Skyline Lake Tour.

Free cancellation
Slide 1 of 1, Tour boat on Chicago River with city skyscrapers in the background.

Free cancellation
Slide 1 of 1, View from Willis Tower Skydeck in Chicago at sunset.

Free cancellation
Slide 1 of 1, Guest viewing Chicago skyline from lakefront during Skydeck and Architecture Cruise tour.

NEW
Willis Tower Skydeck Tickets
$129
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What our guests say
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Elisabetta B
Group
5/5
The cruise is very, very well organized; the staff were punctual and professional. Above all, it is much more comprehensive than others, as it offers a view of the city from both the lake and the river. Truly spectacular. The guide on board was very knowledgeable. I highly recommend it.
Chicago River & Lake Sightseeing Cruise by First Lady
A
Anne M
United KingdomCouple
5/5
Jean, our guide, was fabulous! Such a wealth of knowledge conveyed in an interesting and humorous style. Thoroughly recommend!
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady
R
Richard R
United StatesGroup
5/5
+1 more
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An Unforgettable Chicago Architecture Cruise Experience!
We had an amazing time aboard the First Lady Chicago Architecture Cruise! The tour guide was not only entertaining but also incredibly knowledgeable, bringing Chicago’s rich history and stunning architecture to life with fascinating stories, interesting facts, and a great sense of humor. The entire experience was both educational and enjoyable, and the breathtaking views of Chicago’s skyline from the river made it even more memorable. 🚢🏙️
Highly recommended for anyone visiting Chicago! It’s a wonderful way to appreciate the city’s architectural beauty and learn the stories behind its iconic buildings. Definitely a must-do Chicago experience! ❤️
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady
C
Callie M
United StatesCouple
5/5
First time in Chicago. Decided to do this night one just to get a feel for the city. It was raining and the views were still amazing!
45-min Chicago River Architecture Cruise by Wendella
M
Michele S
United StatesCouple
5/5
Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. It was just the right amount of time. Everyone was helpful and friendly. Thank you!
75-Minute Chicago River Architecture Cruise by Shoreline
M
Michael S
United StatesSolo
5/5
+1 more
I enjoyed going so far out into Lake Michigan for all the pictures I could handle of the Chicago coastline! It was absolutely beautiful! Did I mention this was the Night Cruise? It was beyond exquisite!
It was so great, in fact, I had to video call my family and show them THIS part of my journey! They were so excited and impressed!
Also, our guide Doug was awesome! The info and history he had about the various buildings and locations gave me the truest sense of a tour that kept me interested and wanting to come back for more! Thank you for bringing him on-board with us! Even with his mandated quota of bad jokes!
Chicago at Night: River & Lake Sightseeing Cruise by First Lady
M
Monica D
United StatesGroup
5/5
We could not have had a better guide. Alex, you were amazing. Your knowledge and the way you are able to communicate it are top tier. You are witty and funny. Thank you for a wonderful experience.
90-min Chicago River Architecture Cruise by Wendella
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Lori S
United StatesSolo
5/5
Wendella boat tours are wonderful, I have been on several. My favorite is the Lake and River cruise.
The Dosets are very knowledgeable about the city.
The scenery of the downtown from the lake view is spectacular.
I highly recommend this tour.
It was my third this summer!
90-min Chicago River and Lake Michigan Architecture Cruise by Wendella
