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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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First Lady Cruises Chicago
Cruise boat on Chicago River passing under Clark Street Bridge.
Guide speaking on the 'Chicago First Lady' cruise with city architecture in the background.
Chicago Riverwalk with people strolling, boats on the river, and 'Chicago's First Lady' tour boat.
Guests enjoying the view on the 'Chicago First Lady' cruise.
Chicago skyline with skyscrapers and river view, Illinois, USA.
Chicago skyline with modern skyscrapers reflecting sunset colors over the river.
from
$57
Chicago River cruise boat with city skyline in the background.
Couple enjoying Chicago River & Lake Sightseeing Cruise with city skyline in background.
Group enjoying Chicago River cruise with city skyline in background.
Tour guide speaking to passengers on Chicago River & Lake Sightseeing Cruise.
Cruise boat near Chicago Harbor Lighthouse on Lake Michigan.
Sightseeing cruise on Chicago River with view of city skyline and bridge.
Sightseeing cruise boat on Chicago River with city skyline in background.
Tourists photographing Chicago skyline from a boat on the Chicago River & Lake Sightseeing Cruise.
Explore at your pace
Meals included
  • Cruise through both the Chicago River and Lake Michigan on a 90-minute guided journey featuring panoramic skyline views, historic bridges, modern architecture, and passage through the Chicago Harbor Lock.

  • Listen to engaging live commentary from local guides sharing stories about Chicago’s architecture, landmarks, and history throughout the cruise.

  • Relax in general admission outdoor seating with access to open-air upper decks, enclosed lower salons, onboard restrooms, a full-service bar, and snack options.

  • Depart from the Chicago River dock with multiple sailings available from April through November, while children under 4 ride free and stroller storage is included for families.

  • Upgrade to skip-the-line boarding for early access and guaranteed upper deck seating with some of the best outdoor views on the cruise.

More details

  • Cruise through both the Chicago River and Lake Michigan on a 90-minute guided journey featuring panoramic skyline views, historic bridges, modern architecture, and passage through the Chicago Harbor Lock.

  • Listen to engaging live commentary from local guides sharing stories about Chicago’s architecture, landmarks, and history throughout the cruise.

  • Relax in general admission outdoor seating with access to open-air upper decks, enclosed lower salons, onboard restrooms, a full-service bar, and snack options.

  • Depart from the Chicago River dock with multiple sailings available from April through November, while children under 4 ride free and stroller storage is included for families.

  • Upgrade to skip-the-line boarding for early access and guaranteed upper deck seating with some of the best outdoor views on the cruise.

from
$46
Chicago River cruise boat at night with city skyline in the background.
Nighttime Chicago River cruise with skyline view and passengers on deck.
Group enjoying Chicago River & Lake Sightseeing Cruise at night.
Chicago River cruise at night with city skyline and illuminated buildings.
Sightseeing cruise on Chicago River at night with city skyline and Wrigley Building.
Cruise passengers on Chicago River at night with city skyline and bridge in view.
Chicago skyline at sunset viewed from a river cruise, with people taking photos.
Chicago skyline at night viewed from a river cruise, featuring illuminated skyscrapers.
1 hr 30 mins
Meals included
  • Cruise through the Chicago River and Lake Michigan at night on a 90-minute guided journey featuring illuminated skyline views, live commentary, and guaranteed outdoor seating.

  • See Chicago’s city lights from both open-air upper decks and enclosed climate-controlled lower decks, with cruises operating comfortably in all weather conditions.

  • Listen to engaging stories from your guide while sailing through the Chicago Harbor Lock, where the boat rises into Lake Michigan before returning to the river.

  • Relax with onboard amenities including restrooms, free stroller storage, a full-service bar, snack options, and early boarding support for guests with limited mobility, while children under 4 ride free with a ticket.

  • Upgrade to Priority Boarding for early access and the best choice of seats before general boarding begins, whether you prefer open-air or enclosed viewing areas.

More details

  • Cruise through the Chicago River and Lake Michigan at night on a 90-minute guided journey featuring illuminated skyline views, live commentary, and guaranteed outdoor seating.

  • See Chicago’s city lights from both open-air upper decks and enclosed climate-controlled lower decks, with cruises operating comfortably in all weather conditions.

  • Listen to engaging stories from your guide while sailing through the Chicago Harbor Lock, where the boat rises into Lake Michigan before returning to the river.

  • Relax with onboard amenities including restrooms, free stroller storage, a full-service bar, snack options, and early boarding support for guests with limited mobility, while children under 4 ride free with a ticket.

  • Upgrade to Priority Boarding for early access and the best choice of seats before general boarding begins, whether you prefer open-air or enclosed viewing areas.

from
$50
Crowd on Chicago Haunted River "Creepy Cruise" by First Lady under moonlit skyline.
Chicago River cruise boat at night with city skyline in the background.
Tour guide narrating on Chicago Haunted River "Creepy Cruise" with city skyline at night.
Chicago Haunted River "Creepy Cruise" passengers view illuminated buildings at night.
Chicago skyline at night during Haunted River "Creepy Cruise" by First Lady.
Chicago River cruise at night with city skyline and illuminated buildings.
1 hr 30 mins
Meals included
  • Experience a 90-minute nighttime cruise along the Chicago River, where a lively guide shares chilling stories of haunted history, mobsters, eerie sightings, and hidden secrets tied to the city’s past.

  • Depart from 111 E. Wacker Dr. along the Chicago Riverwalk and enjoy a guided tour featuring the city skyline at night, historic bridges, and landmarks connected to ghost stories and infamous figures.

  • Relax with general admission seating and access to both open-air upper decks and enclosed lower salons, with onboard restrooms, stroller storage, and assistance options for limited mobility guests.

  • Purchase snacks, beer, and wine onboard while enjoying an immersive storytelling experience that brings Chicago’s darker riverfront history and legends to life.

  • Upgrade to skip-the-line boarding for faster access and enhanced seating or commentary options, with cruises operating rain or shine for a flexible evening experience.

More details

  • Experience a 90-minute nighttime cruise along the Chicago River, where a lively guide shares chilling stories of haunted history, mobsters, eerie sightings, and hidden secrets tied to the city’s past.

  • Depart from 111 E. Wacker Dr. along the Chicago Riverwalk and enjoy a guided tour featuring the city skyline at night, historic bridges, and landmarks connected to ghost stories and infamous figures.

  • Relax with general admission seating and access to both open-air upper decks and enclosed lower salons, with onboard restrooms, stroller storage, and assistance options for limited mobility guests.

  • Purchase snacks, beer, and wine onboard while enjoying an immersive storytelling experience that brings Chicago’s darker riverfront history and legends to life.

  • Upgrade to skip-the-line boarding for faster access and enhanced seating or commentary options, with cruises operating rain or shine for a flexible evening experience.

from
$46
Chicago River cruise boat passing under a bridge with city skyline.
Chicago River with raised lift bridges and skyline during architecture cruise.
Tour boat on Chicago River with city skyline in background during architecture cruise.
Visitors on Chicago River cruise viewing city architecture.
Chicago River with skyline view, featuring modern skyscrapers on a 45min architecture cruise.
Chicago River with skyscrapers at sunset during architecture cruise.
Chicago River with skyscrapers and bridge at sunset during architecture cruise.
Chicago River at night with open lift bridge and illuminated skyline during architecture cruise.
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
45 mins - 1 hr 30 mins
from
$28
Cruise boat on Lake Michigan with Chicago skyline at sunset.
People enjoying a sunset cruise on Lake Michigan with a view of a lighthouse and Chicago skyline.
Chicago skyline at sunset viewed from Lake Michigan during a 90-minute scenic cruise.
Downtown Chicago skyscrapers at sunset with a cruise boat on Lake Michigan.
Cruise passengers view Chicago skyline at sunset on Lake Michigan.
Couple on deck enjoying Chicago skyline during 90-minute scenic sunset Lake Michigan cruise.
Group of friends enjoying wine on a Lake Michigan sunset cruise.
Chicago downtown skyline at sunset viewed from Lake Michigan.
Person photographing Chicago skyline during Lake Michigan sunset cruise.
Chicago skyline at sunset reflecting on Lake Michigan during a 90-minute scenic cruise.
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
1 hr 30 mins
from
$45
Chicago River architecture cruise boat passing under a lift bridge with city skyscrapers in the background.
Chicago River cruise boat with city skyline, part of 90 Min Chicago River and Lake Michigan Architecture Cruise.
Chicago River with skyline view, featuring modern skyscrapers on a 45min architecture cruise.
Chicago skyline with Willis Tower viewed from the river, featuring a raised railway bridge.
Chicago skyline with boats on the river during architecture cruise.
Tour boat on Chicago River with city skyline in background during architecture cruise.
Chicago River with skyscrapers at sunset during architecture cruise.
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
1 hr 30 mins
from
$45

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What our guests say

Naomi W

United States
Couple
Last week
Claudia, the docent and guide was FABULOUS! Not only was she knowledgeable, but she shared info and history with lots if enthusiasm. You couldn't help but be excited and impressed by the range and backstreet of the buildings and their designers. A must-see tour!

Official Chicago Architecture Cruise by First Lady

Marlene W

United States
Couple
Apr 2026
Anyone who visits Chicago should definietly take this cruise. What a beautiful city and the diversivied architure is spectacular. Our guide gave us a detailed history of so many of the buildings. He was amazing and it was fasinating to hear what a transformation Chicago and the Chicago went through, from dead livestock to a beautiful river and riverwalk. 5 star recommendation!

Official Chicago Architecture Cruise by First Lady

Caroline H

United States
Couple
2 weeks ago
My 1st time to Chicago, everyone I talked to who'd been there mentioned the Architecture Tour was a must. They were not wrong! The guide was a great mix of really intersting information and light humor so the 90 minutes flew by.

45-min Chicago River Architecture Cruise by Wendella

Asha M

United States
Solo
2 weeks ago

+3 more

Explanation was excellent. I loved the way he interacted with people. Lot of laughing! We waved people besides the river and it was fun. And the view was incredible!! A beautiful city!

45-min Chicago River Architecture Cruise by Wendella

Gomes L

Group
2 weeks ago
Only a cruise like this one lets you take such beautiful photos of Chicago at night. Beyond the cruise itself, there was a great atmosphere on board thanks to the wonderful crew. I highly recommend it!

90-min Scenic Sunset Lake Michigan Cruise by Wendella

Justin B

Solo
May 2026
Honestly the cruise was great but the guide Scotty D was incredible. He was fun, knowledgeable, and engaging. The cruise was a good mix of architecture and lake views, timely, and comfortable.

90-min Scenic Sunset Lake Michigan Cruise by Wendella

Lisa W

United States
Solo
3 weeks ago

+1 more

Very nice overview about the architecture and history of Chicago combined with amazing views from both River and Lake. Tess was an amazing narrator and answered all questions, perfect combination of Information and humor

90-min Chicago River and Lake Michigan Architecture Cruise by Wendella

Matias S

Argentina
Solo
May 2026
The great exposition of yours tourist guide, amazing, funny and very interesting. The length was perfect and the places incredibles. A must do in Chicago.

90-min Chicago River and Lake Michigan Architecture Cruise by Wendella

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