Sightseeing Cruises

Official Chicago Architecture Cruise by First Lady

Name: Official Chicago Architecture Cruise by First Lady
Start: 2026-06-13T14:00:00
End: 2026-06-13T15:30:00
Location: First Lady

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.

Duration

1 hr 30 mins

Guided tour

4.8/5(217)

Vanessa M

Group

Verified booking

Last week

On behalf of the DePaul University Study Abroad Team, we would like to say our tour guide was AMAZING. It was incredibly heartening to hear that she was volunteering her time to give weekly tours as a Chicago local. She was funny, witty, & has great storytelling skills. I am looking forward to reading her book about Chicago. I can't wait to do another architecture tour with my family!

Angela H

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

It was extremely easy to find and board. My tickets were digital so the attendant told me I needed to get them printed at the box office then we headed to gate 2. The docent was very knowledgeable and easy to hear. Every seat on the deck had a clear view of all the sights. I learned a lot of history about Chicago and how the water way evolved through the years. I loved it!

John B

Couple

Verified booking

5 days ago

The cruise along the Chicago River was beautiful and very informative. Our guide, a volunteer, was extremely knowledgeable about the architecture of the city. She shared details with us that were way beyond just general information. If we return to Chicago, we are highly likely to book another trip on the First Lady!

Jennifer K

Group

Verified booking

Last week

The architecture river cruise was one of the highlights of the trip. Our tour guide was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, and it was fascinating to learn about Chicago’s history, architecture, and the stories behind so many of the iconic buildings. It was fantastic!

Lisa D

Couple

Verified booking

5 days ago

The tour was very nice and i would definitely do again. Our guide was informative and engaging. I would suggest during the beginning safety spill to encourage people to silence their phones and be respectful to others who are trying to hear.

Kerry S

Group

Verified booking

4 days ago

Constance was our guide and she was so amazing. Easy on the eyes too but her knowledge and presentation of the city was captivating and engaging. She has such passion for her city and it shows in the energy she presents it.

90-minute guided architecture river cruise

Live narration by Chicago Architecture Center docents

Covers all three branches of the river

Guaranteed open-air outdoor seating

Restrooms onboard

Free stroller storage

Limited mobility services

Food and beverages (available for purchase at the bar/snack bar)

Gratuities

Parking (discounted parking available with validation, but not included)

Transportation or hotel pickup

TOTAL DURATION90 minutes - 90 minutes
FREQUENCYEvery 20-30 mins
MODE OF TRANSFERBoat
1 Boarding point
112 E. Wacker Drive
Get direction
Sights covered
NBC Tower
Trump International Hotel and Tower
Civic Opera House
Chicago Mercantile Exchange
Wrigley Building
Tribune Tower
DuSable Bridge
Marina City
333 Wacker Drive
Willis Tower
Aon Center
875 North Michigan Avenue
Aqua Tower
Lake Point Tower
Merchandise Mart
Lyric Opera
The Rookery
Carbide & Carbon Building
Chicago Board of Trade
Navy Pier
Adler Planeterium
La Salle Street Bridge

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

217 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
200
8
4
1
4
Guests from Canada, United Kingdom, Brazil and over 16 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Vanessa M
Group
Verified booking
Last week
On behalf of the DePaul University Study Abroad Team, we would like to say our tour guide was AMAZING. It was incredibly heartening to hear that she was volunteering her time to give weekly tours as a Chicago local. She was funny, witty, & has great storytelling skills. I am looking forward to reading her book about Chicago. I can't wait to do another architecture tour with my family!
Angela H
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
It was extremely easy to find and board. My tickets were digital so the attendant told me I needed to get them printed at the box office then we headed to gate 2. The docent was very knowledgeable and easy to hear. Every seat on the deck had a clear view of all the sights. I learned a lot of history about Chicago and how the water way evolved through the years. I loved it!
John B
Couple
Verified booking
5 days ago
The cruise along the Chicago River was beautiful and very informative. Our guide, a volunteer, was extremely knowledgeable about the architecture of the city. She shared details with us that were way beyond just general information. If we return to Chicago, we are highly likely to book another trip on the First Lady!
Jennifer K
Group
Verified booking
Last week
The architecture river cruise was one of the highlights of the trip. Our tour guide was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, and it was fascinating to learn about Chicago’s history, architecture, and the stories behind so many of the iconic buildings. It was fantastic!
Lisa D
Couple
Verified booking
5 days ago
The tour was very nice and i would definitely do again. Our guide was informative and engaging. I would suggest during the beginning safety spill to encourage people to silence their phones and be respectful to others who are trying to hear.

What to bring

A hat, sunglasses, or visor to shield you from the sun as you cruise.

Your booking confirmation, either on your phone or printed, for a smooth check-in.

A government-issued photo ID if staff request to verify your reservation.

What’s not allowed

Large suitcases or oversized bags; you’ll need to travel light.

Open strollers during boarding; please fold strollers and store them, and carry children aboard.

Outside food or beverages. Snacks and drinks are available to purchase on board.

Pets (service animals are welcome).

Any form of smoking, including e-cigarettes.

Accessibility

The cruise offers limited mobility services, including early boarding and river-level drop-off for guests with accessibility needs. However, full wheelchair accessibility may not be available on all vessels. Please contact the staff in advance for assistance.

Additional information

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure; general boarding starts 15 minutes prior.

Cruises run rain or shine; tickets cannot be refunded for no-shows.

Infants under three years old still require a paid ticket.

Open-air seating is guaranteed but unassigned; seating is first-come, first-served.

Enjoy discounted parking at 111 E. Wacker Drive; validation available at the ticket office (parking fees not included).

River routes may vary due to weather or city events.

A portion of every ticket sale supports the Chicago Architecture Center’s educational mission.

During major events or street closures, please allow extra travel time to reach the departure point.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Please arrive at the boarding point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the boarding point.

Boarding point

Board your cruise at First Lady.

Address: 112 E Wacker Dr, 60601 Cook County Chicago, US.

Get directions to the boarding point