90 minute architecture boat tour chicago

Chicago River Architecture Tour

Chicago's Original Architecture Tour®

Experience the city’s legendary architecture from the best seat in the house—the river. Our experienced tour guides detail the 130 year long history behind the skyline, while our bartenders and staff keep you comfortable and entertained. This comprehensive tour navigates through the heart of the city on all three branches of the Chicago River. It’s the one thing everyone tells you to do in Chicago, done right.

Schedule & Tickets

• Adult: $44.00
• Child (4-12): $20.00
• Under 4: Free (ticket required)

TICKETS ARE NON REFUNDABLE BUT ARE TRANSFERABLE.

• Parking & Directions
• More Information
• COVID-19 Safety
• Boarding begins 15-30 minutes prior to scheduled departure time.
• All bags are subject to inspection.
• Prohibited Items: Outside Alcohol, Weapons of any kind (Firearms, Knives, etc.), Flammables, Explosives.

Your boat includes:

Drinks & Snacks

Full-service bar with wine, local beer, and craft cocktails, as well as an assortment of snacks, all for purchase. Pinkies up!

Expert Tour Guide

Never boring, always entertaining.

Accessibility

Everyone should be able to enjoy our tours. We make sure you can.

No need to hold it. We have changing tables for the little ones who don’t know what holding it is.

Climate-Controlled Lounge

Keeping you cool when it's warm and warm when it's cool (or freezing).

*Not all amenities are available on every vessel.

BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE NOW

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Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady

Architecture Adventure Awaits!

Explore Chicago’s iconic architecture aboard TripAdvisor’s #1 rated boat tour of the city. The only Chicago River cruise partnered with the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC), Chicago’s First Lady Cruises offers visitors the city’s most engaging 90-minute architectural tour experience.

Highly trained and enthusiastic volunteer CAC docents (guides) provide visitors with a compelling and detailed narrative of Chicago's numerous architectural styles and the stories of the legendary figures who designed and built our city.

Enjoy cruising in comfort and style aboard Chicago’s Finest Fleet, featuring unobstructed sightlines and guaranteed seating on our open-air upper decks and full-service cocktail and snack bars in our climate-controlled interior salons. You’ll see why visitors and locals alike consistently name our tour the best way to see Chicago.

Experience More!

Complete your architecture experience with a visit to the Chicago Architecture Center, just $5 with a General Boarding Ticket and valid for up to 7 days after your cruise.

Or, treat yourself to a Priority Boarding Ticket, which includes exclusive early boarding period, skip-the-queue during general boarding, and CAC admission.

View Route   Buy Tickets

General Boarding Tickets Start At

Ticket details.

• Priority Boarding tickets start at $69 and include exclusive early boarding period, skip-the-queue during general boarding, and Chicago Architecture Center admission.
• General Boarding tickets start at $54. Include a visit to the Chicago Architecture Center for just $5 more!
• Tickets can be purchased online , in-person at our dock during regular season hours or at the Chicago Architecture Center.
• Avoid the box office by choosing "eTickets" or "Print at Home" as your delivery method.
• Tour departures frequently sell out. Reserve your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
• Select "Will Call" to pick up your tickets at our dockside ticket office; bring your confirmation number.
• Each person must have a ticket including infants and children.
• Prices are subject to change.

Full Schedule

Early Spring March 17 - April 25

• Mon 10:00 am 12:00 pm 2:00 pm 4:00 pm
• Tues 10:00 am 12:00 pm 2:00 pm 4:00 pm
• Wed 10:00 am 12:00 pm 2:00 pm 4:00 pm
• Thu 10:00 am 12:00 pm 2:00 pm 4:00 pm
• Fri 10:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm
• Sun 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm

Late Spring April 26 - May 23

• Mon 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm 7:00 pm
• Tues 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm
• Wed 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm
• Thu 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm 7:00 pm
• Fri 10:00 am 11:00 am 11:30 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 1:30 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:30 pm 7:00 pm
• Sun 9:30 am 10:00 am 11:00 am 11:30 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 1:30 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm 6:00 pm

Summer May 24 - October 14

• Mon 10:00 am 11:00 am 11:30 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 1:30 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:30 pm 7:30 pm
• Tues 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm 7:00 pm
• Wed 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 6:00 pm
• Thu 10:00 am 11:00 am 11:30 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 1:30 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 4:00 pm 5:30 pm 7:30 pm
• Fri 9:30 am 10:00 am 10:30 am 11:00 am 11:30 am 12:00 pm 12:30 pm 1:00 pm 1:30 pm 2:00 pm 2:30 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 4:00 pm 4:30 pm 5:00 pm 5:30 pm 7:00 pm 7:30 pm
• Sun 9:30 am 10:00 am 10:30 am 11:00 am 11:30 am 12:00 pm 12:30 pm 1:00 pm 1:30 pm 2:00 pm 2:30 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 4:00 pm 4:30 pm 5:00 pm 5:30 pm 7:30 pm

Early Fall October 15 - November 3

• Mon 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm
• Thu 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm
• Fri 10:00 am 11:00 am 11:30 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 1:30 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:30 pm 7:00 pm 7:30 pm
• Sun 10:00 am 11:00 am 11:30 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 1:30 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 4:00 pm 5:30 pm 6:00 pm

Late Fall November 4 - November 24

• Fri 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm
• Sun 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm

2024 cruising season begins March 17th and extends through November 24th. Tickets on sale now!

We are located at Michigan Ave and Wacker Drive, Chicago IL

Tour Details & Tips

• Tour Duration 90 minutes
• Arrival Time Make sure your entire party arrives 30 minutes prior to departure.
• Priority Boarding Tickets  include exclusive early boarding period, skip-the-queue during general boarding, and Chicago Architecture Center admission.
• General Boarding Tickets begin boarding approximately 15 minutes before departure.
• Seating Open outdoor seating is guaranteed for all guests. The number on your ticket does not represent a seat number.
• Tour Route The tour travels all three branches of the Chicago River. View tour route map.  Route subject to change without notice.
• Cruises depart rain or shine. Tickets may not be refunded or exchanged if you miss your boat - allow extra time.
• What to Bring Your sunglasses, cap or visor, as the sun can interfere with your view of the buildings.
• Parking Discounted parking available at 111 E. Wacker Drive with proper validation from ticket office. Visit our  Location page  for more.
• Did you know? A portion of your ticket fee supports the educational work of the Chicago Architecture Center!
• Food & Drink  A full-service bar and snack bar are available on every vessel
• Outdoor Seating Each vessel features an open-air upper deck which allows guests to safely enjoy the outdoors
• Restrooms  Well-appointed restrooms are available on each vessel
• Free Stroller Storage  Strollers will be folded and stored in the interior salon during the cruise. Children must be removed from strollers before boarding.
• Limited Mobility Services Available  See our Location page for river-level drop-off directions for guests with accessibility needs. Our staff is also available to provide early boarding services for those with limited mobility.

“I learned so much and left with a vastly greater appreciation of Chicago's stunning skyline.” - Jennifer S. TripAdvisor, IL

Photo Gallery

• What sets your tours apart from the others?

We are the only tour that partners with the Chicago Architecture Center to offer the official Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady. All of our tours are given by experienced, volunteer docents who receive hundreds of hours of training from the Chicago Architecture Center before guiding the river cruise tour.

• How long is the tour?
• Each tour is 90 minutes.
• Is there food/drink available onboard?

Yes. All boats have a full service bar and small snacks onboard. Outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted.

• Do I need to buy tickets in advance?

Advance reservations are recommended as many tours sell out during the busy summer season and on weekends.

• Is there assigned seating?

All seating is general admission. There is enough seating for all guests to sit on our open air upper decks safely and with proper distancing measures in place. While seat numbers are printed on the tickets, you can ignore these as they are not valid.

• Are tours offered in any languages other than English?

We are happy to offer free foreign language audio guides in Spanish, French, Japanese and Korean. Scan the QR code onboard for instructions. Mobile data for app download required.

• Do I have to print my tickets?
• You do not have to print your tickets. You can show your mobile ticket to our dock attendant with your smartphone, or you can have your tickets printed at the dockside will call window (be sure to bring a photo ID and your confirmation number).
• Does the boat go on the lake?

No, the tour is only on the Chicago River. If you’d like to take a lake tour, please check out our sister cruise line Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline .

• Are there restrooms onboard?

Yes, all the boats have restrooms onboard. There are also wheelchair accessible bathrooms on the Classic Lady, Leading Lady, and Emerald Lady. Please note: the restrooms close 15 minutes before the end of the tour for safety reasons.

• Can I bring luggage onboard?
• Due to security reasons, luggage cannot be brought onboard. There is not an area to store your luggage dockside either. We recommend having your hotel hold your luggage.
• Can I bring a stroller onboard?
• Yes, you can bring a stroller onboard. Children must be removed from strollers before boarding. Strollers will be folded and stored in the salon during the cruise.
• Are there changing tables onboard?

The Classic Lady, Leading Lady, and Emerald Lady have changing tables onboard in the family restroom. The Little Lady, Fair Lady, and First Lady do not have changing tables onboard.

• Are dogs allowed onboard?

Only service dogs are allowed onboard. Our sister company, Mercury , offers the popular Canine Cruise on summer weekends.

• How can I get to your dock without using stairs?

There are two ways to reach our dock along Chicago’s Riverwalk without using stairs: 1. On foot via the ramp located on Wacker Drive at State Street. 2. Vehicle drop-off area on Lower Wacker Drive. Visit our location page for more information.

• Can I trade my tickets for a different date/time?
• No, all tickets are nonrefundable and nonexchangeable.
• Do you cruise rain or shine?
• Yes, we cruise rain or shine. All the boats have two levels – the top deck is open-air, and the lower deck is an enclosed, climate-controlled salon. Each salon is surrounded by large windows so you can stay comfortable while still taking in the magnificent views. Tour commentary is broadcast over speakers on both levels.
• Are the boats wheelchair accessible?

Chicago's Leading Lady, Chicago’s Classic Lady, and Chicago's Emerald Lady are wheelchair-accessible. These vessels cruise at the 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 5pm departure times. When boarding, guests cross two ramps and enter through a 36-inch-wide opening (doorway). Crew members will assist in guiding the wheelchair across the gangway. Please present yourself to our staff if you prefer to board before general boarding starts. Guests unable to climb stairs to the upper deck may choose to sit in the open-air bow or the enclosed, climate-controlled salon with large windows. 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. Visit our accessibility page for more information.

Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours

Chicago River Tours | Fireworks Tours | Jazz/Cocktail Tours

Chicago River Boat Architectural Tour

Forming a length of 156 miles when combined, the Chicago River is a system of rivers and canals the characterize the infamous skyline of Chicago today. The river, running through the city, including the city center Chicago Loop, is evident of man made design and infrastructure when completed craftily. In 1887, the river was reversed through civil engineering by taking water from Lake Michigan and discharging it into the Mississippi Watershed. Memorialized today, it’s a national landmark you have to add to your travel list.

Throughout our signature cruise one of our award-winning Docents will present more than 50 skyscrapers, bascule bridges, and historic sites.

In a world of iconic architecture, only a few images are so instantly recognized they need no subtitle.

Think of the Venetian canals, a Shinto temple, the medieval Cathedral at Chartres, or the unmistakable skyline of Chicago. Each year thousands of architecture lovers travel to the City of Chicago, the birthplace of the skyscraper… and thousands book passage aboard our enthralling river tour, widely considered the best 90-minutes spent in Chicago.

On your Architectural Tour you will learn how the Great Chicago Fire jumped a river and allowed for visionaries of structural steel and plate glass, such as John Wellborn Root, William Le Baron Jenney, Louis Sullivan (Wright’s mentor) and Daniel Burnham, in less than ten years, lift Chicago from the ashes of the fire to new heights. Chicago’s ascent continued into the 20th century with titanic figures such as Bertrand Goldberg, Fazlur Khan and Mies van der Rohe – (higher/taller) buildings, sleeker – and it has soared in the 21st century with audacious new steeples such as The Trump Tower and Aqua designed by Jeanne Gang, an internationally known artist of architectural design.

Join us for a 90-minute Architectural Tour aboard Chicago Line Cruises.  On Saturdays, at 8:30 p.m. we offer a 2 hour Architectural / Fireworks Cruise.

A jaw-dropping excursion through a city that defied all expectations … even the laws of gravity.

Tour Information

• Seniors $48
• Kids under 6 go free!
• 3 pm *Not Available Friday thru Sunday Summer Months*
• 90 minute duration

Are you ready to learn more about Chicago’s architecture nestled along the Chicago River?

Be sure to bring your camera – you’re not going to want to miss these shots.

BOOK YOUR TOUR NOW

By Phone: (708) 488-6343

Tour departure location.

465 N McClurg Ct, Chicago, IL 60611

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Architecture Boat Tours in Downtown Chicago

Sightseeing on all 3 branches of the chicago river, 5000+ 5 reviews, longest tour & best deal in the city, discounts & promotions, discover the windy city from the water, set sail on a premier charter cruise.

Architecture boat tours are one of the best ways to delve into Chicago’s history. You’ll see the different art styles on the buildings that line the Chicago River’s shores while expert guides explain how the city was rebuilt after the 1871 Great Chicago Fire . We offer 90-minute architecture tours that cover all three branches of the Chicago River, or you can book a private boat tour for your event that covers Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Check out our cruises below to learn more.

Chicago’s Best 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour

Private cruises & tours, learn about our group discounts and more, located downtown for your convenience.

Looking for a fun way to go sightseeing with your group? We offer discounts on groups of six or more adults (better discounts for 10 or more) , as well as 40% plus discounts for students, seniors, first responders, military & military families, veterans, COVID-19 heroes, and school groups . Did we mention kids aged 3 and under are also free? Our marina is located in the south loop and is right off the expressway with easy parking options making it easy for you to bring your out-of-town visitors out on the water. Additionally, we are the closest dock to McCormick Place , the main convention center in Chicago, making it easy for business travelers to experience Chicago’s famous architecture boat cruise. With the best prices in town and one of the longest architecture tours around , you can’t go wrong with Tours & Boats!

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Hear from Our Previous Guests

Alexandra h..

We used to live in Chicago and went back to show the city to our teenage children. The architectural boat tour was a great start to introduce them to the architectural landscape and history of our beloved city. […] The captain of the boat was a lot of fun and our tour guide was very knowledgeable. I studied the architecture of Chicago in college and she knew her facts.

We had a great informational time on the tour. So many buildings, so little time! Even at 90 minutes the tour seemed to fly by. Our guide, Sean, did a great job keeping the same pace as the boat describing each building in great detail, builders, architects, year, styles, and revisions.

Absolutely terrific river tour of Chicago’s architecture. When the other architectural tours were full, we defaulted to this one. HOME RUN! Billy was a wonderful guide. Obviously comfortable in front of a crowd, and his spontaneity kept us entertained throughout.

Donamarie S.

I have wanted to book this boat tour for years! I had family in town from England as well as out of state so I figured this would be perfect for everyone to see as much as possible with such a big group. It was perfect! We had so much fun!

Fun experience! The tour guide and captain of the ship were funny and engaging. The views is spectacular. I was born and raised in Chicago, but seeing it from the river at sunset was just spectacular. The route that was taken was incredibly scenic and I got some awesome shots of the city.

Want to read more about Chicago?

Check out some of our recent blog posts, chicago winter events 2021, things to do in fall in chicago 2021, things to do on the chicago riverwalk, follow @toursandboats on instagram, want more information, we’re here to help.

• GET DIRECTIONS
• Cruise Information
• Private Events

CHICAGO ARCHITECTURAL CRUISE

90 minutes — river only , chicago architectural cruise.

Adults : $50    Seniors : $48    Youths 7–12 : $30    Children 6 and under : Free

Military: $5 off per ticket purchased credit for active military, veterans and each family member. Present military ID upon arrival.

Throughout our signature cruise one of our award-winning Docents will present more than 50 skyscrapers, bascule bridges, and historic sites.

In a world of iconic architecture, only a few images are so instantly recognized they need no subtitle.

Think of the Venetian canals, a Shinto temple, the medieval Cathedral at Chartres, or the unmistakable skyline of Chicago. Each year thousands of architecture lovers travel to the City of Chicago, the birthplace of the skyscraper… and thousands book passage aboard our enthralling river tour, widely considered the best 90-minutes spent in Chicago.

On your Architectural Tour you will learn how the Great Chicago Fire jumped a river and allowed for visionaries of structural steel and plate glass, such as John Wellborn Root, William Le Baron Jenney, Louis Sullivan (Wright’s mentor) and Daniel Burnham, in less than ten years, lift Chicago from the ashes of the fire to new heights. Chicago’s ascent continued into the 20th century with titanic figures such as Bertrand Goldberg, Fazlur Khan and Mies van der Rohe – (higher/taller) buildings, sleeker – and it has soared in the 21st century with audacious new steeples such as The Trump Tower and Aqua designed by Jeanne Gang, an internationally known artist of architectural design.

Join us for a 90-minute Architectural Tour aboard Chicago Line Cruises. On Wednesdays at 8pm and Saturdays at 8:30pm, we offer a 2-hour Architectural Fireworks Cruise.

A jaw-dropping excursion through a city that defied all expectations … even the laws of gravity.

CRUISE WITH CHICAGO LINE & EXPERIENCE

Unbeatable chicago views.

OVERVIEW OF CHICAGO LINE’S

MERCHANDISE

Never forget your onboard experience on your Chicago Line cruise. Be sure to purchase one of our stylish souvenirs today!

COMPLIMENTARY

Starbucks Coffee, Twinings Tea, Coca-Cola soft drinks and lemonade are all complimentary.

BEER, WINE & COCKTAILS

Beer, wine and cocktails are available for purchase at any time.

CHICAGO LINE CRUISES

Sail with us, make your moments memorable with chicago line cruises.

PRIVATE EVENTS

For parties up to 170, we have fully-outfitted boats and onboard amenities to help you create a private event they’ll talk about for years to come.

DO YOU HAVE A GROUP OF 20 OR MORE? CONTACT US FOR SPECIAL RATES!

Group discount rates are available for parties of 20 or more aboard any of our river cruises.

GIVE THE GIFT OF CHICAGO LINE TOURS!

GIFT TICKETS

To give a special someone, friend or client the best tour in Chicago, simply ask at our ticket office or contact us.

This is my 8th time on a Chicago architectural river cruise and this was by far the most informative and biggest bang for your buck. Operagolf / LaHabra

The best guide on our whole USA trip. We took the Architecture tour where the boat meandered in between all of the incredible buildings of the city with the guide knowing EVERYTHING about each building; its style, age, height, architect, cost, purpose, owner ….. Quite brilliant! DrCumbrian / TripAdvisor

I've done several of the architecture cruises since my family moved to Chicago, and this is the best one yet! Allie K / TripAdvisor

If you only have time for one sight-seeing event while in Chicago, do this. We really have no great interest in architecture, but this tour came highly recommended and we did not regret it. Allice I / Oklahoma

My wife and I very much enjoyed the Chicago Line Cruise jazz cruise... My spouse said this was one of the favorite things she has done in Chicago since moving here in the past year, and I agree. I am a jazz snob, and ... I was very pleased with the music offered by the Geordie Kelly group. He's a fine jazz guitarist, and his band was great. Augie R / Yelp

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Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady

Experience why we're the #1 rated boat cruise in Chicago, tickets are on sale now for the 2024 season!

Buy Tickets

Voted as one of the Top 10 Boat Tours in North America by USA Today readers for 3 years in a row and Chicago Reader's Best Tour for over 10 years ! Looking for the ultimate Chicago architecture experience? Buy a combo ticket for the river cruise AND visit the Chicago Architecture Center—you'll save $9!

For more than 25 years, the CAC's expertly trained docent volunteers have led the CAC River Cruise, sharing fascinating stories behind more than 50 buildings along the Chicago River. Hear how Chicago grew from a small settlement into one of the world's largest cities in less than 100 years. In just 90 minutes, you'll get the best overview of Chicago’s architecture and its history.

The CAC River Cruise is available in 4 languages: Continental French, Latin American Spanish, Japanese and Korean. To access these languages, please download the "Listen Everywhere" app in advance. Once you are on board the boat, the app will connect and allow you to listen in your selected language as the boat makes its way down the river.

*Continue your exploration with a visit to the CAC! Combo tickets include admission to the Center for just $5 (regular price $14). Admission is valid up to 7 days before or after your cruise.

*Please note that infant tickets must be purchased with a Priority or General Boarding Adult ticket. 

Evening River Cruise

The city's most popular tour is now offered in the evening. Serene and bathed in softer light, the city's architecture takes on a whole new life in the setting sun. Wind-down from the work-week by enjoying a cocktail with friends and family and experience Chicago's skyline on our luxury boats.

All departures lATER THAN 5:00 PM

• CAC Members please call 312.922.8687 or come to the CAC Box Office at 111 E. Wacker Drive to redeem your BOGO benefit. 
• You can buy a CAC membership over the phone and redeem your BOGO annual benefit at the time of your membership purchase.
• Each person must have a ticket, including infants and children.
• All tours depart rain or shine.
• Arrive 30 minutes prior to your cruise departure time. Allow extra time for traffic and parking in summer.
• Cruise guests board 15 minutes before departure time.
• GENERAL ADMISSION SEATING
• A full-service bar and snack bar are available onboard.
• Tickets start at $54.00 for daytime cruises, $59.00 for evening cruises. Upgrade your ticket for $5 to include Chicago Architecture Center admission. Your visit must occur within 7 days before or after your tour.  View the CAC's hours .
• Tickets may not be refunded or exchanged if you miss your boat. Allow extra time.
• Find more information, including available parking, in our FAQs

Interested in a tour for a group of 20 or more? Please contact our group sales team at [email protected] . Private rentals are available.

Directions to Chicago’s First Lady boat dock

See a map here  or enter 112 E. Wacker Drive into your GPS. Located at the northeast corner of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive, a black awning marks the boat dock entrance stairs that lead down to the river. If you have limited mobility, see these directions  for an alternative way to reach the dock.

About our Boat Partner

We’re proud to partner with Chicago’s First Lady Cruises, operator of Chicago’s finest fleet of cruising vessels. Its boats hold up to 250 passengers and feature open-air upper decks, full-service bars, climate-controlled lower cabins and upscale marble and granite restrooms. Being onboard is sure to be an experience you'll never forget. 

Photos From This Tour

Upcoming Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady Tours

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Highlights of this tour.

Chicago Riverwalk

1 w. lower wacker drive.

Strolling along Chicago’s beautiful Riverwalk, it’s hard to imagine just how much things have changed…

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

Architect/firm.

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) was founded in 1936 by Louis Skidmore and Nathaniel Owings. Partner…

trunnion bascule bridge

trunnion is a French word for "stump" or pivot point; bascule is a French word for "see-saw"; a trunnion…

Tribune Tower

435 n. michigan ave..

In 1922, on the occasion of its 75th anniversary, the Chicago Tribune announced an international competition…

London Guarantee Building

360 n. michigan ave..

Located where Fort Dearborn once stood, the London Guarantee & Accident Building is one of four structures…

330 North Wabash / AMA Plaza (IBM Plaza)

330 n. wabash ave..

One of the last American projects designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, this powerful Modernist structure…

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

It’s difficult to imagine what the skyline of Chicago might look like without architect Ludwig Mies van…

Arts and Crafts

The Arts and Crafts movement originated in England in the mid-19th century as an antidote to the dehumanizing…

150 North Riverside

150 n. riverside.

Gravity-defying 150 North Riverside has already taken its rightful place among Chicago’s architectural…

a large vertical, concrete pier, cast in place and used in a foundation where the soil is unstable

333 West Wacker

333 w. wacker dr..

When you’ve got it, you’ve got it—and 333 West Wacker has it.

Apple Michigan Avenue

401 n. michigan ave..

Foster + Partners’ Apple Michigan Avenue store is an impressive, airy glass box with a curved-edge…

Merchandise Mart

222 w. merchandise mart plaza.

Size has always mattered in the Midwest.

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Chicago’s Best 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour

Review Highlights

“ Hillary was so fun and made coming all the way down to the south loop worth it. ” in 4 reviews

“ HIGHLY recommend going on this when visiting. ” in 2 reviews

“ Our tour guide, Billy , was super-informative and entertaining! ” in 2 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

River City Marina - Summer Of George

900 S Wells St

Chicago, IL 60607

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Had a wonderful time on this tour. Sean was a fantastic guide, and I learned a lot about Chicago and its marvelous architecture. I liked that the boat wasn't too big or crowded. Highly recommend!

View of Chicago skyline from boat

Summer of George at dock

Hillary was a great tour guide keeping it light and humorous. No script, but her knowledge of the buildings and Chicago in general was phenomenal. It's probably our third time over the years but the most memorable. A great tour to do every few years.

Our tour guide, Billy, was very informative and entertaining! We learned a lot about the history of Chicago and it made my partner and I appreciate the city we were visiting more.

Skyline of Chicago

Wife and I enjoyed a wonderful 90 min trip with @toursandboats enjoying the architectural beauty of Chicago on the Chicago River. Took some amazing photos from the uncrowded bow of the boat; the other passengers on board were all very chill and the staff were fantastic including the captain with his dry sense of humor! The boat was clean and well maintained, in particular the bar was very well maintained and made the trip even more enjoyable. Will definitely repeat another trip with these folks next time I'm in Chi-Town, but I'm gonna try to do an evening cruise which may be even more amazing. Don't hesitate, book with this crew and you'll have a great time.

See all photos from N.F. P. for Chicago’s Best 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour

What a wonderful day! The tour was awesome. Lots of fun information about the City.I would highly recommend it. The weather was kind of cloudy but at least it didn't rain and no sun damage.

Booked tour through Groupon. Our tour guide Teela was so great and fun. Had such a great time and learned a lot!

I've taken several boat tour of Chicago, and this is the best by far! Our tour guide, Billy, was super-informative and entertaining! Very comfortable boat with a full bar. Great outing in Chicago!

I had an excellent experience with Tours and Travels! Initially, I faced some challenges reaching them over the phone, but their customer service team truly impressed me. They not only resolved my issues but went above and beyond to assist me. Their dedication to customer satisfaction is outstanding. I highly recommend booking your tickets directly with them for a seamless and stress-free experience. Kudos to Tours and Travels for their exceptional service!

This was well worth it. The captain (Joe) and the guide (Dave) were friendly, inviting, and made the tour wonderful. Something I would do again on my next visit.

If you'd like to learn about the Architecture and take in the absolutely beautiful buildings from the Chicago river, I would highly recommend going on this tour. Our guide Hillary was just filled with information and didn't speak like she was reading a script, which was refreshing. My partner and I took the last tour of the day, which was awesome because it was not too hot and/or cold, which meant that we weren't going to burn to a crisp in the sun and not freeze. The thing that stood out was that Hillary seemed to be knowledgeable about all buildings that we passed. The boat offered drinks, alcoholic and otherwise, and had bathroom facilities just in case. I truly enjoyed the tour. I would recommend the following to anyone who purchases tickets: *Buy from Groupon. I think it's a better deal, if you can get it. *Bring sunscreen and be ready to sweat a little. The loading area is in the parking lot of the Summer of George, which has ZERO shade to provide coverage from the sun. As anyone on my tour will tell you, we were dying from the heat and trying to find refuge in the little shade cover from the cars parked close by. This was while we were waiting for to load the boat. *As a tourist, I was a little weary of meeting in a rundown parking lot but don't fret. If you go on this tour, look for the guides in vests. The guides were trying to find shade like we were, so it was hard to find them at times. People just started asking other people in line for help. I wouldn't mind taking this tour again.

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Andrew P. said "Man, this was the unexpected highlight of my recent 5-day trip to Chicago. Booked this on a whim through a Chicago friend... I wanted an activity to help show my cousin around Chicago for the first time so we did the Architecture &…" read more

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Brian H. said "So let me just start off by saying if you can only do one thing while in Chicago let this be it. I was a little hesitant about spending $35.50 for an adult for a 90 minute excursion but in the end I would've sieve $50. Not only was…" read more

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7 things that might surprise you about the Chicago Architecture Boat Tour

T here are plenty of ways to take in the sights, sounds (and smells) of Chicago, but you don't necessarily have to be on land to do that.

And you don't have to be a tourist, either.

In fact, one of the most beloved ways — among locals and visitors alike — to experience city is by journeying across the Chicago River and Lake Michigan while a tour guide talks about buildings and regales you on the untold story of Mrs. O'Leary's cow.

In other words: a Chicago Architecture Boat Tour.

"As you're going up and down the Chicago River and on Lake Michigan, you're seeing the city’s evolving architecture, which is changing every year" said Andrew Sargis, director of sales and marketing for Wendella Tours and Cruises .

Wendella, billed as Chicago's "original" architecture tour, in 1935 gave its first architecture tour of the city from a wooden diesel yacht out on Navy Pier, Sargis said. Now, upwards of 20 architecture tours are offered daily, with more on the weekends. On average, Wendella tours see roughly 100,000 passengers each month over the summer, Sargis said.

And though the majority of guests on any given Wendella architecture tour are tourists, Sargis said, locals take them, too.

MORE: Even Chicagoans can't get enough of this tourist attraction: ‘It's about the only touristy thing I do'

"I was surprised when I first started, we get a lot of repeat locals," Bobby Scheffle, a Wendella tour guide told NBC Chicago. "And always there's a lot of local people that come on when they have guests visiting them in town. They like to show off the city this way."

But there's something else about the experience that makes it so very Chicago.

"I think it is really unique to experience the city from a boat on a river, because we think about other big cities in the United States -- there aren't many that have a river that go right through downtown," Scheffle said. "You feel like you're in the city, you hear the noise, and you see the buildings and all that."

Whether you're taking the ride for the first time or the 50th, bringing out-of-town guests out for a memorable activity or just itching to be a tourist in your own city, here are seven things to know about the Chicago Architecture Boat Tour.

Will weather stop a tour from running?

Wendella's architecture tours run year-round, Sargis said, although "weather is a factor."

Weather events like ice on the river or significant snowfall can impact operations, Sargis said, but they typically don't, since the Chicago River -- a federal waterway -- must remain navigable year-round.

While Wendella's boats do have climate-controlled indoor lounges, tours during the winter may run at limited times. But rain, snow, extreme heat or wind, unflappable Chicagoans still show up.

"We went on drizzly day a few years ago," Kathy Rambo wrote on NBC Chicago's Facebook page. "There were only about 10 of us on the boat!

And most often, the tour will run — rain or shine — so don't hesitate to bring a raincoat.

"I have certainly [given tours] under thunderstorms and downpours, and I've gotten drenched sometimes," Scheffle said. "I've never had a tour get canceled because no one bought a ticket. There's always someone wanting to come out here in the rain or the cold."

What's the best time of year (or day) to go?

It depends on when exactly your favorite time of the year is, and what you're hoping to see.

For Sargis, it's late summer. "There's this point of time in September when the weather is beautiful, but there's not that summer rush."

There are other times that Chicagoans may want to consider, too.

"St. Patrick's Day Celebration when they dye the river, and any Wednesday or Saturday night [over the summer], watching the fireworks over Lake Michigan , especially if you're local" Sargis said.

During the summer months, Wendella's tours run start as early as 9 a.m., with the day's final tour not ending until 10 p.m. or 11 p.m., Scheffle said, "so if you want to come for a ride to see the city lights, you can come late, and it's also beautiful, just a little more difficult to see the colors on the buildings if that's what you want to see."

Laura Pubins, who lives in a suburb outside of Chicago, agrees.

"My favorite one was when we were on a boat at sunset," Pubins wrote to NBC Chicago on Facebook. "It was an awesome new view of the city."

What's the most photogenic spot on the tour?

For Sargis, it's "anything out on Lake Michigan," with the skyline in the background.

On the river though, there's one moment that captures the city best, Scheffle said, no matter what time of day you're taking the trip.

"The best place to take a photo on the 90-minute river tour is when we come up the south branch from Chinatown," Scheffle said. "That's the best place because you get the whole skyline from the south. It's really beautiful."

For locals though, it may not be what you're looking at, so much as how you're looking at it.

"You're looking at [the city] from underneath," said Chicago resident Nick Pappas, 55, who recently found himself on a 90-minute river tour. "It's just a different perspective on the river that you don't get on the street level. As amazing as that sounds, you're only, like, 20 feet down, but it gives you a whole different perspective."

What does the training for a tour guide look like?

According to Sargis, all Wendella tour guides are trained in-house -- and the spots are competitive.

"There's high demand," Sargis said, of the position. "There are more people that want to be tour guides than space available. It's certainly a popular job, and people want to do it." While the tour guide of any given architecture tour isn't made public, many people do request certain ones for private events, Sargis said.

For the tours, there's a general script, with highlights that must be mentioned, Sargis said. But improvisation, along with sharing personal history is encouraged, too.

"All of the tour guides have their own experience in the city, and will add parts of their history in it," Sargis said. "We have a tour guide that is a retired police officer, and he will interject anecdotes form his career. We have a tour guide that's a Vietnam War Veteran, and when we go by the Vietnam War Memorial, he will always discuss the importance of it to him."

For Scheffle, the training included joining multiple tours a week for two weeks and flashcards.

"For a while, I, just drove Uber and Lyft," Scheffle said. "And then, I remembered that I really liked Chicago. I like learning fun facts about it. And there are people in the city that have that as a job -- to tell people fun facts about Chicago and I started looking into tourism jobs in the city."

What's the most common question tour guides get?

Believe it or not, it's not always about The Great Chicago Fire , or Mrs. O'Leary and her cow, at least on Scheffle's tours.

"My favorite thing on the tour that happens is probably when little kids ask questions," Scheffle said. "The common question that a kid will ask, because I talk about the tallest building, second tallest building, third tallest building, a lot of times a kid will ask what's the shortest building in Chicago? Which I don't have a good answer for."

Are you supposed to tip your guide?

"It's up to the discretion of the client," Sargis said. "I would say a lot of our passengers do tip our tour guides."

What's the absolute best part of the tour?

Sure the tour is photogenic, and the city's history is fascinating. And though some may go on the tour to find out what buildings are new, others prefer to think about the old.

"My favorite building to talk about is probably the Board of Trade building," Scheffle said. "Just because I remember walking by it much younger and always, I remember, really being impressed by it, thinking was such a cool big city building."

For a local on the tour, the memories are nice. But a day out on the water in Chicago is just hard to beat.

"It's great. I don't have to work," said Pappas, who has lived in the city for 55 years. "Every time, it's a little treat to go down the river."

Video editors Ivonne Ramirez and DS Shin produced and created the video for this story.

Family | Travel | Adventures

A Review of Wendella’s Architecture Boat Tour in Chicago

• November 20, 2023
• Updated December 12, 2023
• In Illinois

Are you thinking about taking an architecture boat tour in Chicago?

If you ask anyone what to do when visiting Chicago, an architectural boat tour on the Chicago River is always highly recommended.

A boat tour is an easy way to see a large chunk of Chicago in a short amount of time. Plus, you get the added bonus of learning about Chicago’s history, like the Great Fire and the World’s Fair, and how it impacted Chicago’s landscape and skyline.

We took a boat tour with Wendella when we visited Chicago. We enjoyed the guide’s humor and her extensive knowledge about the city, buildings, and architects.

You have many options when it comes to Chicago River boat tours. However, we love that Wendella offers both 45 and 90-minute tours. And they are the only boat tour company that is open year-round!

The review below shares more about what to expect on a Chicago architecture tour with Wendella. Let’s dive in!

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

What to Expect on a Chicago River Tour

A Chicago architecture boat tour is one of the best ways to learn about the city’s history while also seeing a large chunk of the city in a short amount of time. It’s a great option if you only have one day in Chicago . But we think it’s worth doing no matter how much time you spend in the Windy City!

On a Wendella boat tour , the guides narrate the tour, sharing funny jokes and interesting stories about famous landmarks like the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), Tribune Tower , and the Wrigley Building .

The tour offers a fascinating look into the city’s evolution, from the Great Fire of 1871 that spurred innovative architectural rebirth to the groundbreaking designs that define Chicago’s skyline today.

Wendella Architecture Tour: A Review

Tour Options

Wendella offers several different tour options to suit your time constraints and interests.

Their  45-minute Chicago River Architecture Tour  provides a short yet comprehensive tour of the city’s skyline. It shares interesting facts about the various buildings along the Chicago River (and others nearby) while sharing information about the city’s history, including the World’s Fair and the Great Fire.

Wendella also offers two 90-minute tours.  The 90-minute   Chicago River Architecture Tour  is a more extended version of the 45-minute tour, giving guests a more comprehensive tour that navigates all three branches of the Chicago River. This is the most popular tour for good reason.

Wendella’s Lake and River Architecture Tour   is their original tour offering. It not only takes you on the Chicago River but also Lake Michigan. You’ll get to enjoy and learn about Chicago’s skyline as seen from the Chicago River. Then, you’ll go through the Chicago Lock and float out onto Lake Michigan for the best view of the city.

Prices for the Wendella Chicago Boat Tour

How much a Wendella architectural boat tour costs depends on the tour you take. These are the prices as of publication:

• The  45-minute archi t ecture tour  costs $12 for kids ages 4-12 and $27 for anyone 13 and up. Children under 4 are FREE but still require a ticket.
• Both  90-minute tours  cost $19 for kids ages 4-12 and $42 for anyone over 12. Children ages three and under are FREE, but still, you need to reserve them a ticket.

Amenities on Board a Wendella Boat Tour

Plenty of amenities are   available to you during your architectural river tour on Wendella.

Let’s get the most critical amenity out of the way first. Yes, there are  restrooms on board ! So, if you’re visiting Chicago with kids, you don’t have to worry about them needing to use the bathroom right after the boat leaves the dock.

If you get hungry or thirsty on board, there is a  full-service bar  serving soda, wine, local beer, and cocktails. They also have some  snacks  available for purchase.

Lastly, although we recommend sitting on the top deck for the best views of the city, the below deck is climate-controlled. So, if you’re visiting Chicago on a hot day or during the winter, you’ll be plenty comfortable on board.

Wendella Chicago River Tour Experience

You’ll have fun on a Wendella boat tour! Most people agree that the Wendella architecture tour is a  more relaxed experience  compared to other Chicago boat tours. The guides tell corny jokes (almost on par with the Jungle Cruise at Disney) while sharing exciting history and tidbits about the architecture in Chicago.

The  45-mi nute tour  will take you along the Chicago River, first heading west and south before turning around. You’ll get views of the buildings in the Loop, West Loop, and River North neighborhoods, as well as the Navy Pier.

Wendella’s  90-minute architecture tour  follows a similar route as the 45-minute, except it heads further south on the Chicago River and explores some of the north branch.

If you opt for the  90-minute Lake and River tour , you’ll experience a shorter tour on the Chicago River, but then you’ll go through the Chicago Lock and enjoy the view of the skyline from the massive Lake Michigan.

This  map  on Wendella’s website gives you an idea of where you’ll be along the river and lake.

The boat tour on the Chicago River was very  smooth . No big waves to cause rocking of the boat. Of course, if you’re prone to motion sickness, you may want to take medication or wear a patch prior to boarding. We did not do the Lake and River tour, but it is probably rougher out on Lake Michigan than the river.

Fun Fact: There are almost two dozen bridges that cross the Chicago River in the downtown area, alone. You’ll go under several of them while you’re on your architectural boat tour!

Tips for Your Wendella Boat Ride

• Arrive early:  They ask you to arrive 15-30 minutes before the tour to allow time to board. We arrived precisely 30 minutes before the tour started, and people were already in line. If you want a seat on the top deck, get there early.
• Sit near a speaker or close to the guide:  The guides share so many interesting facts and silly jokes you don’t want to miss them because you can’t hear them. They use a microphone, but with the sounds of the city, the wind, and other passing boats, it can be hard to hear everything.
• Dress warmer:  Unless it’s the middle of summer, you’ll probably be a little colder on the boat than you are walking around the city. Between the water and the breeze from the boat, it makes you feel colder, so bring a jacket in the fall and spring, and don’t forget a hat and scarf in the colder months.

FAQs About Architectural Boat Tours in Chicago

How much is an architectural boat tour in chicago.

The cost of an architectural boat tour in Chicago depends on which company you use. Prices for a 90-minute boat tour can range from $19-$30 for kids and $42-$50 for adults. A 45-minute boat tour is less expensive.

How long is the Chicago architecture boat tour?

The average Chicago architecture boat tour is 90 minutes long. However, Wendella offers 45-minute tours. Plan at least an additional 30-40 minutes before the tours for parking and waiting to board.

Is there alcohol on the Chicago architecture boat tour?

Every Chicago architecture boat tour offers a full-service bar with beer, wine, and cocktails.

Is the Chicago River tour worth it?

If you’re trying to see as much of Chicago as possible in a short time, the Chicago River tour is worth it. You’ll learn a lot of history about the city, see impressive buildings, and learn about the architectural style, all from the comfort of a smooth sailing boat.

Where does the Chicago Architecture Tour go?

Every Chicago architecture river tour follows the Chicago River. Depending on the tour and the tour length, you might navigate all three branches of the Chicago River. Some tours also go out on Lake Michigan.

Do Chicago architecture tours run in the winter?

Due to the unpredictable weather, many companies that offer architectural boat tours don’t provide them in the winter months. However, Wendella offers both their 45-minute and 90-minute river tours in the winter, typically on weekends and holidays.

Other Chicago Architecture Boat Tours

We loved our Wendella architecture river tour. However, if you’re looking for more options there are several companies who offer architectural boat tours in Chicago.

• Mercury Cruises’ Urban Adventure Cruise offered May – October
• Chicago Architecture Center’s River Cruise offered March – November
• Shoreline Sightseeing’s Architecture River Tour offered May – December
• Chicago Line’s Architectural Cruise offered spring – November

Wrapping Up Our Wendella Architectural Boat Tour Experience

We loved our boat tour on Wendella. We took the 45-minute tour, and it was perfect for our family. It’s a great option when you have young children or are trying to pack a lot of time in Chicago, especially if you only have one day to enjoy the city like we did.

The tour was fascinating; we learned a lot about the history of Chicago and the city’s different architectural styles. It was the perfect way to see a lot of Chicago in a short amount of time.

Read It Now. Pin It For Later!

Lauren is the visionary behind Where the Wild Kids Wander. She is a travel enthusiast who lives outside of Philadelphia. For more than a decade, she's been hitting the road, exploring the nooks and crannies of the United States alongside her family. Her passions include visiting big cities and small towns and trekking through nature's trails. She loves sharing those adventures with fellow travelers.

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Show Me Chicago: Tours to Help You See the City Up Close

May 24, 2019 • Arts, Culture & History

Think you’ve seen the highlights of the Windy City? Think again. Even the savviest of Chicagophiles will discover something new on one of these six tours taking you over, around and through the city.

Chicago Helicopter Experience

City segway tours - chicago, chicago architecture center, chicago greeter service, chicago pedway tour, chicago architecture center tours.

At the Chicago Architecture Center , you can explore modern skyscrapers, historic downtown, Art Deco landmarks and more by foot, boat or bus. There are a whopping 85 tours to choose from, and each one covers a different niche. The most popular outing is the 90-minute river cruise, which provides insider knowledge on 50 structures along the Chicago River. One of the newest offerings in the tour lineup: a 90-minute stroll through Chinatown with stops at a Chinese bakery and a former Italian church.

Chicago Greeter Service  

The free Chicago Greeter program is an informative and fun way to explore the city under the wing of a local volunteer. Spontaneous? Take the InstaGreeter hour-long walk through downtown on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. A planner? Sign up at least 10 days in advance for the Greeter Visit, which lasts two to four hours and personalizes the neighborhood, language and theme of the tour.

Even the tallest skyscrapers can’t give Windy City visitors the sweeping, above-it-all views from this thrilling helicopter ride. Tours are offered during the day and at twilight, when glass-encased skyscrapers reflect the sunset. Headphones and a microphone allow passengers to ask questions as the pilot-turned-tour-guide points out landmarks like Soldier Field and the Museum Campus during the 17-minute flight.

During the winter months, navigate a 1-mile urban labyrinth of tunnels, enclosed paths and bridges that connect more than 40 blocks of downtown. Free Tours By Foot conducts this 2-hour “name-your-own-price” tour that passes through signature structures such as The Wrigley Building, The Marina Towers and City Hall. Come hungry for some hidden gem foodie stops along the way.

Chicago Segway Tour

Glide along with entertaining guides as you catch pretty vistas of Lake Michigan and the Museum Campus during this 2-hour tour. There’s plenty of time for photo-ops as you stop to learn about the lions who guard The Art Institute of Chicago, the Route 66 history of Buckingham Fountain, and lesser-known attractions like Chicago’s lakefront vegetable garden.

Underground Donut Tour

Choose between two delicious itineraries on this carb-tastic experience. The Original Downtown Tour includes two miles of walking, just enough calorie-burning to make room for four favorite stops such as Do-Rite Donuts and Stan’s Donuts (you’ll also learn some intriguing local pastry history as you indulge). The newer Wicker Park Donut Tour also swings by four locales including Mindy’s Hot Chocolate, where doughnut samples are paired with their namesake beverage.

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