Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady

4.9
(5,247 reviews)

1 hour 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

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.

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

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

On Chicago's Riverwalk at Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive. Please use 112 E. Wacker for GPS navigation. Look for our black awning at street level on the southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes (approximately)
  • 1
    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.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    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.

    Admission ticket free
  • Navy Pier (Pass by)

    From naval base and university campus to shipping hub and entertainment destination, Navy Pier is Chicago’s hallmark of adaptive reuse.

    Admission ticket free
  • Marina City (Pass by)

    When architect Bertrand Goldberg envisioned Marina City, it was an urban experiment designed to draw middle-class Chicagoans back to the city after more than a decade of suburban migration.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    When our docents explain that the Trump International Hotel & Tower reflects its surroundings, they aren’t only referring to its shiny glass and steel exterior.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    One of the last American projects designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, this powerful Modernist structure occupies a prominent place on the Chicago River.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Gravity-defying 150 North Riverside has already taken its rightful place among Chicago’s architectural and engineering wonders.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    View Boeing International Headquarters at 100 N Riverside Plaza.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    For nearly 25 years after its completion, the Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, held the title of tallest building in the world.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Size has always mattered in the Midwest. Upon its completion in 1930, it was the largest building in the world and served as Marshall Field’s wholesale warehouse, where retailers could buy stock.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    View the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Building, located at 20 S Wacker Drive.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Chicago Tribune Freedom Center.

    Admission ticket free

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
Supplied by Chicago Architecture Foundation & Chicago's First Lady Cruises

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Tags

Day Cruises
Architecture Tours
City Tours
Water Tours
Seasonal
Sightseeing Cruises
Best Conversion
Top Product
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Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
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Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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Rating

4.9 Based on 5247 5247 reviews
5 stars
5030
4 stars
132
3 stars
43
2 stars
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1 star
31
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