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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.
4.8/5
2,257 travellers from around the world love this
Slide 1 of 6, Cruise boat on Chicago River passing under Clark Street Bridge.
Cruise boat on Chicago River passing under Clark Street Bridge.
from
$57
Slide 1 of 8, Chicago River cruise boat with city skyline in the background.
Chicago River cruise boat with city skyline in the background.
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
Slide 1 of 8, Chicago River cruise boat at night with city skyline in the background.
Chicago River cruise boat at night with city skyline in the background.
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
Slide 1 of 6, Crowd on Chicago Haunted River "Creepy Cruise" by First Lady under moonlit skyline.
Crowd on Chicago Haunted River "Creepy Cruise" by First Lady under moonlit skyline.
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
Slide 1 of 8, Chicago River cruise boat passing under a bridge with city skyline.
Chicago River cruise boat passing under a bridge with city skyline.
45 mins - 1 hr 30 mins
from
$28
Slide 1 of 10, Cruise boat on Lake Michigan with Chicago skyline at sunset.
Cruise boat on Lake Michigan with Chicago skyline at sunset.
1 hr 30 mins
from
$45
Slide 1 of 7, Chicago River architecture cruise boat passing under a lift bridge with city skyscrapers in the background.
Chicago River architecture cruise boat passing under a lift bridge with city skyscrapers in the background.
1 hr 30 mins
from
$45

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What our guests say

Jacinda H

United States
Couple
2 weeks ago
The Chicago Architecture Cruise by First Lady was fascinating. Our docent was so knowledgeable about the history, engineering feats, and even some political reasons why and how these amazing skyscrapers were built. The "fun facts" were so intriguing. It is definitely worth your time. P.S. if you go on a sunny day, don't forget your sunscreen.....however if you do forget, they have some on-board to purchase!😉

Official Chicago Architecture Cruise by First Lady

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