Experience the best First Lady Cruises in 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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Slide 1 of 6, Cruise boat on Chicago River passing under Clark Street Bridge.

Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady

1 hr 30 mins

from

$57

Slide 1 of 8, Chicago River cruise boat passing under a bridge with city skyline.

45-min Chicago River Architecture Cruise by Wendella

45 mins - 1 hr 30 mins

from

$28

Slide 1 of 8, Chicago River cruise boat at night with city skyline in the background.

Chicago at Night: River & Lake Sightseeing Cruise by First Lady

1 hr 30 mins

Meals

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 7, Chicago River architecture cruise boat passing under a lift bridge with city skyscrapers in the background.

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

1 hr 30 mins

from

$45

Slide 1 of 10, Cruise boat on Lake Michigan with Chicago skyline at sunset.

90-min Scenic Sunset Lake Michigan Cruise by Wendella

1 hr 30 mins

from

$45

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What our guests say

Elisabetta B

Group

3 weeks ago

The cruise is very, very well organized; the staff were punctual and professional. Above all, it is much more comprehensive than others, as it offers a view of the city from both the lake and the river. Truly spectacular. The guide on board was very knowledgeable. I highly recommend it.

Chicago River & Lake Sightseeing Cruise by First Lady

Jacques R

Solo

Oct 2026

The sights and tour guide was very good. The seats upstairs are just uncomfortable, cold hard steel chairs. Snacks on board quite expensive.

Chicago River & Lake Sightseeing Cruise by First Lady

Anne M

United Kingdom

Couple

3 weeks ago

Jean, our guide, was fabulous! Such a wealth of knowledge conveyed in an interesting and humorous style. Thoroughly recommend!

Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady

Richard R

United States

Group

Oct 2026

+1 more

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An Unforgettable Chicago Architecture Cruise Experience! We had an amazing time aboard the First Lady Chicago Architecture Cruise! The tour guide was not only entertaining but also incredibly knowledgeable, bringing Chicago’s rich history and stunning architecture to life with fascinating stories, interesting facts, and a great sense of humor. The entire experience was both educational and enjoyable, and the breathtaking views of Chicago’s skyline from the river made it even more memorable. 🚢🏙️ Highly recommended for anyone visiting Chicago! It’s a wonderful way to appreciate the city’s architectural beauty and learn the stories behind its iconic buildings. Definitely a must-do Chicago experience! ❤️

Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady

Callie M

United States

Couple

3 weeks ago

First time in Chicago. Decided to do this night one just to get a feel for the city. It was raining and the views were still amazing!

45-min Chicago River Architecture Cruise by Wendella

Monica D

United States

Group

Oct 2026

We could not have had a better guide. Alex, you were amazing. Your knowledge and the way you are able to communicate it are top tier. You are witty and funny. Thank you for a wonderful experience.

45-min Chicago River Architecture Cruise by Wendella

Michael S

United States

Solo

Oct 2026

+1 more

I enjoyed going so far out into Lake Michigan for all the pictures I could handle of the Chicago coastline! It was absolutely beautiful! Did I mention this was the Night Cruise? It was beyond exquisite! It was so great, in fact, I had to video call my family and show them THIS part of my journey! They were so excited and impressed! Also, our guide Doug was awesome! The info and history he had about the various buildings and locations gave me the truest sense of a tour that kept me interested and wanting to come back for more! Thank you for bringing him on-board with us! Even with his mandated quota of bad jokes!

Chicago at Night: River & Lake Sightseeing Cruise by First Lady

Lori S

United States

Solo

Oct 2026

Wendella boat tours are wonderful, I have been on several. My favorite is the Lake and River cruise. The Dosets are very knowledgeable about the city. The scenery of the downtown from the lake view is spectacular. I highly recommend this tour. It was my third this summer!

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