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Sightseeing Cruises

Chicago River & Lake Sightseeing Cruise by First Lady

Couple enjoying Chicago River & Lake Sightseeing Cruise with city skyline in background.
Group enjoying Chicago River cruise with city skyline in background.
Tour guide speaking to passengers on Chicago River & Lake Sightseeing Cruise.
Cruise boat near Chicago Harbor Lighthouse on Lake Michigan.

Explore at your pace

Choose your entry time, stay as long as you like

Guided tour

Meals included

Indulge in a sumptuous meal as a part of your experience
    • 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.

    • 90-minute guided cruise on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan

    • Local guide onboard

    • Live commentary

    • Access to the open-air upper deck and enclosed lower deck

    • Restrooms onboard

    • Full-service bar and snack bar (available for purchase onboard)

    • Free stroller storage

    • Wheelchair accessible restrooms on select vessels

    • Children under 4 ride free

    • Priority boarding with skip-the-line access (as per option selected)

    • General boarding (as per option selected)

    • Food and beverages (available for purchase onboard)

    • Gratuities

    • Parking

    • Luggage storage

  • TOTAL DURATION90 minutes
    FREQUENCYApril to November, multiple departures daily
    MODE OF TRANSFERBoat

    1 Boarding point

    Near Chicago Riverwalk, Michigan Avenue docks

    Get direction

    Sights covered

    333 West Wacker

    Merchandise Mart

    Wolf Point

    77 Wacker

    Marina City

    Trump International Hotel & Tower

    Tribune Tower

    NBC Tower

    35 East Wacker

    Aon Center

    Millennium Park

    St. Regis Chicago

    DuSable Harbor

    Chicago Harbor Lock

    Navy Pier

    Lake Michigan

    Lake Point Tower

  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

  • What to bring

    • Bring sunglasses, a hat, or a visor to help reduce glare from the sun while viewing the buildings.

    • Carry a valid ID to purchase drinks at the bar.

    What's not allowed

    • Luggage and oversized bags are not allowed onboard or at the dock, and storage facilities are not available.

    • Outside alcoholic drinks are not permitted on the cruise.

    • Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed, except for ADA-defined service dogs and all dogs participating in the Canine Cruise.

    Accessibility

    • Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available on select vessels, including the Classic Lady, Leading Lady, and Emerald Lady.

    • Guests requiring ADA access can use the ramp located at State Street and Wacker Drive within Vietnam Memorial Park, then follow the Riverwalk to the dock, as elevators are not available on the Riverwalk.

    • Staff assistance and early boarding are available for guests with limited mobility.

    • Changing tables are only available aboard the Classic Lady, Leading Lady, and Emerald Lady.

    Additional information

    • Please arrive at least 30 minutes before departure for check-in; priority boarding starts 20 minutes before departure, and general boarding begins 15 minutes prior.

    • Seating is general admission, and all guests are guaranteed outdoor seating.

    • Cruises operate rain or shine, with an enclosed and climate-controlled lower deck available during poor weather conditions.

    • Children under 4 years old can ride free but must still have a ticket, and strollers must be folded and stored during the cruise.

    • For safety purposes, onboard restrooms close 15 minutes before the tour ends.

    • Discounted parking is available at 111 E. Wacker Dr. with ticket validation from the ticket office or onboard bartender.

    • Tickets cannot be refunded or exchanged after purchase.

    • The approximately 90-minute cruise passes through the Chicago Harbor Lock and features views of the city skyline and major landmarks.

    • Mobile tickets are accepted at the dock, so printing your ticket is not necessary.

    • Food and beverages are available for purchase onboard, though meals are not included with your ticket.

    • Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
    • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.
    • Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.
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