Sightseeing Cruises

Official Chicago Architecture Cruise by First Lady

Name: Official Chicago Architecture Cruise by First Lady
Start: 2026-04-17T13:30:00
End: 2026-04-17T15:00:00
Location: First Lady

Guide speaking on the 'Chicago First Lady' cruise with city architecture in the background.

Chicago Riverwalk with people strolling, boats on the river, and 'Chicago's First Lady' tour boat.

Guests enjoying the view on the 'Chicago First Lady' cruise.

Chicago skyline with skyscrapers and river view, Illinois, USA.

Duration

1 hr 30 min

Guided tour

Meals included

Indulge in a sumptuous meal as a part of your experience

4.8/5

(66)

Kelly D

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

I lucked out with wonderful weather but it was just a lovely way to spend an afternoon outside, taking in both sides of the river while learning about Chicago's history and architecture. Would absolutely recommend. Would have enjoyed a bevvie but it was a bit early in the day. This is my second visit to Chicago from Canada and I'm so glad I finally did this

Romina M

Group

Verified booking

Last week

The truth is, this tour—especially with First Lady—was amazing! It was incredibly comprehensive and detailed, thanks to Thomas, who was a genius at explaining every single detail! It’s an experience you can’t miss if you’re visiting Chicago!!!!!

Michael D

Couple

Verified booking

3 days ago

The guide was very knowledgeable. The trip was very informative, although I live in Chicago but did not know a lot of stuff. I was thoroughly pleased and enjoyed myself. We'll be going again soon

Alma J

Couple

Verified booking

Yesterday

Our tour guide Dave Gudewicz was amazing. He knows so much history of the architecture of the buildings and made our 90 minute tour extremely educational and enjoyable!

Erica B

Solo

Verified booking

3 days ago

The boat is comfortable and the narrator is great, with the right amount of information, keeping the attention while explaining architectural aspects of the city.

Martina G

Group

Verified booking

Last week

Our guide was very informative and it was great to see the city from the river which gives a completely different perspective to the buildings and the layout. Would highly recommend First Lady architecture tours

90-minute guided architecture river cruise

Live narration by Chicago Architecture Center docents

Covers all three branches of the river

Guaranteed open-air outdoor seating

Restrooms onboard

Free stroller storage

Limited mobility services

Food and beverages (available for purchase at the bar/snack bar)

Gratuities

Parking (discounted parking available with validation, but not included)

Transportation or hotel pickup

TOTAL DURATION90 minutes - 90 minutes
FREQUENCYEvery 20-30 mins
MODE OF TRANSFERBoat
1 Boarding point
112 E. Wacker Drive
Get direction
Sights covered
NBC Tower
Trump International Hotel and Tower
Civic Opera House
Chicago Mercantile Exchange
Wrigley Building
Tribune Tower
DuSable Bridge
Marina City
333 Wacker Drive
Willis Tower
Aon Center
875 North Michigan Avenue
Aqua Tower
Lake Point Tower
Merchandise Mart
Lyric Opera
The Rookery
Carbide & Carbon Building
Chicago Board of Trade
Navy Pier
Adler Planeterium
La Salle Street Bridge

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

66 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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5
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Guests from Canada, Poland, Philippines and over 10 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Romina M
Group
Verified booking
Last week
The truth is, this tour—especially with First Lady—was amazing! It was incredibly comprehensive and detailed, thanks to Thomas, who was a genius at explaining every single detail! It’s an experience you can’t miss if you’re visiting Chicago!!!!!
Kelly D
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
I lucked out with wonderful weather but it was just a lovely way to spend an afternoon outside, taking in both sides of the river while learning about Chicago's history and architecture. Would absolutely recommend. Would have enjoyed a bevvie but it was a bit early in the day. This is my second visit to Chicago from Canada and I'm so glad I finally did this
Martina G
Group
Verified booking
Last week
Our guide was very informative and it was great to see the city from the river which gives a completely different perspective to the buildings and the layout. Would highly recommend First Lady architecture tours
Michael D
Couple
Verified booking
3 days ago
The guide was very knowledgeable. The trip was very informative, although I live in Chicago but did not know a lot of stuff. I was thoroughly pleased and enjoyed myself. We'll be going again soon
Alma J
Couple
Verified booking
Yesterday
Our tour guide Dave Gudewicz was amazing. He knows so much history of the architecture of the buildings and made our 90 minute tour extremely educational and enjoyable!

What to bring

A hat, sunglasses, or visor to shield you from the sun as you cruise.

Your booking confirmation, either on your phone or printed, for a smooth check-in.

A government-issued photo ID if staff request to verify your reservation.

What’s not allowed

Large suitcases or oversized bags; you’ll need to travel light.

Open strollers during boarding; please fold strollers and store them, and carry children aboard.

Outside food or beverages. Snacks and drinks are available to purchase on board.

Pets (service animals are welcome).

Any form of smoking, including e-cigarettes.

Accessibility

The cruise offers limited mobility services, including early boarding and river-level drop-off for guests with accessibility needs. However, full wheelchair accessibility may not be available on all vessels. Please contact the staff in advance for assistance.

Additional information

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure; general boarding starts 15 minutes prior.

Cruises run rain or shine; tickets cannot be refunded for no-shows.

Infants under three years old still require a paid ticket.

Open-air seating is guaranteed but unassigned; seating is first-come, first-served.

Enjoy discounted parking at 111 E. Wacker Drive; validation available at the ticket office (parking fees not included).

River routes may vary due to weather or city events.

A portion of every ticket sale supports the Chicago Architecture Center’s educational mission.

During major events or street closures, please allow extra travel time to reach the departure point.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Please arrive at the boarding point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the boarding point.

Boarding point

Board your cruise at First Lady.

Address: 112 E Wacker Dr, 60601 Cook County Chicago, US.

Get directions to the boarding point