Sightseeing Cruises

Official Chicago Architecture Cruise by First Lady

Name: Official Chicago Architecture Cruise by First Lady
Start: 2026-05-03T09:30:00
End: 2026-05-03T11:00:00
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

4.9/5(101)

Mike B

Couple

Verified booking

Yesterday

It departed on time, Phil ( I think I am terrible with names) was a wonderful guide, very informative and easy to listen to. All around was a great experience. Not sure how objective Caht GPT is but I chose bade on the AI suggestions and it was great. Was looking for less crowded tour, was advised to go before noon. We took noon cruise, minus couple tourist that were intent on standing up the whole trip in the first row 🙄 it was great and I got good tour video and Some pictures.

Steven B

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

This is a top notch tour on a beautifully maintained boat. This is not your typical tourist tour of mid calibre range. The speaker was extremely well informed, spoke loudly and clearly, and they had a top notch sound system, which a lot don't. The seats up front on the lower level were like a little private tour. Although the seats were metal, they were oddly very comfortable. The way this boat is maintained was very impressive. It is impeccably clean and looks like it was freshly painted and the mahogany was gorgeous. Strongly recommend. The only thing I would change is have a large larger variety of snacks.

Marlene W

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

Anyone who visits Chicago should definietly take this cruise. What a beautiful city and the diversivied architure is spectacular. Our guide gave us a detailed history of so many of the buildings. He was amazing and it was fasinating to hear what a transformation Chicago and the Chicago went through, from dead livestock to a beautiful river and riverwalk. 5 star recommendation!

Kelly D

Couple

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

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

Amber B

Solo

Verified booking

Last week

Mark C. Was our guide and he was so knowledgeable and shared interesting stories about the buildings, their history, and the architects behind them. I loved being able to see iconic landmarks up close while cruising along the river. The boat was comfortable, clean, and easy to move around, and the staff were friendly and professional.

Romina M

Group

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

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!!!!!

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.

101 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.
94
5
0
0
2
Guests from Canada, United Kingdom, Philippines and over 11 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Mike B
Couple
Verified booking
Yesterday
It departed on time, Phil ( I think I am terrible with names) was a wonderful guide, very informative and easy to listen to. All around was a great experience. Not sure how objective Caht GPT is but I chose bade on the AI suggestions and it was great. Was looking for less crowded tour, was advised to go before noon. We took noon cruise, minus couple tourist that were intent on standing up the whole trip in the first row 🙄 it was great and I got good tour video and Some pictures.
Romina M
Group
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
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!!!!!
Martina G
Group
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
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
Steven B
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
This is a top notch tour on a beautifully maintained boat. This is not your typical tourist tour of mid calibre range. The speaker was extremely well informed, spoke loudly and clearly, and they had a top notch sound system, which a lot don't. The seats up front on the lower level were like a little private tour. Although the seats were metal, they were oddly very comfortable. The way this boat is maintained was very impressive. It is impeccably clean and looks like it was freshly painted and the mahogany was gorgeous. Strongly recommend. The only thing I would change is have a large larger variety of snacks.
Marlene W
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
Anyone who visits Chicago should definietly take this cruise. What a beautiful city and the diversivied architure is spectacular. Our guide gave us a detailed history of so many of the buildings. He was amazing and it was fasinating to hear what a transformation Chicago and the Chicago went through, from dead livestock to a beautiful river and riverwalk. 5 star recommendation!

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