Sightseeing Cruises

First Lady's Chicago Architecture Boat Tour

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.

灵活取消

如果您在体验开始前24 小时取消体验，只需支付少量费用即可获得全额退款。

持续时间

1 hr 30 分钟

导游

包括膳食

尽情享用丰盛的餐点，作为体验的一部分

4.9/5

(46)

Yizhou

Nov 2025

确认预订

The guide was knowledgeable and engaging, weaving history with design insight as we passed more than 40 landmark buildings. The views from the water gave a fresh perspective of Chicago’s skyline. It’s calm, scenic, and surprisingly informative—even for someone with no architectural background. Tips: bring a warm jacket (it gets breezy on the river). Highly recommended.

Terry

Nov 2025

确认预订

The tour guide was excellent. Definitely liked the history and little details of the longer tour. The day was cold for us southerners, it would be good to have prior warning about proper dress (hat and gloves). The hot toddies helped keep us warm.

Tiffany

Oct 2025

确认预订

My family of four went on the First Lady & we loved it. It is non-profit & our tour guide (From the Chicago Architecture Center) was very knowledgeable about the city's architecture & she made our tour very interesting. There are drinks for purchase (cocktails, beer & softdrinks) & the there was no bad seat in the boat. There are many options & I'm glad we chose The First Lady.

Glide along all three branches on a 90-minute architecture cruise led by Chicago Architecture Center docents, who share insider stories of the city’s iconic skyline and riverside landmarks.

Guaranteed open-air seating ensures uninterrupted views of historic skyscrapers, modern marvels, and architectural treasures while your volunteer guide brings each structure’s narrative to life.

Enjoy onboard comforts; restrooms, free stroller storage, and dedicated accessibility services, while treating yourself to craft beverages and tasty bites available at the full-service bar and snack station.

Rain-or-shine departures mean you’ll witness Chicago’s architectural beauty in every season, and discounted nearby parking makes it easy to arrive and embark on your adventure stress-free.

A portion of your ticket supports the educational work of the Chicago Architecture Center.

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

Full-service bar and snack bar access

Restrooms onboard

Free stroller storage

Limited mobility services

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

Tips/gratuities

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

Transportation or hotel pickup

Optional upgrades such as Priority Boarding Tickets (includes early boarding and CAC admission)

Infant tickets for children under 3 years

这些机票不能取消或改期。

46 用户评价
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来自Canada, Poland, Philippines 和以及7 国家的客人 都非常喜欢这种体验
宾客感言
Lisa
Dec 2025
确认预订
We took the 4:OOPM tour in mid November. It was perfect to see the buildings in the last bit of daylight on our way out and then to see them light up on our way back in.
Yizhou
Nov 2025
确认预订
The guide was knowledgeable and engaging, weaving history with design insight as we passed more than 40 landmark buildings. The views from the water gave a fresh perspective of Chicago’s skyline. It’s calm, scenic, and surprisingly informative—even for someone with no architectural background. Tips: bring a warm jacket (it gets breezy on the river). Highly recommended.
Terry
Nov 2025
确认预订
The tour guide was excellent. Definitely liked the history and little details of the longer tour. The day was cold for us southerners, it would be good to have prior warning about proper dress (hat and gloves). The hot toddies helped keep us warm.
Ian
Nov 2025
确认预订
The all round trip was very good especially the tour guide Cheryl who was very informative.
Kurt
Nov 2025
确认预订
Very interesting and informative tour

Cruise all three branches of the Chicago River on a 90-minute architecture tour led by expert Chicago Architecture Center docents.

Getting started:

Arrive at the First Lady dock near the Chicago Architecture Center at least 30 minutes before departure for ticket validation and boarding. After a brief introduction, settle into your guaranteed open-air seat as your docent guide outlines the cruise route and key safety details.

What to expect:

First Lady’s Chicago Architecture Boat Tour

This acclaimed sightseeing cruise, partnered with the Chicago Architecture Center, offers an in-depth look at the city’s renowned architectural legacy. Experience the stories behind Chicago’s iconic skyline as you travel the full length of the river.

Features:

Live narration by CAC docents: Knowledgeable volunteer guides share the history, styles, and personalities that shaped Chicago’s skyline, offering insights not found in guidebooks.

All three river branches: The route covers the Main, North, and South branches, providing a comprehensive view of the city’s most significant buildings and bridges.

Open-air upper deck seating: Enjoy unobstructed sightlines of architectural highlights from the comfort of the open-air upper deck, with climate-controlled interior salons available.

Onboard amenities: Access a full-service bar and snack bar, well-appointed restrooms, free stroller storage, and services for guests with limited mobility.

Support for education: A portion of each ticket supports the educational work of the Chicago Architecture Center.

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 onboard.

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 staff in advance for assistance. Please reach out ahead of time so we can make arrangements.

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.

Well-maintained restrooms are onboard.

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