Sightseeing Cruises

Official Chicago Architecture Cruise by First Lady

Name: Official Chicago Architecture Cruise by First Lady
Start: 2026-09-19T13:30:00
End: 2026-09-19T15:00:00
Location: First Lady

4.9/5(656)

Donald L

Couple

确认预订

6天前

On an absolutely gorgeous Sunday morning, my wife and I boarded the First Lady with a friendly and warm welcome. Within minutes, we were underway to experience what turned out to be an extraordinary 90 minutes. Our very knowledgeable tour guide, Kimberly, shared her enthusiasm about the stunning buildings that hug the Chicago River. These Giants of Chicago with their unique architectural style and design were explained by Kimberly in great detail without missing a beat and nonstop interesting facts. All said and done, the First Lady tour was a fantastic experience and one I highly recommend.

Lynn W

Solo

确认预订

上周

My time on the water is always great. I've been on this boat times before. What was NOT great was that I attempted to cancel and even purchased protection that was supposed to allow me to be able to cancel without cause but found no way to do so. There was no clear instruction on how and all that I saw everywhere I looked was that the ticket could not be cancelled even after I paid for cancellation protection. I feel it was a rip off. I had no choice but to attend rather than reschedule. I will never purchase from this site again and will inform others about my experience.

Shellene C

Group

确认预订

6天前

The volunteer docent, Sarah, was terrific! I learned soooo much about the history of Chicago, the river and the magnificent buildings. Her knowledge & enthusiasm was contagious ! I also appreciated the helpful staff and how clean the First Lady restrooms are 😉. I was surprised that the volunteers do not accept tips ~ I think if you had QR code stickers on the back of each chair, guests (all holding their phones taking photos) would immediately lean forward and make a donation to the Chicago Architecture Center. Loved this tour❤️

Bonnie S

Group

确认预订

4天前

Friendly and professional crew on a very clean boat. Boarding was quick- Diane narrated an amazing tour without any notes in her hand! I loved that she still referred "Sears Tower" (instead of Willis) for us longtime Chicago folks. Architecture boat tours are my #1 booking to introduce Chicago to family and friends. This was my 3rd First Lady cruise in the past couple years of about 7. We had a perfect weather day, too!

Paul G

Solo

确认预订

上周

Brad super guide. Architect. Always explained termanology without dumbing down the tour or waisting time of diverse backgrounds of tourists. He'd thought out his presentation, timed it well to ships schedule. His local pride was obvious, but not obnoxious. Every one learned. No one was bored.

Susan H

Group

确认预订

上周

The expert guide. She really enjoyed sharing her knowledge. I had a lot of difficulty dealing with getting my digital tickets, however. Another time I would go directly to the Architecture Society for tickets and information. The boat ride was really smooth and delightful. Thank you.

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

这些机票不能取消或改期。

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来自Canada, United Kingdom, France 和以及25 国家的客人 都非常喜欢这种体验
宾客感言
Donald L
Couple
确认预订
6天前
On an absolutely gorgeous Sunday morning, my wife and I boarded the First Lady with a friendly and warm welcome. Within minutes, we were underway to experience what turned out to be an extraordinary 90 minutes. Our very knowledgeable tour guide, Kimberly, shared her enthusiasm about the stunning buildings that hug the Chicago River. These Giants of Chicago with their unique architectural style and design were explained by Kimberly in great detail without missing a beat and nonstop interesting facts. All said and done, the First Lady tour was a fantastic experience and one I highly recommend.
Paul G
Solo
确认预订
上周
Brad super guide. Architect. Always explained termanology without dumbing down the tour or waisting time of diverse backgrounds of tourists. He'd thought out his presentation, timed it well to ships schedule. His local pride was obvious, but not obnoxious. Every one learned. No one was bored.
Timothy K
Couple
确认预订
2周前
First Lady made the experience enjoyable, fun, and interesting. We really enjoyed the knowledgeable, articulate tour guide. Car parking for this Cruise is wonderful and discounted!... great for old people (me included). We parked at the recommended parking spot across the street from the boat launch. It was a little tricky to find even with GPS. I took the on line advice and validated our parking ticket at the tour ticket office when the cruise was over... 15 bucks... a bargain in downtown Chicago... the total experience was great. Enjoy the River Walk (too) when the tour is over. Remember though...your discounted parking is 4 hours max.
Joy J
Couple
确认预订
2周前
The architectural cruise was absolutely excellent. The guide, I forget his name, was very knowledgable and did an excellent job. It was interesting to learn about the different architectural styles used on the buildings. As a resident St. Louisan, I also found it fascinating that STL sued Chi years ago for reversing the flow of the Chicago river. I never knew that! I've been to Chi probably a dozen times or better over the years and this was my first time doing the river cruise. I'm so glad I finally took the opportunity to do this. Great time, informative and well worth the money.
Lynn W
Solo
确认预订
上周
My time on the water is always great. I've been on this boat times before. What was NOT great was that I attempted to cancel and even purchased protection that was supposed to allow me to be able to cancel without cause but found no way to do so. There was no clear instruction on how and all that I saw everywhere I looked was that the ticket could not be cancelled even after I paid for cancellation protection. I feel it was a rip off. I had no choice but to attend rather than reschedule. I will never purchase from this site again and will inform others about my experience.

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