Chicago Architecture Cruise: Unforgettable Views by First Lady
The Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady has long been the gold standard among all Chicago tour experiences, and is the only Chicago architecture boat tour led by highly trained expert docents. On this 90-minute cruise, you will enjoy an overview of historic and modern architectural styles including stories about the people who designed and built Chicago. As a certified nonprofit, all ticket purchases directly support education efforts and community engagement projects. No visit to Chicago is complete without experiencing this award winning tour, so accept no substitutes.
Reviews
Reviews and Rating (Tripadvisor)
5 stars
Reviews by Tripadvisor travelers
546makennad, 10/19/2025 9:07:00 PM
We had such a great time on the architecture cruise, and Chris was a great guide. He was very fun and knowledgeable, and has a lot of love for the city, which made the tour even more special. The city lights at night are a beautiful sight!
L7948SOaliciaw, 10/19/2025 7:28:43 PM
My husband and I had the absolute best tour with Mark as our guide on the "3 C's" tour. He was so knowledgeable and charming, we both said we felt like we were on Rick Steves tour of Chicago architecture. It was incredibly memorable, and highly recommend taking Mark's tour if you can!
David_H, 10/19/2025 7:26:02 PM
An absolute must do tour. The best way to see Chicago, hear the story of why it is the city it is today in a fun and entertaining way. Chris was a great guide, made us laugh, kept it light and answered all questions. Full bar and restrooms on board very good trip.
P_S, 10/19/2025 6:31:00 PM
Nice boat ride on a lovely afternoon. John was very knowledgeable & informative. A slight route change resulted from some construction—he barely lost a beat since he seemed to know the buildings on our altered route too.
Jessica_P, 10/19/2025 5:40:28 PM
Fantastic tour! Our volunteer guide from the center for architecture was fabulous. He really made the tour come to life. Such a rich city.
bogdancD9792SD, 10/19/2025 4:00:46 PM
Miriam was a great guide and this was very fun and a great learning experience! I recommend this tour to anyone hat wants a great Chicago experience!
116schuylerr, 10/19/2025 3:39:29 PM
Our tour guide Terry provided a wonderful and informative experience. After the tour I couldn't help but keep looking all around me at the buildings in the city and wonder about the reasons and meanings behind all the architectural decisions made. It's such a beautiful crossroads of art and function, and it's so cool how the history of the city is enshrined in these buildings. I would absolutely recommend this tour to anybody, whether you're visiting Chicago or a full time resident. I would go again next week!
X3935HDandreaa, 10/19/2025 3:16:00 PM
Highly recommended! Outstanding tour. Bill, our guide, knows everything about Chicago architecture, and makes it all easy to understand and so interesting. The boat ride is pleasant— we had a glorious day for it. We lived in Chicago for ten years, and I’m sorry we never took this tour before. First time visitors and chicagoans alike will enjoy.
Hal G, 10/19/2025 1:17:02 PM
The guide was well informed and engaging. Beautiful way to get to know the city. Architectural styles were well explained
468angia, 10/19/2025 1:09:46 PM
Beautiful day, great speaker, very informative! The boat was very nice and had amenities. Our college aged kids really enjoyed it too.
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Not recommended for children younger than 12 years
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- IMPORTANT: For safety reasons, motorized scooters and electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. Guests who are able to transfer may use the company's manual wheelchair based on availability.
- WARNING: Tickets are not refundable or transferrable to other departures.
- Pets are not allowed
- IMPORTANT: There is no elevator access to the boat dock.
- IMPORTANT: Most, but not all, departures are wheelchair accessible, please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required
- All seating is General Admission. Boarding is on a first come, first serve basis
- Routes, specific vessels, and schedules are subject to change without notice
Departure point
On Chicago's Riverwalk at Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive. Please use 112 E. Wacker for GPS navigation. Look for our black awning at street level on the southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive.Return details
The Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady has long been the gold standard among all Chicago tour experiences, and is the only Chicago architecture boat tour led by highly trained expert docents. On this 90-minute cruise, you will enjoy an overview of historic and modern architectural styles including stories about the people who designed and built Chicago. As a certified nonprofit, all ticket purchases directly support education efforts and community engagement projects. No visit to Chicago is complete without experiencing this award winning tour, so accept no substitutes.Redemption
• Please arrive 30 minutes in advance of your departure time to redeem your ticket at the dockside box office and queue-up for boarding. Every passenger must have a ticket in hand for boarding. • Your tickets will be held at the dockside box office for collection on the day of the tour up to ten minutes prior to cruise departure time. You will be required to present this voucher, along with photo ID in exchange for your ticket(s). • Not recommended for children under 12 For safety reasons, motorized scooters and electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated aboard the ship. Guests who can transfer may use the activity provider's manual wheelchair based on the availability.Less than hours before travel date - 0% refund