Chicago: Architecture Center Cruise on Chicago's First Lady

4.551948 out of 5 stars
4.6
4.551948 out of 5 stars
308 reviews
Chicago: Architecture Center Cruise on Chicago's First Lady
4.551948 out of 5 stars
4.6
4.551948 out of 5 stars
308 reviews
Likely to sell out

Experience a Chicago River cruise partnered with the world-famous Chicago Architecture Center, featuring live English-speaking certified docents and pre-recorded multilingual commentary.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 1.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English
Wheelchair accessible

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

E
Erin – United States

Best experience of our trip! Mary Jo’s knowledge was captivating and impressive! Also appreciate the mission of the organization. Thanks Chicago’s First Lady staff and volunteers!!!!

R
Roger – Australia

The architecture cruise was the highlight of our 3 nights in Chicago. Our tour guide was fantastic and I learnt so much. Recommend this tour for any students of design or architecture. It beats the textbooks hands down.

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Highlights

  • Marvel at different types of architecture along the Chicago River
  • Enjoy unobstructed, 360-degree views from the open-air decks
  • Commentary (in English) by a live Chicago Architecture Center docent
  • Learn the stories of more than 50 buildings and 13 bascule bridges
  • Add entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center for only $5

Full description

Hop onboard the only cruise narrated by Chicago Architecture Center certified volunteer docents who will share their wealth of knowledge about Chicago’s “canyon of architecture” – the Chicago River.


Cruise down all 3 branches of the Chicago River, with unobstructed, open-air, 360-degree views of the city’s wide variety of architectural styles, including Art Deco, neoclassicism, mid-century modernism, and postmodernism. Discover how design shaped history and influenced life.


Enjoy guaranteed seating on the open-air upper decks and purchase items at the full-service cocktail and snack bars in climate-controlled interior salons. Listen as docents share stories of over 50 buildings and 13 bascule bridges along the river, and some of the iconic figures responsible for them.

Choose an option to add the CAC (Chicago Architecture Center) general admission for only $5 compared to the normal $14 admission.

Includes

  • Architecture cruise on the Chicago River
  • Guaranteed seating on open-air upper decks
  • Docents trained by the Chicago Architecture Center
  • Discounted entry to the Chicago Architecture Center (if option selected)
  • Food and drinks (available for purchase)

Meeting point

Check in at Black Awning for Chicago's First Lady located on the Riverwalk level at the South East corner of the Michigan Ave. bridge, where Michigan Ave. & Wacker Dr. intersect.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat

Not allowed

  • Luggage or large bags
  • Pets (assistance dogs allowed)
  • Alcohol and drugs
  • Electric wheelchairs

Know before you go

  • Tour departures frequently sell out. Reserve your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment
  • Cruises operate rain or shine. Both open and covered seating is available onboard
  • Drinks (including water, soda, wine, and beer) and snacks (including chips, cookies, and nuts) are available for purchase onboard
  • Latecomers cannot be refunded
  • A portion of the proceeds from each ticket supports the Chicago Architecture Center’s non-profit educational mission
  • For safety reasons, motorized scooters and electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated aboard the ship. Guests who are able to transfer may use the activity provider's manual wheelchair, based on availability.
  • There is no elevator access to the boat dock.

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 308 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.9/5
  • Transportation
    4.8/5
  • Value for money
    4.5/5

Customer photos

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E
Erin – United StatesJune 8, 2025 – Verified booking
Best experience of our trip! Mary Jo’s knowledge was captivating and impressive! Also appreciate the mission of the organization. Thanks Chicago’s First Lady staff and volunteers!!!!
R
Roger – AustraliaJune 2, 2025 – Verified booking
The architecture cruise was the highlight of our 3 nights in Chicago. Our tour guide was fantastic and I learnt so much. Recommend this tour for any students of design or architecture. It beats the textbooks hands down.
N
Nicole – CanadaMay 2, 2025 – Verified booking
This is a must do. Our guide Jessica was knowledgeable, we learned a lot about the varying architectural styles of Chicago's buildings and the sights were great. The 90min flew by - don't skip out on this.

Product ID: 466232

Activity provider:CAC with CFL

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