Things to do in

Grant Park, Chicago

Experience an architecture cruise along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, a family tradition since 1935. Admire Chicago’s historic and ever-changing skyline with a local expert guide as you cruise through the city. Choose between the open-air decks or the comfort of the climate-controlled interiors during the cruise. Start the cruise at Michigan Avenue (DuSable) bridge and go up the main branch of the Chicago River to Wolf Point before heading back past the Chicago Riverwalk towards Lake Michigan. Learn about historic skyscrapers like the Wrigley Building and the Tribune Tower, the deco Merchandise Mart, mid-century skyscrapers like the Mies Van der Rohe AMA Building, the circular Marina City Towers, the AON Center, and modernist structures like Aqua, Trump Tower, Nuveen, and the Vista Tower. After passing through the Chicago Lock and cruising past Navy Pier, admire the Chicago skyline from Lake Michigan, one of the largest bodies of fresh water in the world. Here you can also see the twin super-skyscrapers, the famous Willis (formerly Sears) Tower, and the John Hancock Building. See the majesty of Grant Park with its famous Buckingham Fountain, and iconic Chicago venues such as Soldier’s Field, Adler Planetarium, and the Shedd Aquarium. Enjoy several vantage points for memorable pictures throughout, and finally arrive back at Du Sable Bridge on Michigan Avenue.

Experience the best of Chicago at your own pace from the unique vantage point of a Big Bus tour. Board our open-top, double-decker bus as you take a relaxing ride through the city's most iconic landmarks, from the Magnificent Mile to Millennium Park. Hop on and off at our convenient stops throughout the city to discover Chicago's vibrant neighborhoods and world-famous attractions including 360 CHICAGO, Willis Tower, the Chicago Riverwalk, Museum Campus, The Bean, and more. Spend your day shopping on Magnificent Mile, riding the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier, or sampling authentic Chicago Deep Dish Pizza. With our flexible and convenient tour, create your own itinerary and explore the city at your own pace. Track bus arrivals in real time with our free downloadable app so you always know when the next bus is coming. Marvel at the stunning skyline as you enjoy professional digital commentary in multiple languages, with earbuds provided. Hear expert insight into Chicago's rich history and culture, as well as tips on the best places to eat, drink, and shop. Top sights include: • Navy Pier • Millennium Park • Skydeck Chicago & Willis Tower • Chicago Riverwalk • Museum Campus • 360 CHICAGO • Chicago River Cruises • And more!

Relax as you glide over the Chicago River and into Lake Michigan on this cruise. Enjoy the glow of the sunset on Chicago's sparkling skyline. Have the option to purchase delectable drinks and snacks at the onboard bar as you sail. Start your sunset cruise on the Chicago River at Michigan Avenue. Make your way along the main branch of the river towards Lake Michigan before entering the Chicago Locks, a modern engineering marvel, that will transfer the vessel onto the great Lake Michigan. The vessel will cruise along Lake Michigan as the sun sets behind the wonderful skyline offering several amazing views. Your local tour guide will give a very brief commentary along the Chicago River and entrance to Lake Michigan, but most of the 1.5-hour cruise is spent without narration, leaving you to watch the sun put on a beautiful display with the City skyline. Admire the many angles of the Chicago skyline from Lake Michigan, one of the largest bodies of fresh water in the world. Capture magical views of Chicago's twin super-skyscrapers, the famous Willis (formerly Sears) Tower and the John Hancock Building. You'll also get to admire the majesty of Grant Park with its famous Buckingham Fountain, and iconic Chicago venues such as Soldier’s Field, Adler Planetarium, and the Shedd Aquarium. During your cruise, treat yourself at the full-service cash bar featuring authentic Chicago products. Try local beer and spirits and Garrett’s Popcorn. Choose between the fresh air of the open-air decks or enjoy the comfort of the climate-controlled interiors during your cruise. Don’t forget to take a selfie at the Grand Staircase at the front of the boat or pose for photos at the picturesque stern or bow of this classic vessel.

Experience an elegant day on Lake Michigan with our Premier Chicago Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise. Enjoy a delectable 3-course meal served with attentive tableside service, featuring a carefully curated selection of dishes prepared by our onboard chef. Sip on bottomless mimosas for brunch or delicious cocktails or lunch or dinner while our live DJ sets the perfect ambiance. Board at Navy Pier, where you’ll be warmly welcomed and have the chance to have your photo taken by our ship’s photographer before embarking on a luxurious cruise along the Chicago shoreline. Once seated at your private table, savor each course of your gourmet meal. After dining, you can dance to live music or unwind on our outdoor decks or the interior deck, enjoying the magnificent Chicago skyline. Join us for an unforgettable dining experience that combines spectacular views with exceptional cuisine.  Sample Brunch Menu: Early Riser:Breakfast Pastries Scrambled EggsBreakfast Meats Breakfast Potatoes French Toast Late Risers:Kale Quinoa SaladGreen Goddess Pasta SaladCaesar Salad Oven Roasted WhitefishKid's Station Hand Carved Strip Loin Hand Carved Oven-Roasted Turkey Dessert: Cakes, Brownies, Seasons Fruit Sample Lunch and Dinner Menu: Starters (choice of one): Caesar Salad Lobster Bisque (dinner only) Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail (dinner only, available for additional price) Seafood Tower (dinner only, available for additional price) 2.5oz 1/2 Lobster Tail (dinner only, available for additional price) Main course (choice of one):Jumbo Forest Mushroom Ravioli Oven-Baked Atlantic Salmon Filet Oven Roasted Frenched Chicken Breast with Rosemary and Thyme Braised Beef Short Rib Pan-Seared Fresh Pacific Cod (dinner only) 8 oz USDA Choice Filet Mignon (dinner only, available for additional price) 18 oz USDA Prime Striploin (dinner only, available for additional price) Two 5 oz Broiled Maine Lobster Tails (dinner only, available for additional price) Dessert (choice of one): Eli's New York Style Cheesecake Duo of Sorbet Freshly Cut Fruit and Fresh Strawberries Triple Chocolate Mud Pie (dinner only) Odyssey Signature Warm Butter Cake (dinner only) French Macarons (dinner only, available for additional price) Champagne Chocolate Truffles (dinner only, available for additional price) Menu items are subject to change.

This half-hour Seadog Speedboat ride along Chicago’s lakefront is one of the best ways to view the city’s skyline while learning about the city. Combine an exciting speedboat ride with informative and amusing stories about the world-famous Windy City. As you depart Chicago's Navy Pier, your captain will tell you interesting facts about the pier and the lakefront as he cranks up the music and races to key lakefront landmarks. Stop near the picturesque lakefront park of the Chicago Museum campus, where you’ll learn about the architecture and history of Chicago. Admire views of the Magnificent Mile neighborhood, including the Buckingham Fountain, Sears Tower, Grant Park, and Chicago's largest shopping district. Listen to the thrilling sound of the turbo engines as you race around the Lake Michigan waterfront and back to the Navy Pier. Upgrade to the Extreme Thrill Ride Option and experience exhilarating speeds and full 360° spins. Book this jet-propelled ride for a chance to be splashed! Experience full-throttle slalom runs, sharp twists and turns, and the raw power of Seadog Extreme's 1400 HP engines.

Discover Chicago’s stunning skyscrapers, historic buildings, and modern marvels on this fun, family-friendly boat cruise. Relax and unwind as you admire scenic views from the Chicago River and the Chicago Harbor Lock. Then, cruise onto Lake Michigan where you can gaze upon the entire city skyline and shoreline. During the boat ride, enjoy lively narration and stories about Chicago’s rich history as your knowledgeable guides point out the many sights of the city including Willis Tower, Aon Center, 875 N. Michigan (formerly the John Hancock Center), Museum Campus, Marina City, Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, Navy Pier, the Lake Michigan Lighthouse and more. The tour also gives you the opportunity to experience passing through the Chicago Harbor Lock. Listen to your guide explain the full workings of the lock and feel the boat rise as you enter Lake Michigan, and then lower again when returning to the Chicago River.

Set sail on an unforgettable adventure with our Seadog River and Lake Architectural Tour! Start your journey at Navy Pier on Lake Michigan, where you’ll board a speedboat and embark on a thrilling ride through the Chicago Harbor Locks. Once through the locks, you’ll enter the Chicago River, cruising past the city’s renowned architectural marvels. Admire iconic landmarks such as Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), Tribune Tower, and the Civic Opera House, all while enjoying engaging and informative narration about their fascinating histories. The tour continues with an exhilarating speedboat ride with breathtaking views along Lake Michigan, taking in sights like Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park, and the Chicago Museum Campus. This family and dog-friendly experience combines thrilling speed with stunning vistas and rich architectural insights for an unforgettable exploration of Chicago’s architectural gems.

Experience the magic of Chicago at dusk with the Big Bus Chicago on a 90-minute live guided panoramic adventure that captures the city in its most captivating light. As the golden hour sets in, watch the entire skyline come to life, from Magnificent Mile to Museum Campus and beyond. From the top deck of an open-top double decker, you’ll have a perfect vantage point to see the best of Chicago. Witness the vibrant nightlife of River North, an area brimming with energy, trendy bars, and eclectic dining options. Your knowledgeable guide will provide fascinating insights and stories along the way, enriching your understanding of this dynamic neighborhood. Next, the journey takes you along the legendary Michigan Avenue. From the upscale shopping and historic architecture of The Magnificent Mile to the cultural treasures of State Street Theater District, you’ll experience the diverse facets of Chicago’s most famous avenues. See renowned attractions like the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, and the Art Institute of Chicago, all beautifully illuminated against the evening sky. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime resident, this tour offers a unique perspective on the Windy City, blending stunning visuals with exciting history and must-see landmarks.

Glide around the streets and parks of Chicago on a leisurely guided Segway tour. Perfect for Chicago newbies and veterans alike, the tour uncovers quirky facts about one of America’s most energetic destinations. Begin with a training session to become familiar with the unique self-balancing Segways, before exploring the Windy City in a fun and futuristic fashion. Start your Segway experience at Millennium Park and continue to Grant Park to stop and admire the famous Buckingham Fountain Ride to Museum Campus to soak up spectacular views of the Chicago skyline and beautiful lakefront. Capture pictures to share of the expansive views of the sea-like Lake Michigan. Return to your meeting point at the end of your tour.

Working up an appetite won’t be a problem on this signature bike tour combing city sightseeing with the best foods and brews in Chicago.Sample Chicago’s 4 favorite food groups – pizza, hot dogs, brownies, and beer. You’ll learn the history behind the iconic foods and also get a taste of some of Chicago’s most popular neighborhoods on this 4.5 hour easy ride. Leave the planning to the local experts. Bobby’s Bike Hike was awarded the following three awards just this year: “Top 10 Food Tours in America” by USA Today, “Top 20 Food Tours in the World” by TA, and “Top 15 Vacation Ideas in USA” by Entrepreneur Magazine. Seize the opportunity for the ultimate Chicago fusion of flavors and sights in a single, unforgettable day! On the daytime version of the tour, cruise through Wrigleyville, Gold Coast, Old Town, Lakeview, and Lincoln Park. On the nighttime version of the tour, bike through the skyscrapers and bars of downtown Chicago and see Millennium Park and Buckingham Fountain at night. On either route, enjoy the beautiful lakefront trail as well. This tour is 13 miles with perfect breaks along the way for sampling. Your experienced guide will keep you safe, in-the-know, and well-fed. Bikes provided.