Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady
Things to know
About the Activity
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.1 hour 30 minutes
Instant Confirmation
Mobile ticket
Availability and Prices
Travel Date
//
Travelers
Inclusions & Exclusions
Local guide (docents)
Transportation amenities : On-board restrooms. Restroom on board
Live commentary on board
River sightseeing cruise
Climate controlled lower level
Drinks & light snacks (available to purchase)
Storage for luggage
Transportation amenities : On-board WiFi. WiFi on board
More Activities in Chicago
Filter By Date
//
Sort By
Travel Itinerary
- Maximum 250 travellers in this tour.
Locations in the itinerary
1
Chicago River
Chicago, United StatesThe story of the Chicago River is one that continues to unfold. Through periods of industry, transportation, revitalization and recreation, it has grown and changed like the city itself.1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView LocationChicago Architecture Center(Pass By)
111 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, United States, 60601-3713The Chicago Architecture Center is directly across Wacker Drive from the Chicago's First Lady docks. Discounted admission of $5 per person is available if you show your river cruise ticket.View LocationNavy Pier(Pass By)
600 E Grand Ave, , Chicago, United States, 60611-3419From naval base and university campus to shipping hub and entertainment destination, Navy Pier is Chicago’s hallmark of adaptive reuse. View LocationMarina City(Pass By)
300 N State St, , Chicago, United States, 60654-5414When architect Bertrand Goldberg envisioned Marina City, it was an urban experiment designed to draw middle-class Chicagoans back to the city after more than a decade of suburban migration.View LocationWhen our docents explain that the Trump International Hotel & Tower reflects its surroundings, they aren’t only referring to its shiny glass and steel exterior.View Location
One of the last American projects designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, this powerful Modernist structure occupies a prominent place on the Chicago River.View Location
Gravity-defying 150 North Riverside has already taken its rightful place among Chicago’s architectural and engineering wonders.View Location
View Boeing International Headquarters at 100 N Riverside Plaza.View Location
Meeting and Pickup
Starting point
1
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.View Location
End point
1
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.View Location
Pickup details
Customers must make their own way to and meet at the start point- Travelers CANNOT choose a custom pickup or meeting location.
Additional Information
- 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
Language And Guide
Tour Guide Available In
- English
Ticket Details
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- One per booking
Ticket Redemption
Tickets can be redeemed at thE starting point• 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.Cancellation & Refunds
Cannot be cancelled or amended without incurring a 100% penalty; i.e., the refund amount will be zero.- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Reviews from Travelers
★4.923470 Reviews
Excellent
★★★★★ (3312)
Good★★★★ (98)
Average★★★ (32)
Poor★★ (8)
Terrible★ (20)
Filter By Rating
Sort By
No reviews found!Operated by Chicago Architecture Foundation & Chicago's First Lady CruisesCreated on 10 Aug 2016Created on 24 Apr 2025
Can we help?Can' t find the tours you want? Contact Travalour. We'll find them for you.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply