Enjoy a quintessential Chicago experience when you go on an architecture-themed river tour. Pick from multiple convenient start times, and board your vessel—the Lady Liberty—directly from the Chicago Riverwalk. Your trained docent guides will give you a rich introduction to the Windy City’s history, key landmarks, and architectural highlights—and you can spy landmarks like the Marina City towers and Navy Pier from the water’s edge.

See a new perspective on the Windy City when you sail the Chicago River
Multiple departure times are available to suit your schedule
Discover key Chicago landmarks like Navy Pier and Marina City
Learn all about the city’s highlights and heritage from your docent guide

What's Included

Live commentary on board
Local guide (docents)
River sightseeing cruise
Restroom on board
Climate controlled lower level

Drinks & light snacks (available to purchase)
Storage for luggage
WiFi on board

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

112 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
On Chicago's Riverwalk at Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive. Please use 112 E. Wacker for GPS navigation. Look for our blue awning at street level on the southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Chicago River

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Chicago Architecture Center (Pass By)

Navy Pier (Pass By)

Marina City (Pass By)

Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago (Pass By)

330 N Wabash Ave (Pass By)

150 N Riverside Plaza (Pass By)

100 N Riverside Plaza (Pass By)

Willis Tower (Pass By)

Merchandise Mart (Pass By)

Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) (Pass By)

Chicago Tribune Freedom Center (Pass By)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Not recommended for children younger than 12 years
Service animals allowed
Routes, specific vessels, and schedules are subject to change without notice
All seating is General Admission. Boarding is on a first come, first serve basis
Near public transportation

Most, but not all, departures are wheelchair accessible, please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Pets are not allowed
Most travelers can participate
WARNING: Tickets are not refundable or transferrable to other departures.
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.
This tour is available in recorded form in 4 languages: Continental French, Latin American Spanish, Japanese and Korean. To access these languages, please download the "Listen Everywhere" app in advance. Once you are on board the boat, the app will connect and allow you to listen in your selected language as the boat makes its way down the river.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 250 travelers

Cancellation Policy

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

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Q:Where is the departure point for the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady?

A:The cruise departs from the scenic dockside along Chicago’s Riverwalk; 3 blocks north of Millennium Park and steps from The Magnificent Mile. The entrance to the Riverwalk dock is street level on the northeast corner of Michigan Ave. and Wacker Dr.

Apr 2021

Q:Is there parking available for the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady?

A:The nearest parking facility is LAZ Parkins Garage at 111 E Wacker Dr. This garage is directly across the street from the stairway to the dock and next door to the Chicago Architecture Center. There is a fee for parking.

Apr 2021

Q:How early should I arrive for my Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady?

A:Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your cruise departure time - allow extra time in summer!

Apr 2021

Q:What should I bring with me on the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady?

A:Bring your sunglasses, cap, or visor, as the sun can interfere with your view of the buildings.

Apr 2021

Q:Can I purchase food/drinks while onboard the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady?

A:Yes - there is a full bar available onboard.

Apr 2021

Q:Is the seating assigned during the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady?

A:No - All seating is general admission. While seat numbers are printed on the tickets, you can ignore these as they are not valid.

Apr 2021

Q:Are there restrooms available during the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady?

A:Yes, all the boats have restrooms onboard. Please note: the restrooms close 15 minutes before the end of the tour for safety reasons.

Apr 2021

Q:Can I bring luggage with me on the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady?

A:Due to security reasons, luggage cannot be brought on board. There is not an area to store your luggage dockside either. Please leave your luggage at your hotel.

Apr 2021

Q:Can I bring a stroller with me on the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady?

A:Yes, you can bring a stroller onboard. Children must be removed from strollers before boarding. Strollers will be folded and stored in the salon during the cruise.

Apr 2021

Q:What happens if it rains on the date of my Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady?

A:All sailings go out rain or shine. All the boats have two levels – the top deck is open-air, and the lower deck is an enclosed, climate-controlled salon. Each salon is surrounded by large windows so you can stay comfortable while taking in the views.

Apr 2021

Traveler Photos

Featured review

christopher_f

The tour guide, Judith, was great. The trip goes up both branches or the river then all the way out to Navy Pier. You learn about the history, style, and architects of the buildings. Parts of those discussions include interesting stories for each as well as the designers' inspirations. We sat on the bow and enjoyed the views. Could hear the announcements fine. Not too windy, but a little breezy. Full hours and a half on water.

Reviews

5.0

1,845 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

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Showing 1-10 of 1,845 reviews

Great experience

KANDYE_L, Apr 2024

The guide was very knowledgeable relatable and witty. Very detailed. It didn't hurt that we had great weather.

Great experience

Cesar_P, Apr 2024

Great tour. Didn’t feel rushed and learned a lot about the history of the architecture. Your guide was very knowledgeable. We went at 4PM and the sun was glaring a bit but it didn’t take away from the beauty.

Great

Debbie_H, Apr 2024

The old and the new building histories and how they have come together. Tour guide was great! Sorry so cold this day

Fascinating

keith_c, Apr 2024

Fascinating couple of hours. All of these glowing reviews reflect what an excellent excursion this is. Highly recommended

Very enjoyable!

Karen_C, Apr 2024

This was a very enjoyable and informative experience. The guide was very engaging and knowledgeable, and the crew was very friendly.

Favorite Tour

Suzette_M, Apr 2024

Monica was awesome. It’s my second time on the tour. and I’d do it again tomorrow. The architecture and its history are so interesting, the tour flies by quickly. Monica was very knowledgeable and had all sorts of fun food trivia. This is a must do tour! Book it early, our boat was sold out.

Don’t think twice about your tour… book this one

Michelle_H, Apr 2024

This is 90 minutes well worth your time and money. First, I recommend you confirm you will have a good weather day. After that, this is the company to choose. The others are commercialized. First Lady tour is A+ and associated with Chicago Architecture Center. The volunteers who docent are well versed (tested in their knowledge) and know the city and how to share their love for the history and architecture. Don’t think twice about your tour… book this one.

We liked our guide,...

Julie_J, Apr 2024

We liked our guide, Chris, and he shared interesting info about Chicago’s history and architecture. We had a great time.

Chicago River Architecture Adventure

Brett_B, Apr 2024

What a wonderful experience of history and architecture aboard the 1pm tour of Chicago's Emerald Lady, on Sat April 7th. Our Captain was skilled and professional and our Docent, exuded passion and pride for Chicago, and it's historical River improvements. His knowledge of architecture, and historical occurrences captivated our attention and made for a truly wonderful experience. We would highly recommend this tour to all visitors and Chicago natives alike. Sit back relax and enjoy Chicago history at its finest.

Wonderful!

Catharine_F, Apr 2024

Although it was a chilly early spring afternoon, we would do it again without a doubt. The guide was so knowledgeable and really knew how the tell the story of Chicago’s architecture through history.

Great Views, Great Guides, Great Value

christopher_f, Mar 2024

Wonderful Architectural Cruise!

Eduardo_C, Mar 2024

The Docent was very knowledgeable and a pleasure. What a great experience seeing the architectural history of Chicago!

Very informative and...

Eric_F, Nov 2023

Very informative and engaging guide who gave knowledgeable insights into the history of the various notable buildings along the river.

Fantastic

NANCY_S, Nov 2023

The ride was full of interesting information. Things you could have never guessed or known had the guide not been so great.

Great tour of Chicago architecture

Milissa_W, Nov 2023

The docent was amazing. His knowledge & presentation style was great. I will definitely take the boat tour again. Hopefully on a warmer day.

Great time and...

Jennifer_H, Nov 2023

Great time and information despite the cold! Inside was warm with warm hot chocolate and cocktails available.

Great tour

Donna_f, Nov 2023

Very interesting beautiful city great tour guide but was alittle cold on deck.Went downstairs to get warm and coffee. Love this tour .

Chicago’s best tourist experience

Alan_L, Nov 2023

This was my 5th River Cruise….every time is like the first time….so much to learn and enjoy about the river cruise

Disappointed

Jorge_C, Nov 2023

Haigly disappointed due that Epanish translator did not work and I was Spanish friends non inflight speaking

Excellent tour guide....

David_R, Oct 2023

Excellent tour guide. Knowleldgeable and articulate. Well worth the time and money. She actually starts a little before the launch, so it is best to get there a bit early.

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