Name: Chicago Sightseeing River and Lake Cruise
SKU: 33187P1
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.7 (747 reviews)

WizardTrip

Chicago Sightseeing River and Lake Cruise

4.7(747)· Chicago· By First Lady Watch the video

Free cancellation

From

€42per person

1 to 10 travelers per booking.

Options2 of 2 available on this day

Time

1 × Adult × €42€42

Total€42

About the activity

Our popular 90-minute daytime river and lake sightseeing tour delights family members of all ages with incredible views of Chicago's world-renowned buildings and stunning skyline. Lively, knowledgeable tour guides bring Chicago’s rich history to life with fun stories and interesting facts. Relax and unwind on a scenic tour of the city from the unique perspective of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Welcome aboard!

What's included

✓All taxes, fees and handling charges
✓Live commentary on board

What is not included

✕Gratuities
✕Food and drinks

Itinerary

1
Chicago River
The tour cruises along the main branch of the river. You’ll hear stories and insights about Chicago’s most iconic buildings and skyline landmarks.
· Non-stop passage
2
Lake Michigan
Cruise along Lake Michigan for stunning views of the Chicago skyline.
· Non-stop passage
3
Navy Pier
Features nearly 50 acres of parks, promenades, gardens, shops, restaurants, and attractions, including the iconic Centennial Wheel, which rises nearly 200 feet above Lake Michigan.
· Non-stop passage
4
John Hancock Center
See the 100-story, 1,128-foot skyscraper on the Magnificent Mile, from the lake.
· Non-stop passage
5
Field Museum
One of the largest natural history museums in the world!
· Non-stop passage
6
Shedd Aquarium
Shedd Aquarium was once the largest indoor aquarium in the world.
· Non-stop passage
7
Adler Planetarium
See this famous planetarium in the heart of Chicago's museum campus.
· Non-stop passage
8
Soldier Field
Soldier Field is a Chicago landmark and home to the Chicago Bears.
· Non-stop passage
9
Clarence F. Buckingham Fountain
Located in the center of Grant Park. Dedicated in 1927, it is one of the largest fountains in the world!
· Non-stop passage
10
Wrigley Building
The Wrigley Building was constructed as the corporate headquarters of the Wrigley Company, the famous maker of chewing gum.
· Non-stop passage
11
Marina City
See the twin 65-story towers along the Chicago River known for their distinctive circular design and mixed-use layout.
· Non-stop passage

How to use your ticket

Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per traveler

Meeting point and return

On Michigan & Wacker Drive, at the northeast corner of the intersection.

Upon arrival, please take the stairs down to Chicago's Riverwalk and visit the box office (right after/bottom of the stairs) for guidance to your cruise boarding dock.

A departure board is available for your reference.

On Michigan & Wacker Drive, at the northeast corner of the intersection.

Upon arrival, please take the stairs down to Chicago's Riverwalk and visit the box office (right after/bottom of the stairs) for guidance to your cruise boarding dock.

A departure board is available for your reference.

Please proceed directly to the boat with your voucher.

Any staff member will gladly direct you to the correct dock.

Ticket is date and time specific.

Please arrive 30 minutes before departure.

We go rain or shine.

The boat leaves right at the scheduled departure time.

Meeting point

First Lady

112 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601, États-Unis

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Practical information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Discounted parking available at 111 E. Wacker Drive. Please visit the dockside box office for parking ticket validation
Wheelchair accessibility varies by vessel. Please contact us in advance to confirm availability.

Activity options

General Boarding
Priority Boarding
Please arrive 30 minutes early: Priority Boarding Tickets include an exclusive early boarding period and the skip-the-queue during general boarding.

Duration

1 h 30

How to prepare for your experience

Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
Dress in layers as weather on the water can change.
Consider purchasing discounted parking in advance.
Bring your camera to capture stunning city views.
Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately, as the tour operates rain or shine.

Discover Chicago's architectural marvels and rich history from the water on this 90-minute river and lake cruise.

Cancellation conditions

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Any questions?

Product code: 33187P1

Activity offered by First Lady via Viator.

Who is this activity suitable for?

Families
Tourists
History enthusiasts
Architecture lovers

Activity essentials

Enjoy breathtaking views of Chicago's iconic skyline.
Learn fascinating history and stories from knowledgeable guides.
Relax on a scenic 90-minute cruise.
Suitable for all ages, including families.
Experience the city from the unique perspectives of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.

Chicago: good to know

Population: 2,746,388 (2020)
Currency: United States dollar
Driving: on the right
Power plugs: A, B · 120 V
Emergency number: 911
Capital city: Washington, D.C.

Average temperatures

-3°Jan
-2°Feb
2°Mar
7°Apr
12°May
18°Jun
23°Jul
23°Aug
19°Sept
12°Oct
6°Nov
0°Dec

Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.

Frequently asked questions

What is the duration of the cruise?

The cruise lasts for 90 minutes.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Michigan & Wacker Drive, at the northeast corner of the intersection. Take the stairs down to Chicago's Riverwalk and visit the box office.

Is there a dress code for the cruise?

No specific dress code, but it is recommended to dress appropriately for the weather conditions as the tour operates rain or shine.

Are there restrooms on board?

Information not provided in the original listing.

Can I bring food and drinks on the cruise?

Food and drinks are not included and are not permitted to be brought on board.

Reviews

4.74.7(747)

5 stars

630

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.

★★★★★Viator review
Beautiful Chicago Experience
Nahrain_C, October 2026
The boat guided was wonderful. The narration of Chicago's architectural history was interesting and informative. Everyone on board was friendly and accommodating. My only drawback was that it was not handicap accessible (not that I saw, anyway). Taking 2 flights of stairs down and then up again afterward is not easy for seniors or people with leg injuries/medical issues.
Response from the operator · Scenic41854156001
Thank you for your kind review! We're happy to hear you enjoyed our guide's narration of Chicago's architectural history and found our crew friendly and accommodating. We also appreciate your feedback regarding accessibility and understand the challenges stairs can present for some guests. The closest accessible entrance would be a ramp on State/Wacker, but its a 5-10 minute walk from our location. We truly wish there was an elvevator or closer acceible entrance. We hope this helps if you join us again in the future! Thank you for cruising with us and sharing your experience!
★★★★★Viator review
Great tour
Kenneth_E, October 2026
Very good river and lake tour. Excellent narration of the architecture highlights. One of the few tours that exits the locks and gives great views of the city skyline.
Response from the operator · Scenic41854156001
Thank you for your review. We are thrilled that you enjoyed your tour with us. Hope you will return soon.
★★★★★Viator review
We were 2 minutes late...
Sharon_T, October 2026
We were 2 minutes late and they would not let us us board even though boat did not leave yet. Ended up not giving us a refund either
Response from the operator · Abdiel_Troche
Thank you for your feedback. We understand how disappointing it can be to miss your cruise, and we’re sorry for the frustration this caused. Our cruises depart promptly at their scheduled times to avoid delays for other passengers. Although the boat may still appear to be at the dock, there are important procedures that must be completed before departure to ensure everyone’s safety, much like the process involved in preparing an airplane for takeoff. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate late arrivals once these procedures are underway. If you would like to discuss your experience or explore the possibility of joining us for another cruise this season, please contact our team at clientservice@firstlady.com. We appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns.
★★★★★Viator review
Excellent
Tyrone_Z, October 2026
1st time in Chicago, this boat tour was Excellent, and very Informative...Highly recommended, I will be back
Response from the operator · Scenic41854156001
Thank you for your review. We are thrilled that you enjoyed your tour with us. Hope you will return soon.
★★★★★Viator review
Excellent! I would...
Ted_L, October 2026
Excellent! I would recommend checking the sunset time to make sure you don't get the glare! I like the bar underneath! Savanna our guide was great!
Response from the operator · Scenic41854156001
Thank you for your review. We think Savannah is awesome too. We are thrilled that you enjoyed your tour with us. Hope you will return soon.

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Plan your trip

Guide · 7 min readArchitecture Cruise on the Chicago RiverThree cruises of 1 to 1.5 hours on the Chicago River: Shoreline Sightseeing from two docks, Wendella and the First Lady. Lengths, departures, prices, accessibility and cancellation are compared.

Frequently asked questions about Chicago

What is there to do in Chicago?

Chicago has 11 activities, tours and day trips you can book online. Among the most booked: « Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise in Chicago », « Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour », « Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour ».

What are the top-rated activities in Chicago?

According to traveller reviews: « Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady » (4.9/5, 7,460 reviews) ; « Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food and Walking Tour » (4.9/5, 2,366 reviews) ; « Chicago Architecture River Cruise » (4.8/5, 17,156 reviews).

Can you cancel an activity in Chicago for free?

Usually, yes: 9 of the 11 most popular activities in Chicago offer free cancellation. The exact terms are shown on each activity page before you book.