Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady

About this 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.

Itinerary

1. Chicago River · 90 min

   The 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.

2. Chicago Architecture Center · pass by

   The 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.

3. Navy Pier · pass by

   From naval base and university campus to shipping hub and entertainment destination, Navy Pier is Chicago’s hallmark of adaptive reuse.

4. Marina City · pass by

   When 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.

5. Stop 5 · pass by

   When our docents explain that the Trump International Hotel & Tower reflects its surroundings, they aren’t only referring to its shiny glass and steel exterior.

6. Stop 6 · pass by

   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.

7. Stop 7 · pass by

   Gravity-defying 150 North Riverside has already taken its rightful place among Chicago’s architectural and engineering wonders.

8. Stop 8 · pass by

   View Boeing International Headquarters at 100 N Riverside Plaza.

9. Stop 9 · pass by

   For nearly 25 years after its completion, the Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, held the title of tallest building in the world.

10. Merchandise Mart · pass by

    Size has always mattered in the Midwest. Upon its completion in 1930, it was the largest building in the world and served as Marshall Field’s wholesale warehouse, where retailers could buy stock.

11. Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) · pass by

    View the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Building, located at 20 S Wacker Drive.

12. Stop 12 · pass by

    Chicago Tribune Freedom Center.

Meeting point

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

End point: 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.

Good to know

• 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

Cancellation policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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