As voted by USA Today readers!
CAC River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady
Voted #1 boat tour in the United States by USA Today readers in 2024, as well as Chicago Reader's Best Tour for over 10 years!
Best Experiences in the US
Voted #1 Boat Tour in the US
#1 Chicago Boat Tour for 10+ years
6 best tours and walks in Chicago
Led by the Chicago Architecture Center's expertly trained docent volunteers, this 90-minute cruise reveals fascinating stories behind Chicago's majestic buildings in a way no other tour can.
Location
DowntownMeet
Northeast corner of Michigan Ave. and E. Wacker Dr (112 E. Wacker Drive). Look for the black awning marking the stairway entrance. Arrive 30 minutes prior to your cruise departure time. Allow extra time for traffic and parking in summer.
Tour Highlights
Rated #1 year after year
Learn about the architects who created our city's magnificent buildings—and the stories behind them. Along the way, you'll also hear how Chicago grew from a small settlement into one of the world's largest cities.
This classic tour, aboard the city's most luxurious fleet, is a must for out-of-town visitors and Chicagoans alike.
Boat Amenities
Full Service & Snack Bar
Restrooms
Climate Controlled Cabins
and More...
About Our Boat Partner
We’re proud to partner with Chicago’s First Lady Cruises, operator of Chicago’s finest fleet of cruising vessels. Its boats hold up to 250 passengers and feature open-air upper decks, full-service bars, climate-controlled lower cabins and upscale marble and granite restrooms. Being onboard is sure to be an experience you'll never forget.
Evening River Cruise
Serene and bathed in softer light, the city's architecture takes on a whole new life in the setting sun. Wind down and enjoy a cocktail with friends and family on our luxury boats. All departures later than 5:00 p.m.
Tour Information and Tips
- Each person must have a ticket, including infants and children. Please note that infant tickets must be purchased with an adult ticket.
- Seating is general admission.
- The River Cruise is available 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.
- All tours depart rain or shine. Climate-controlled cabin is available.
- Arrive 30 minutes prior to your cruise departure time. Allow extra time for traffic and parking in summer.
- Cruise guests board 15 minutes before departure time.
- Tickets may not be refunded or exchanged if you miss your boat. Allow extra time.
Accessibility
Chicago’s First Lady Cruises works hard to ensure that everyone is able to access the beauty of their boats and enjoy a wonderful experience aboard. For the best experience, give us advance notice for any special boarding needs.
Guests with Limited Mobility – What to Expect Onboard
Handicap Accessible Boats
All our boats, except Chicago's First Lady & Chicago's Little Lady, are handicap accessible and offer a wheelchair-accessible restroom.
Seating Options
Guests who are unable to climb stairs to the upper deck may sit on the open-air bow deck or the climate-controlled cabin with large windows.
Accessing the Dock Area
For guests unable to use stairs, there are two options: an ADA-compliant ramp to the Riverwalk at Wacker Drive and State Street, or a drop-off area on the same level as our dock at Lower Lower Wacker Drive. View directions.
Assistance can be provided
Staff members will gladly take table-side drink orders for passengers with limited mobility.
Have more questions?
Please visit Chicago's First Lady or contact our tour operations team.
How to Buy Accessible Tour Tickets
Tickets for tours on accessible boats can be purchased by selecting the 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. or 5 p.m. departure times.
Wheelchairs Available for Use
For those requesting use of the company's manual wheelchair, please visit the dockside CFL River Cruise ticket office upon arrival.
Service Animals
We welcome service dogs onboard! The service animal must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered while in public places. Emotional support animals, pets and other animals not covered by ADA guidelines are not permitted. Please visit the ADA's FAQ on service animals for further details.
Boarding Ramps Available
When boarding the ship, guests cross two ramps and enter through a opening (doorway) that is 36" wide. Crew members can assist you in guiding the wheelchair across the gangway. Motorized scooters and electric wheelchairs may not board the ship; guests may utilize our manual wheelchair (based upon availability).
FAQs
All tours are given by CAC-certified volunteer docents. Docents receive hundreds of hours of training about Chicago’s architecture and its history. They are storytellers and Chicago experts.
Meet at the Chicago’s First Lady boat dock at least 30 minutes prior to departure. The dock is located at the southeast corner of Michigan Avenue Bridge and Wacker Drive.
Look for the black awning at the stairway entrance (if using a GPS, enter 112 E. Wacker Drive).
Refunds and exchanges for ticket purchases are not permitted. Please double-check your dates and times before making a ticket purchase.
The closest parking garage is located at 111 East Wacker Drive. CAC guests and members receive a discount on parking at this garage for up to 4 hours. You can receive a validated parking sticker at the Center box office or the dockside CFL River Cruise box office. The parking garage is open 24/7.
Several other public parking garages are available in the River North and Loop neighborhoods. You can also book convenient and affordable parking in advance through SpotHero, the nation's leading parking reservations app.
To reserve your parking spot, visit the Chicago Architecture Center SpotHero Parking Page.
Group & Private Tours
Interested in a tour for a group? Learn more about our group and private tour options.
Fantastic views. Love the history and the facts about architecture! I highly recommend this boat tour to anyone visiting Chicago.
Marissa CTrip Advisor ReviewWhat an amazing tour!!! Our guide was fantastic! He was funny and knowledgeable and made the entire trip very interesting! I would highly recommend for anyone visiting the city; this is definitely one not to miss!
Amy C Trip Advisor ReviewSo worth it. This was a highlight of our trip. Just beautiful. Very interesting info, too! We learned a lot and had a great time.
Mandfamily404Trip Advisor ReviewSuch a wonderful experience. Megan was very knowledgeable and her love and passion for her city made me fall in love with it too. Highly recommend.
Michelle FTrip Advisor Review
Aerial view of the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady. Photo by: Barry Butler
A docent shares stories on a CAC River Cruise. Photo by: Dennis Lee Photography.
The CAC River Cruise is an annual tradition for out-of-town visitors and Chicagoans alike. Photo by: Barry Butler.
Upgrade Your Ticket to See More
Looking for the ultimate Chicago architecture experience? Add admission to the center for just $5 (regular price $14) as an event extra in your Ticketmaster cart.
