Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady with Expert Docents
by Chicago Architecture Foundation & Chicago's First Lady Cruises
Choose from 1 available option
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.$114Overview
Chicago’s river has shaped the city’s growth through industry, transport, and recreation. This 90-minute boat tour aboard the First Lady offers a live guided commentary by trained docents on Chicago’s architectural development, spanning historic and modern styles. The climate-controlled lower level and onboard restrooms provide comfort during the cruise. The tour passes notable sites including Navy Pier, Marina City, the Trump International Hotel & Tower, and the Willis Tower. Guests see the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Merchandise Mart, Boeing International Headquarters, and 150 North Riverside, among others. The Chicago Architecture Center, located just across Wacker Drive from the boat docks, offers a discounted entry with a cruise ticket. This cruise is operated by a certified nonprofit supporting education and community projects. Drinks and snacks can be purchased onboard, but luggage storage and WiFi are not available. The route and vessel may vary, and seating is general admission with boarding by arrival order.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Chicago River
The cruise follows the Chicago River, whose role in the city’s industry, transportation, revitalization, and recreation has evolved over time.
90 min
Chicago Architecture Center
Located opposite the First Lady docks across Wacker Drive, the Chicago Architecture Center offers a $5 discount on admission with a river cruise ticket.
Navy Pier
Navy Pier has transformed from a naval base and university campus to a shipping hub and now an entertainment area, illustrating adaptive reuse in Chicago.
Marina City
Designed by architect Bertrand Goldberg, Marina City was intended to attract middle-class residents back to Chicago after years of suburban migration.
Trump International Hotel & Tower
Docents explain that the Trump International Hotel & Tower reflects its surroundings beyond just its glass and steel exterior.
Federal Center Plaza
This Modernist building, one of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s last American projects, occupies a prominent spot on the Chicago River.
150 North Riverside Plaza
The 150 North Riverside building is recognized for its gravity-defying design and is considered an architectural and engineering achievement in Chicago.
Boeing International Headquarters
The Boeing International Headquarters at 100 N Riverside Plaza can be seen from the river during the cruise.
Willis Tower
The Willis Tower, known as the Sears Tower for nearly 25 years as the world’s tallest building, is visible from the river.
Merchandise Mart
Completed in 1930 as the largest building globally, the Merchandise Mart served as a wholesale warehouse for Marshall Field’s retailers.
Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME)
The Chicago Mercantile Exchange Building at 20 S Wacker Drive is visible from the river.
Chicago Tribune Freedom Center
The Chicago Tribune Freedom Center is included as a point of interest along the cruise route.
Meeting 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.
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.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Additional info
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady with Expert Docents
by Chicago Architecture Foundation & Chicago's First Lady Cruises
Choose from 1 available option
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.$114Overview
Chicago’s river has shaped the city’s growth through industry, transport, and recreation. This 90-minute boat tour aboard the First Lady offers a live guided commentary by trained docents on Chicago’s architectural development, spanning historic and modern styles. The climate-controlled lower level and onboard restrooms provide comfort during the cruise. The tour passes notable sites including Navy Pier, Marina City, the Trump International Hotel & Tower, and the Willis Tower. Guests see the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Merchandise Mart, Boeing International Headquarters, and 150 North Riverside, among others. The Chicago Architecture Center, located just across Wacker Drive from the boat docks, offers a discounted entry with a cruise ticket. This cruise is operated by a certified nonprofit supporting education and community projects. Drinks and snacks can be purchased onboard, but luggage storage and WiFi are not available. The route and vessel may vary, and seating is general admission with boarding by arrival order.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Chicago River
The cruise follows the Chicago River, whose role in the city’s industry, transportation, revitalization, and recreation has evolved over time.
90 min
Chicago Architecture Center
Located opposite the First Lady docks across Wacker Drive, the Chicago Architecture Center offers a $5 discount on admission with a river cruise ticket.
Navy Pier
Navy Pier has transformed from a naval base and university campus to a shipping hub and now an entertainment area, illustrating adaptive reuse in Chicago.
Marina City
Designed by architect Bertrand Goldberg, Marina City was intended to attract middle-class residents back to Chicago after years of suburban migration.
Trump International Hotel & Tower
Docents explain that the Trump International Hotel & Tower reflects its surroundings beyond just its glass and steel exterior.
Federal Center Plaza
This Modernist building, one of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s last American projects, occupies a prominent spot on the Chicago River.
150 North Riverside Plaza
The 150 North Riverside building is recognized for its gravity-defying design and is considered an architectural and engineering achievement in Chicago.
Boeing International Headquarters
The Boeing International Headquarters at 100 N Riverside Plaza can be seen from the river during the cruise.
Willis Tower
The Willis Tower, known as the Sears Tower for nearly 25 years as the world’s tallest building, is visible from the river.
Merchandise Mart
Completed in 1930 as the largest building globally, the Merchandise Mart served as a wholesale warehouse for Marshall Field’s retailers.
Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME)
The Chicago Mercantile Exchange Building at 20 S Wacker Drive is visible from the river.
Chicago Tribune Freedom Center
The Chicago Tribune Freedom Center is included as a point of interest along the cruise route.
Meeting 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.
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.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.