Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady Discount Tickets

Get your discount tickets for the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady, save up to 12% !

Overview

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.

Meeting and Pickup

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.

Language Offered

English-GUIDE

Itinerary

1. Chicago River
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.
Duration: 90 mins
2. Chicago Architecture Center
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
From naval base and university campus to shipping hub and entertainment destination, Navy Pier is Chicago’s hallmark of adaptive reuse.
4. Marina City
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. 401 N Wabash Ave
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. 330 N Wabash Ave
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. 150 N Riverside Plaza
Gravity-defying 150 North Riverside has already taken its rightful place among Chicago’s architectural and engineering wonders.
8. 100 N Riverside Plaza
View Boeing International Headquarters at 100 N Riverside Plaza.
9. Willis Tower
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
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)
View the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Building, located at 20 S Wacker Drive.
12. Tribune Publishing
Chicago Tribune Freedom Center.

Inclusion

Local guide (docents)

On-board restrooms

Live commentary on board

River sightseeing cruise

Climate controlled lower level

Exclusion

Drinks & light snacks (available to purchase)

Storage for luggage

On-board WiFi

Cancellation Policy

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

  • 0% refund if cancelled 0+ days before the start date

Additional Info

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

Supplied by Chicago Architecture Foundation & Chicago's First Lady Cruises

Reviews

4.9

★★★★★ ★★★★★
Based on 6481 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

5 stars
6214
4 stars
162
3 stars
47
2 stars
17
1 stars
41

Explore other options