Lake Michigan Fireworks Cruise in Chicago
Chicago, USA
- 2 to 3 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
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Overview
Enjoy an only-in-Chicago night out—and admire views of the city's skyline (and its evening fireworks shows) that most visitors miss—on this Lake Michigan cruise. Make your own way to the departure point at Navy Pier, hop aboard your well-appointed vessel, and set sail. In between marveling at the views, you can also purchase drinks and snacks from the on-board cash bar, if you wish.
- See a new side of Chicago when you explore by boat
- Cash bar with snacks and drinks available for purchase
- Watch the fireworks from the best vantage point
- Celebrate summer in the Windy City like a local
What's Included
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Restroom on board
- Food and drinks (full service cash bar available on board)
- 12 hours Parking at Wendella $12
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 400 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Arrive at 400 N Michigan Avenue 30 minutes before your departure and you will be directed to your boarding dock. Please allow yourself plenty of time to arrive if driving. We do not have parking. It is recommend that you book parking in advance.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Navy Pier
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
Centennial Fountain And Water Arc (Pass By)
Merchandise Mart (Pass By)
Michigan Avenue Bridge (Pass By)
Wrigley Building (Pass By)
Lyric Opera of Chicago (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- Special requests entered at checkout cannot be guaranteed
- Tour time may be longer due to congestion at the lock
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 250 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.2
based on 128 reviews
Mandy_V, Sep 2025
I booked this tour as part of my solo trip visiting Chicago for the first time. Wendella tours does an amazing job. The crew is entertaining while also keeping everyone safe. The captain got us super close to the fireworks. We were the closest boat! The fireworks were incredible- even brought tears to my eyes! Drinks and music on board were great too. Amazing experience. 10/10
Keith_H, Aug 2025
The fireworks are spectacular. The tour guide is cheesy and fun and knows a lot about Chicago. It was quite amazing to feel the waves rock the boat. Waiting for the locks twice was aggravatingly slow.
Deisi_A, Aug 2025
It’s a big commitment, be prepared to sit and wait for the locks to be opened. But the fireworks were nice!
Amanda_K, Aug 2025
Experience was great. The fireworks show was so nice. We also had a great guide who knew tons about Chicago!
Eleanor_D, Aug 2025
just wonderful so beautiful and the best birthday present for my dad who flew from the bay area to experience this. he was in shock and amazed and in awe the entire ride. best ride ever!
Karla_S, Aug 2025
Amazing firework show. Boat was nice and clean. The city was beautiful and it was a great way to see it on the river
Rakia_K, Aug 2025
Get there early so that you have to to get to the meeting point. All parking points are a little confusing to navigate.
Tarsha_B, Aug 2025
This experience was wonderful! The boat is clean, there are plenty of seats, snacks are pretty limited so I might bring a few of your own if you have little kids. It wasn’t an issue for our group though.
The views of the city at night are MAGICAL! The fireworks were like none other! What I loved the most about this particular tour was the transparency provided in the description about the unpredictable nature of the wait time with the lock going into Lake Michigan and then back into the city. It can take a long time and we were prepared because of how they described it.
Also, the guide, Scotty D was AMAZING! He was smart, funny, and able to read the crowd.
Lots of respect for this company!
David_B, Jul 2025
Fireworks were good but the cruise was probably 2 x as long as it needed to be. And we got very delayed on way back waiting for the lock to cycle. Won't do again.
Jane_C, Jul 2025
Great evening. Your guide funny, personable, knowledgeable about Chicago history and fun facts. Fantastic evening
MaryA_D, Jul 2025
Well worth it
Words can't describe
Wonderful views
Didn't think we would see as much as we did
Great narration & 🎶 music!!
Alexis_B, Jul 2025
It was a great experience. Out first time on a cruise tour and the conductor and the guy who explained the history behind some of the buildings and river were phenomenal! Such a happy and friendly environment they created and the people we got to be with were dancing and singing, it was so fun and joyful to see so much happiness and laughter. I would highly recomend!
Beth_B, Jul 2025
We lined up early to pick the best seats for
the trip. After waiting almost an hour in line, they opened another line and checked in people that arrived after us. I completely understand those that need more time, but these people were behind us that were boarding before us. Very frustrating! The guide spent most of the night on his phone and looked absolutely bored the entire trip.
Jonathan_G, Jul 2025
There will be a little historical review of Chicago, but make sure you are specifically in this for the fireworks because the woman who briefly (emphasis on briefly) narrates is extra dry, even when trying to be funny. If you really want history, take another cruise. Depending on your tastes, the music played is boring too. The boat felt safe though, the captain skilled and smooth. The views of the city are great and the proximity to the fireworks was fabulous.
WILLIE_B, Jul 2025
We Love it. And will do it again. My family enjoyed it as well. They was from Maryland. More than likely we will do it again next summer.
WILLIE_B, Jul 2025
You should do it you really won’t regret it. It’s one of the FUNNIEST THINGS I DID THIS SUMMER!! My wife enjoy it as well.
Sandie_R, Jun 2025
This was such a fun cruise. The weather was perfect. Crew was fun. Smooth ride. Beautiful views. We had the best time.
Sachin_S, Jun 2025
Great experience. Fireworks were amazing! There could be better seating in lower level. Would definitely recommend to friends.
briana_h, Jun 2025
My instructor was “ luke” i believe, loved him! Super cool guy joked with us and also told us some facts ahout chicago every few minutes this was my first time to Chicago (ive never left a review anywhere before but this was worth it.) This made my Chicago experience 10x better super friendly, loved the bar downstairs, captain was super cool guy as well and they had us in the perfect spot to see the view of the fireworks!! 10/10 would recommend this boat.
Janelle_B, Jun 2025
The architectural background was great. Overall the boat ride was boring but relaxing. There needs to be some fillers, maybe some games etc…. The music was lacking as well
Linda_K, Jun 2025
Worth every penny. Great views of the city from the lake, great views of fireworks. Comfortable seating with restrooms and cocktails... happy husband!
Pamela_N, Jun 2025
It was fun. The fireworks started over 30 minutes late which wasn't your fault but my 8 yr old got bored. When the fireworks started it was great being so close!
Val_D, Jun 2025
Such a nice experience under the fireworks! The staff was kind and the bar on the boat was great! The music was not so good but it is what it is!
Michele_C, Jun 2025
Nice cruise and fireworks but went too long. We were supposed to be back by 10:30 but didn’t get back until well after 11pm. With the excessive heat it was difficult
Catherine_S, Jun 2025
My friend found this boat ride with fireworks and it was such a great experience for my other friend's Bachelorette weekend! 💕 The staff on the boat were great and the fireworks were amazing! Definitely a wonderful time! Would do it again with or without the fireworks!
Indy_V, Jun 2025
I had an amazing experience on the boat cruise during the fireworks. The tour guide was funny and kept people laughing, and the captain added to the good vibes too. It was a bit chilly, but thankfully no rain. The view of the Chicago skyline at night from Lake Michigan? Absolutely unbeatable. It was around a 3 hour cruise, totally worth the money.
victor_h, Jun 2025
The firework was a blast, cruising on Lake Michigan and seeing Chicago skyline during the night was just beautiful. We all loved it and will come again.
Thank you
Theresa_J, Sep 2024
The Chicago skyline the fireworks the atmosphere was very friendly the tour guide did an amazing job
Christina_M, Aug 2024
From beginning to end the ride the fireworks and music 🎶 was very entertaining our Women’s Conference enjoyed it.
Sincerely, yours UAW Women’s Conference 2024
Deirdre_B, Aug 2024
All of it the boat ride was excellent and learning the history was great! The beautiful Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful beautiful beautiful
From $55.00
per person-You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
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