Lake Michigan Fireworks Cruise in Chicago
Chicago, USA
- 2 to 3 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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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 140 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Doni_R, Aug 2026
It was difficult to find the exact loading location.
The operater of this cruise needs to provide clearer more concise instructions.
Pictures of the blue tent where you check in and the location would be helpful.
Also, inform people considering purchasing the cruise that they will be required to walk down (and back up) a considerable amount of stairs and stand for extended periods of time.
Kelley_B, Aug 2026
Not worth the money. Most of the tour was sitting and floating in 1 spot. They should consider making the tour a little longer while waiting for the fireworks to start. Well over half the tour was sitting in 1 spot waiting for fireworks, then after waiting for the locks to open. People were literally falling asleep. Or maybe consider at least some up beat music while floating in the same spot.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Sorry your experience was impacted by lock delays and heavy river traffic. While these conditions are outside our control, we understand the frustration of extended waiting periods. We appreciate your suggestions regarding onboard entertainment during delays and will share them with our team.
Christine_W, Aug 2026
This is for tourists and locals! This excursion gave me a much higher experience than I expected it would. The ship was clean, the crew was courteous and friendly. There were some lovely groups and couples that were near us that we got to converse with and help each other take pictures. It was such a positive, relaxing, fun activity to make memories on!
Zulema_O, Aug 2026
The architecture tour with a sunset and firework finale was incredible and unforgettable. I highly recommend this to anyone visiting Chicago for the first time. It was a lovely experience. The line gets long, best tip is to get there early and have your tickets ready. Seating is first come first serve, choose your seats while you’re in line, then make your way to them as you board in. You can bring your own snacks and drinks. It was difficult to hear and understand the tour guide over people’s chatter which is unfortunate for us who are interested in listening. If that matters to you, sit as close as possible to the speaker. The fireworks were a good time and were done in a reasonable length of time. The length of this whole event, was nice, not too short, and not extremely long but longer than expected so we had to push dinner reservations. We had to try and run off the boat as soon we could before the exit got congested with people un boarding. It may be a better idea to eat dinner before this event or go somewhere without a reservation afterwards.
Lauren_C, Aug 2026
Absolutely amazing fireworks show! Best ones we have ever seen, and even more beautiful seeing it on the water and the chicago skyline at night!
Natasha_K, Jul 2026
Excellent vibes, amazing views! Lifetime experience seeing the fireworks from that close! Thanks for bringing Chicago closer to my heart!
ELIZABETH_F, Jul 2026
Please note that you are not guaranteed to get to the lake in time to see the fireworks. There were too many boats trying to get out of the river and the lock only lets so many boats out at a time. We spent no time on the lake and watched the fireworks from the lock.
Amy_F, Jun 2026
Fun, informative, entertaining trip! Andy was very good at telling us what was happening all during the trip. Bar staff was quick and kind.
Melonee_F, Jun 2026
Just a lot of waiting around and sailing but the fireworks were beautiful at the end!!!! Only if you really love fireworks.
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!
Likely to Sell Out
From $55.00
per person-You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
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Lake Michigan Fireworks Cruise in Chicago
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