Chicago Sightseeing River and Lake Cruise
Recommended by 95% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Chicago, USA
- 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
See the Second City from the water with a sightseeing cruise along the Chicago River and the Lake Michigan shoreline, offering a unique perspective of towering skyscrapers and historic architecture. This tour offers stories about the city’s history and culture as you pass by Chicago's landmarks, museums, and buildings. Capture unforgettable images of the city skyline from Lake Michigan, ensuring a unique look at Chicago, perfect for all ages.
- Cruise both the Chicago River and Lake Michigan in one tour
- Enjoy fun, family-friendly stories from expert local tour guides
- See top landmarks like Navy Pier, Wrigley Building, and Soldier Field
- Snap skyline photos from a unique water-level perspective
What's Included
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Live commentary on board
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- First Lady112 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
On Michigan & Wacker Drive, at the northeast corner of the intersection. Upon arrival, please take the stairs down to Chicago's Riverwalk and visit the box office (right after/bottom of the stairs) for guidance to your cruise boarding dock. A departure board is available for your reference.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
Chicago River (Pass By)
Lake Michigan (Pass By)
Navy Pier (Pass By)
John Hancock Center (Pass By)
Field Museum (Pass By)
Shedd Aquarium (Pass By)
Adler Planetarium (Pass By)
Soldier Field (Pass By)
Clarence F. Buckingham Fountain (Pass By)
Wrigley Building (Pass By)
Marina City (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Discounted parking available at 111 E. Wacker Drive. Please visit the dockside box office for parking ticket validation
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 115 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Phyllis_K
Despite the light rain and mist, this tour was the highlight of my trip to Chicago. The views from the lake were still great, even with the weather.
Jacob was our tour guide, and he was excellent. He was informative without being boring and clearly knows and loves the city. His stories made the experience much more enjoyable.
There was inside seating on the boat, but I spent most of my time outside taking in the views, even in the drizzle. One of the coolest parts was going through the locks between the river and the lake—it’s a unique experience that really added to the tour. Cruising through the river and then out onto the lake gave a great sense of the city’s architecture and skyline.
If you’re visiting Chicago, I highly recommend this cruise—even if the weather isn’t perfect. And if Jacob is your guide, you’re in good hands.
Reviews
4.7
based on 608 reviews
Anselmo_S, Jul 2026
GREAT RIDE and the Narration was excellent!!We set sail and everything was fine even in the misty rain!!
Dawn_B, Jun 2026
Bring a sweater. You never know when it might get chilly out on the great lake. Of course you can by one while on the boat. Warm and snuggled with a great fit.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for your review. We are thrilled that you enjoyed your tour with us. Hope you will return soon.
REGINA_E, Jun 2026
River cruise into Lake Michigan with an amazing guide who knew the entire history of Chicago. He points out a lot of buildings and other sights. Before you can go into the lake you have to wait for the water to settle which is interesting in itself. You will have a great view of Chicago from the water.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your review. The Chicago Harbor Lock is an engineering marvel and Chicago's skyline is photogenic.We are glad you enjoyed your tour with us. Hope you will return soon.
Matthew_H, Jun 2026
This was a perfect way to see Chicago to start our trip! Our tour guide, Matthew, was incredibly knowledgeable and entertaining! Our kids, boys aged 9 & 12, also enjoyed the tour!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience, Matthew! We're glad to hear that our guide made the experience both memorable and enjoyable for your family. It's especially wonderful to know that your sons enjoyed the tour as well! We appreciate your kind words and hope the rest of your time in Chicago is just as memorable!
Agustin_R, Jun 2026
Tour guide was exceptional! Great event to do if visiting from out of town! Book in advance if if definitely want to sit in the front get priority boarding
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you so much for your fantastic review Agustin! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed the tour and that our guide made such a positive impression. It's wonderful to know you'd recommend the experience to visitors from out of town. We also appreciate your helpful tip about priority boarding for guests who want front row seating! Thank you for choosing first lady, and we hope to welcome you aboard again soon!
Monica_T, Jun 2026
It was excellent. Very beautiful, interesting, a great experience. The guide, MC I think, was very knowledgeable.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review Monica! We're thrilled to hear that you had an enjoyable experience and found the tour both beautiful and engaging. We're especially pleased to hear that MC helped make your cruise memorable. We appreciate you choosing First Lady and look forward to welcoming you aboard again soon!
Marilyn_C, Jun 2026
Very interesting and relaxing. A great way to see downtown Chicago from the river and Lake Michigan!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you so much for your review Marilyn! We're so glad you found the tour both interesting and relaxing. The view of downtown from the river and Lake Michigan is truly a memorable experience. We appreciate you coming aboard and hope to welcome you back for another cruise soon!
Jadwiga_L, Jun 2026
It was very interesting experience. My cousin and I enjoyed this excursion, and I would definitely recommend it.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re so glad to hear that you and your cousin enjoyed the excursion and had a memorable time. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you both back again soon for another great adventure!
Larry_E, Jun 2026
Fantastic boat tour of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan! The views of the skyline were breathtaking, and the guide provided interesting history and architectural insights throughout the trip. Seeing Chicago from the water offered a unique perspective, especially when transitioning from the river to the lake. The boat was comfortable, the crew was friendly, and the experience was well worth it!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you so much for sharing your experience, Larry! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline and had such a great time out on the water. It’s wonderful that the guide’s commentary added to your experience and that you found the transition from the river to the lake so memorable. We’re also glad the boat, crew, and overall experience met your expectations. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you aboard again soon!
Annie_S, Jun 2026
Sebastian was lively and knew the material. I learned a lot about Chicago and its architecture. Joey the bartender remembered my cocktail and that was lovely! Plan to wear layers because you are out on the water and the temperature changes throughout the tour.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re so glad to hear Sebastian brought great energy to the tour and helped make it enjoyable, and that Joey made your time at the bar extra special by remembering your drink—that’s the kind of service we love to provide. We also appreciate your helpful tip about dressing in layers for the changing temperatures on the water. We hope to welcome you back again soon for another great experience!
Richie_R, Jun 2026
Was unforgettable. The staff made sure everyone was safe and prepared to navigate the bustling river. My family had the best time. Mahalo!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Mahalo for your kind words! We're delighted to hear that your experience was unforgettable and that our team helped you and your family feel safe and prepared throughout the adventure. Creating fun, memorable experiences while prioritizing safety is always our goal. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you and your family back for another amazing time on the river!
Heather_M, Jun 2026
Just enough info to keep things interesting/not boring. Boat was clean and comfortable, great guide. Staff at the dock friendly and helpful.
BE WARNED: you have to go through a lock to get out to the lake. It can get backed up. We ran about 45 min late. Just keep in mind for dinner/show reservations.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience, Heather! We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the tour, found the guide engaging, and that our dock staff made a positive impression. It’s also great to know you were comfortable on board.
We appreciate your helpful note about timing when passing through the lock system. Conditions there can occasionally cause delays, and your tip about planning extra time for evening reservations is very valuable for future guests. We hope to welcome you aboard again soon for another enjoyable cruise!
Holly_J, Jun 2026
The tour guys was very well spoken and made the trip enjoyable! We enjoyed hearing the stories about Chicago.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your review. We think our tour guides are awesome too. We are thrilled that you enjoyed the information given. We hope you will return soon.
Douglas_B, Jun 2026
Our tour guide, Doug, was amazing! Seemed to enjoy his job and telling about Chicago! He knows his stuff and we learned some things we didn’t realize about the city! Very personable and made the very best of a very rainy and windy trip! Kudos to Doug for turning the nasty day into a positive!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your review. Yes, we think Doug is amazing too. We strive to make our tours memorable for our guests. Hope you will join us again soon.
Kimberley_E, Jun 2026
This trip went out in Lake Michigan and river so had to wait on the locks to be opened twice to get through. It was a windy day and lake was a bit rough so we did get wet and they had to cut trip short. We did get longer time in river though and went to the Sears Tower area! We were running late for our first trip time and since our grandson had arrived and went to booth they were kind enough to move us to next trip. Very blessed and awesome trip and staff.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your review and feedback. We strive to make our tours memorable for our guests. We hope you will join us again soon.
Benson_J, Jun 2026
Awesome boat ride, good history lesson and great views! 10 out of 10. Do it and enjoy the ride and have a good time.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your review. We love the feedback. We hope you will join us again soon.
Carlos_S, Jun 2026
Highly recommend the experience. However, if you don’t want to get wet, choose the seats in the back. We sat at the front and had a great time while we got drenched on the big lake. We had a lot of fun!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your review. We are thrilled that you enjoyed your tour. We hope you will return soon.
Ericia_C, Jun 2026
The architecture tour was exceptional, featuring a guide who demonstrated extensive knowledge, imparting valuable insights into building designs, architects, and design rationales. The tour's value was evident, and I highly recommend it to individuals of all ages. The experience was superb, and I would enthusiastically participate again.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your review. We are thrilled that you see the value in the information our tour provides our guests. Glad that you enjoyed your tour with us and hope you will return soon.
Karla_B, Jun 2026
Stunning view of the city from the lake with historical facts mixed in with comedic banter! Great for family and friends alike to enjoy!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your review. We are glad that you enjoyed your tour with us. We hope you will join us again soon.
Paula_S, Jun 2026
We had a great experience overall, very beautiful boat ride with the best view of Chicago. The staff was also very pleasant and friendly.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you, Paula! We're delighted to hear you had such a great experience on the cruise. There's nothing quite like taking in Chicago's skyline from the water, and we're glad you enjoyed the beautiful views. It's also wonderful to know our crew helped make your trip even more enjoyable with their friendly service. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to see you back on board for another unforgettable outing in the future!
CHARLES_G, Jun 2026
Tour guide and staff were great. The bartender gladly took a family pic for us on the bow.
Highly recommend.
Henriette_W, Jun 2026
Such a great way to experience Chicago and its beautiful buildings. I love getting out on the Lake to see Chicago’s skyline, hence why we opted to have both the architecture and lake tour.
They also have a nice selection of drinks and snacks at the bar - perfect for 90 minutes boat tour. And n addition to all of that, they have really nice restrooms!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed experiencing Chicago from the lake and that you had a great time taking in the city’s beautiful skyline.
It’s great to know you appreciated the onboard selection of drinks and snacks, as well as the comfort of our facilities during your 90-minute tour. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and hope to welcome you aboard again for another memorable cruise!
Patricia_R, Jun 2026
Mostly on Lake Michigan. Less time on Chicago River. If you want more of River choose another one of their options.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your feedback, Patricia, and for joining the Chicago Sightseeing River and Lake Cruise.
This cruise is designed to offer a unique combination of both Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, giving guests the rare opportunity to experience Chicago’s skyline from two very different perspectives in one tour. Many guests particularly enjoy the expansive lake views alongside the close-up views of the city’s impressive waterfront landmarks, all within a comfortable, well-paced 90-minute experience.
We appreciate you sharing your thoughts, and we hope to welcome you back again soon to explore even more of what Chicago’s waterways have to offer.
Diane_F, Jun 2026
Excellent trip. Andy was a great guide. Learned a lot of the history and about the architecture. Highly recommend the river and lake trip.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review!
We're so pleased to hear that you had an excellent experience on the Chicago Sightseeing River and Lake Cruise. It's great to know that Andy was a fantastic guide and that you enjoyed learning about Chicago's rich history throughout the tour.
We truly appreciate your recommendation and are grateful that you chose to explore the city with us. We hope to welcome you aboard again for another memorable cruise in the future.
Jennifer_R, Jun 2026
Andy was very knowledgeable and did a great job. It was great day to see the sites on the river, learn about the lock system, and cruise on the lake.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review, Jennifer! We're delighted to hear you enjoyed your day on the water and had the opportunity to experience both the river and the lake. Andy will be pleased to know that his knowledge and storytelling helped make the cruise both enjoyable and informative. The lock system is one of Chicago's most fascinating engineering features, and we're glad you enjoyed learning about it while taking in the beautiful sights. We appreciate you joining us and hope to welcome you aboard again soon!
Sabrina_T, May 2026
The trip was well organized and fun. The docent was amazing. She was energized, amusing, very knowledgeable and experienced. Everyone that I encountered was great including the staff at the gate. I would highly recommend this tour. It was also reasonably priced. The boat was clean and there was plenty of seating. The captain got us there and back safely, so in my book he was great too.
They nicely accommodated us when we were late. In fact, I must give an extra special appreciation to Kim. She guided me to the parking lot with the patience of a saint. She never at any moment made me feel like it was a bother. She went well beyond excellent customer service. Thank you so much KIM!!!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience, we are happy that you enjoyed your time with us. We will definitely express your appreciation to Kim, we think she's amazing also. Hope to welcome you back sometime in the future.
William_P, May 2026
This was a perfect boat trip that included both the river and Lake Michigan. It was fun going through the locks out to the lake. Matthew, our guide and narrator gave us lots of good info on Chicago architecture and history. I think I finally understand how they changed the flow of the Chicago River. Perfect day.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you, William, for your wonderful review! We're so glad you enjoyed the boat trip and the unique experience of traveling from the river out onto Lake Michigan. It’s great to hear that the journey through the locks was a highlight for you.
We’re especially pleased that Matthew made your experience even more enjoyable with his informative and engaging narration. It’s always rewarding to know guests leave with a deeper understanding of Chicago and its waterways.
Thank you for joining us on such a perfect day—we hope to welcome you back again soon!
Yvonne_E, May 2026
Great fun, saw a lot of Chicago from the lake and the history was well explained and informative. Great staff.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your kind review! We're delighted to hear that you had a fun and informative experience on the cruise. It's wonderful to know that you enjoyed seeing Chicago from the water and found the narration engaging and educational.
We're also grateful for your compliments about our staff—they work hard to create a memorable experience for every guest. Thank you for sailing with us, and we hope to welcome you aboard again soon!
Angel_O, May 2026
It was a great experience, the tour guides were amazing and funny. It was a wonderful experience being out in the lake with a nice breeze. My girlfriend and family loved it. 10 out of 10 Would reccommend and will be going back in the near future.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much, Angel! We’re thrilled to hear you and your family had such an amazing time out on the lake. Our tour guides love making every trip fun and memorable, so your kind words mean a lot to us. We’re especially happy your girlfriend and family enjoyed the breeze and overall experience. We truly appreciate the 10/10 recommendation and can’t wait to welcome you back again soon for another unforgettable adventure!
Sandra_F, May 2026
Great view of the city from the lake and river. Informative commentary on the architecture and history of the buildings. We had priority boarding so we got seats in the front which were great. Lock system was interesting to experience.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you, Sandra, for your thoughtful review. We’re delighted you enjoyed the spectacular views of the city from the lake and river. It’s wonderful to hear that priority boarding and front seating made your experience even more enjoyable, and that the lock system was such a memorable highlight. We truly appreciate your kind feedback and hope to welcome you aboard again for another exceptional experience.
From $46.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Chicago Sightseeing River and Lake Cruise
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