Chicago By Night River and Lake Cruise
Badge of Excellence
Chicago, USA
- 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
Discover the beauty of Chicago at night during a 1.5-hour cruise on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Watch the city sparkle as you pass landmarks such as Museum Campus, Willis Tower, Aon Center and the John Hancock Building, and the illuminated waters of Buckingham Fountain. You'll learn about the history of the city from live commentary by your knowledgeable guide as you glide along the waterfront of Chicago.
- 1.5-hour night cruise in Chicago
- See Chicago landmarks lit up for the night
- Admire the dazzling sight of Buckingham Fountain at night
- Cruise along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan
- Hear informative commentary about the city’s history and architecture
What's Included
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Live commentary on board
- Restroom on board
- Snacks and beverages are available for purchase onboard.
- Gratuities
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)
Adler Planetarium (Pass By)
Field Museum (Pass By)
Shedd Aquarium (Pass By)
Soldier Field (Pass By)
Clarence F. Buckingham Fountain (Pass By)
Wrigley Building (Pass By)
Tribune Tower (Pass By)
Marina City (Pass By)
Merchandise Mart (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 250 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
Libby_B
Had a great time with amazing views! Mike was our tour guide and he was amazing! Very knowledgeable and answered all questions perfectly! 10/10 would recommend! Seeing the Downtown Chicago skyline from Michigan Lake was so cool! I would definitely do it again!
Reviews
4.5
based on 311 reviews
james_p, May 2026
The cruise on Lake Michigan can be a little cool, temperature-wise, even in warm weather. Consider bringing a sweater, sweatshirt, etc.
The Chicago skyline, at night and from the view of both the river & lake, is nothing short of amazing.
MaryBeth_S, May 2026
It was a great time. A really enjoyable boat tour. Olivia was a great commentator. I learned a lot of interesting details about the Chicago architecture. I really recommend this tour if you are interested in seeing Chicago at night.
Douglas_C, May 2026
The weather was perfect with the perfect scenery the guide jimmy? Jeffery? I do not exactly remember but he was a best guide ever had
Senghkam_L, May 2026
Too cold and windy. Other than that loved / enjoyed the ride. Reminder to bring jacket along would be perfect.
Martha_C, May 2026
The beauty and sparkle of Chicago and how it makes you feel so alive the host was so charming knew all the points of the city and history which is so interesting
Ilyazbek_M, May 2026
Worth every dollar. Wonderful experience. Especially at night amazing . My mind cleared and I feel great
Leslie_S, May 2026
It can get chilly so bring a jacket if it is a night ride . The guide gave a great explanation of all of the Chicago architecture.
Brett_D, May 2026
It takes you up the river and the host does a great job explaining the different locations. It looks beautiful at night and surely captures the Chicago atmosphere
Crawford_W, May 2026
Very memorable. Every staff member performed top tier, from the bartenders to the host who informed us of the Chicago buildings! And we can’t forget the greeters, the staff who was on the street directing us to where we’ll be boarding. And last, but never least, the captain who steered so beautifully 🙏🏾❤️💯! Everyone gets AAAAA’s!
Maria_E, May 2026
Wonderful time seeing the city lit up. The guide was very informative and the tour was overall very enjoyable.
Sam_R, Apr 2026
Amazing cruise well worth it. The boat was clean and comfortable.,.........................................
Krittika_N, Apr 2026
Olivia was amazing with her treasure trove of knowledge about the city which my husband and I found to be both entertaining and informative ..enjoyed our time on board!!one of the must-dos if you visit !
Tyler_W, Apr 2026
Doug was great! Very knowledgeable, fun, and courteous! Would definitely recommend! Beautiful views and learned a ton
Cierra_M, Apr 2026
Highly recommend not only for the history but the scenery. Our tour guide was Doug and he did phenomenal!
Gracie_M, Apr 2026
Wonderful, such a nice beautiful ride. The guide I believe Matthew was great aswell. 10 out of 10!!!
Aaron_D, Nov 2025
The experience was nice however due to the fact of the time of year we went being November it was very cold out so we opted to stay inside the boat and not go up to the top deck. From inside the boat due to engine noise and the sounds of the boat creaking, it was very difficult to hear the tour guide. Sights were good but could not hear the history. Louder speakers and more speakers would have made the experience better.
ChristineK_S, Nov 2025
Very nice boat ride :-) even in bad weather, excellent and informative. Clean boat in good condition.
Kelly_B, Nov 2025
I went on a nighttime river/lake 90 min cruise on Nov 7, 2025. It was cold, windy, and started raining. Was still worth it because the tour guide was phenomenal. She was knowledgeable and entertaining. I swear she knew more about those buildings and the history of Chicago than I do about most of my family members. I would bring any one back to hear her. The night views were beautiful. And when it stopped raining it looked like we were in a movie. Honestly would have been a 5 star rating if the chairs weren’t so uncomfortable. To get enough seating, smaller chairs are understandable, however, fixed arms on the chairs make it rough for larger patrons.
Amanda_K, Nov 2025
Haley (aka Daisy the cow) was an amazing guide. Very knowledgeable about the architecture and history of Chicago. The tour is a must do!! You see Chicago in such a different way! Its absolutely stunning! Long enough to get your money's worth, but short enough it doesn't soak up alot of your vacay! Just do it!!
Clive_C, Oct 2025
Wonderful experience, knowledgeable entertaining guide Joseph, along with other members of crew made for a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Would have no second thoughts on recommending this trip.
Tracy_V, Oct 2025
Absolutely breathtaking!!!
Pictures are beautiful but there are no words to describe the night cruise, it’s one of a kind!
Book your night cruise, and post your word to describe!
Haiku our tour guide was amazing, knowledgeable, funny and friendly!
Thank you for sharing Chicago’s history with all of us.
Richard_D, Oct 2025
it was comfortable in the cabin and the city was easily viewable. you could move outside for pics if needed.
Elvia_M, Oct 2025
Great time on the tour. Tour guide did a good job describing buildings and landmarks. He also had a good sense of humor. Went in late October and it was very cold outside. Would highly recommend taking a blanket and good head covering. View from inside of boat is not as good as it is outside.
Paula_D, Oct 2025
Wear appropriate clothing. Go with fun people. Go to the bathroom before getting in the boat. The bathrooms are surprisingly clean.
Michele_D, Oct 2025
Such a wonderful sunset cruise. Beautiful view from the river and the lake. Excellent info on the architecture
Shannon_M, Oct 2025
Once we finally made it to the boat it was amazing! The views were breath taking! The only thing I would add is better directions to parking and the meeting point as it was vague and google had us going the wrong way. Very confusing and frustrating for those who have never been to Chicago.
Angela_R, Oct 2025
We had a great time cruising around Chicago looking at the building and learning about the city’s history
Leah_B, Oct 2025
Olivia was an awesome tour guide! She knew everything about this city without a script! It was very col to experience the city at night.
Darcy_L, Oct 2025
It was PHENOMENAL!! Olivia, our tour guide, was hilarious!! It was so beautiful to take in the city at night and be able to laugh even through the cold wind! 8:15pm was honestly a perfect start time - just make sure to have gloves and a jacket if in autumn!
Nicholas_S, Oct 2025
the boat leaves earlier than it says .. i lost out on $90 because of misinformation about details of the trip
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Our cruises always depart at their scheduled time, never earlier. Earlier in the day, we sent you a direct message advising arrival at least 30 minutes prior to departure, as boarding begins approximately 15 minutes before and the boat leaves promptly at the scheduled time. We received your message indicating you were looking for our office, but it was sent four minutes after departure. We regret that you weren’t able to join us this time and hope to serve you on a future cruise.
From $50.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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