Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady
Chicago, US
98% of travellers recommend this
Non-refundable - Your booking can not be cancelled, modified or refunded.
Guaranteed Lowest Prices - Find a lower price? We'll match it!
Highlights
- Gold standard Chicago tour experience
- Led by highly trained expert docents
- Overview of historic and modern architecture
- Supports education efforts and community engagement
- No visit to Chicago is complete without it
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Duration 1 hour 30 minutes
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Local expert guide included
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Live commentary on board
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Climate-controlled lower level
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Restroom on board
Experience the best of Chicago's architecture with the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady. This 90-minute tour takes you on a journey through the city's historic and modern architectural styles, led by highly trained expert docents. Learn fascinating stories about the people behind Chicago's iconic buildings and immerse yourself in the rich architectural heritage of the city. As a certified nonprofit, your ticket purchase directly supports education efforts and community engagement projects. Don't settle for anything less than the gold standard in Chicago tour experiences. Book your ticket now and make your visit to Chicago truly unforgettable.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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1 hours 30 minutes
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in Spanish; Castilian, Japanese, English, French, Korean
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Wheelchair accessible
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Mobile voucher
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Small Group tour
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Experience Chicago's stunning architecture on a 90-minute river cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady, led by expert docents.
Included
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Restroom on board -
Local guide (docents)
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Live commentary on board
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River sightseeing cruise
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Climate controlled lower level
Excluded
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Wifi on board -
Drinks & light snacks (available to purchase)
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Storage for luggage
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.
112 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601 , United States
End 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.
112 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601 , United States
What to expect
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.
90 minutes
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.
Navy Pier
From naval base and university campus to shipping hub and entertainment destination, Navy Pier is Chicago’s hallmark of adaptive reuse.
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.
Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago
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.
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.
150 N Riverside Plaza
Gravity-defying 150 North Riverside has already taken its rightful place among Chicago’s architectural and engineering wonders.
View Boeing International Headquarters at 100 N Riverside Plaza.
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.
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.
Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME)
View the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Building, located at 20 S Wacker Drive.
Tribune Publishing
Chicago Tribune Freedom Center.
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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Wheelchair accessible -
Service animals allowed
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Children must be accompanied by an adult
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Not recommended for children younger than 12 years
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Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
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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.
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WARNING: Tickets are not refundable or transferrable to other departures.
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Pets are not allowed
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IMPORTANT: There is no elevator access to the boat dock.
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IMPORTANT: Most, but not all, departures are wheelchair accessible, please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required
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All seating is General Admission. Boarding is on a first come, first serve basis
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Routes, specific vessels, and schedules are subject to change without notice
What our experts say
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Try the nearby Giordano's for deep-dish pizza. -
Arrive early to secure best seating.
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Dress in layers; it can be breezy on the water.
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Visit the Chicago Riverwalk for scenic views.
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Check local events for waterfront festivals.
More About this Experience
Introduction
Experience the best of Chicago's architectural wonders with the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady. This tour is not just your average boat ride, as it is led by highly trained expert docents who bring the city's history and iconic buildings to life. Setting a new standard for Chicago tour experiences, this 90-minute cruise takes you on a captivating journey through the city's rich architectural landscape.What to expect?
During this tour, you can expect to gain a deep understanding of Chicago's architectural heritage and witness stunning historic and modern architectural styles. As you cruise along the Chicago River, you will be mesmerized by the stories behind each building and the visionaries who designed them. The tour provides a comprehensive overview of the city's most famous landmarks, offering insights into their significance and the impact they have had on the development of Chicago's skyline.Who is this for?
The Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise is suited for anyone with an interest in architecture, history, or urban development. Whether you're a seasoned architectural aficionado or simply curious about the city's buildings, this tour guarantees an enriching experience. Visitors from all walks of life, including families, couples, and individuals, will find immense value in this journey through Chicago's architectural wonders.Why book this?
Embark on this extraordinary river cruise and discover why it is the gold standard among all Chicago tour experiences. Unlike other tours, this one is led by expert docents who share their extensive knowledge and passion for the city's architecture. As a certified nonprofit, the Chicago Architecture Center ensures that ticket purchases directly support education efforts and community engagement projects. By booking this tour, not only will you be enriching your own understanding, but you will also contribute to the preservation of Chicago's architectural heritage.Good to know
With the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise, you'll enjoy a 90-minute journey starting at Chicago's Riverwalk on Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive. The tour covers iconic landmarks such as Navy Pier, Marina City, Trump International Hotel & Tower, and many more. Remember to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking views of the city's skyline from the river. Before or after the tour, make sure to visit the Chicago Architecture Center, located just across Wacker Drive, where you can enjoy discounted admission by showing your river cruise ticket.Reviews
Travelers who have experienced the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise rave about the captivating storytelling of the expert docents. Many mention that the tour opened their eyes to the remarkable architectural history of Chicago, making them appreciate the city's skyline in a whole new way. Visitors appreciate the organization's commitment to education and community engagement, knowing that their ticket purchase contributes to these important initiatives. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this tour is guaranteed to leave you with a profound appreciation for Chicago's architectural masterpiece.
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