Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady

The Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady has long been the gold standard among all Chicago tour experiences, and is the only Chicago architecture boat tour led by highly trained expert docents. On this 90-minute cruise, you will enjoy an overview of historic and modern architectural styles including stories about the people who designed and built Chicago.
As a certified nonprofit, all ticket purchases directly support education efforts and community engagement projects. No visit to Chicago is complete without experiencing this award winning tour, so accept no substitutes.

Meeting Point

112 E Wacker Dr

112 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601, USA

On Chicago's Riverwalk at Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive. Please use 112 E. Wacker for GPS navigation. Look for our blue awning at street level on the southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive.

What to expect:

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Chicago River

Chicago, Illinois

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.

1 hour, 30 minutes

Chicago Architecture Center

111 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, 60601-3713, Illinois

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.

Pass by without stopping

Navy Pier

600 E Grand Ave, , Chicago, 60611-3419, Illinois

From naval base and university campus to shipping hub and entertainment destination, Navy Pier is Chicago’s hallmark of adaptive reuse.

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Marina City

300 N State St, , Chicago, 60654-5414, Illinois

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.

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Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago

Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, 401 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

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.

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330 N Wabash Ave

330 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

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.

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150 N Riverside Plaza

150 N Riverside Plaza, Chicago, IL 60606, USA

Gravity-defying 150 North Riverside has already taken its rightful place among Chicago’s architectural and engineering wonders.

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100 N Riverside Plaza

100 N Riverside Plaza, Chicago, IL 60606, USA

View Boeing International Headquarters at 100 N Riverside Plaza.

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Willis Tower

233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606, USA

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.

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Merchandise Mart

222 Merchandise Mart Plz, Suite 107, Chicago, 60654-1103, Illinois

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.

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Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME)

20 S Wacker Dr, , Chicago, 60606-7431, Illinois

View the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Building, located at 20 S Wacker Drive.

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Chicago Tribune Freedom Center

560 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654, USA

Chicago Tribune Freedom Center.

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What's included:

• Local guide (docents)
• Live commentary on board
• River sightseeing cruise
• Climate controlled lower level

Not included:

• Drinks & light snacks (available to purchase)
• Storage for luggage