As voted by USA Today readers!
CAC River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady
Best Experiences in the US
Voted #1 Boat Tour in the US
#1 Chicago Boat Tour for 10+ years
6 best tours and walks in Chicago
Led by the Chicago Architecture Center's expertly trained docent volunteers, this 90-minute cruise reveals fascinating stories behind Chicago's majestic buildings in a way no other tour can.
Location
DowntownMeet
Northeast corner of Michigan Ave. and E. Wacker Dr (112 E. Wacker Drive). Look for the black awning marking the stairway entrance. Arrive 30 minutes prior to your cruise departure time. Allow extra time for traffic and parking in summer.
Tour Highlights
Rated #1 year after year
Learn about the architects who created our city's magnificent buildings—and the stories behind them. Along the way, you'll also hear how Chicago grew from a small settlement into one of the world's largest cities.
This classic tour, aboard the city's most luxurious fleet, is a must for out-of-town visitors and Chicagoans alike.
Boat Amenities
About Our Boat Partner
Evening River Cruise
Serene and bathed in softer light, the city's architecture takes on a whole new life in the setting sun. Wind down and enjoy a cocktail with friends and family on our luxury boats. All departures later than 5:00 p.m.
Tour Information and Tips
- Each person must have a ticket, including infants and children. Please note that infant tickets must be purchased with an adult ticket.
- Seating is general admission.
- All tours depart rain or shine. Climate-controlled cabin is available.
- Arrive 30 minutes prior to your cruise departure time. Allow extra time for traffic and parking in summer.
- Cruise guests board 15 minutes before departure time.
- Tickets may not be refunded or exchanged if you miss your boat. Allow extra time.
FAQs
All tours are given by CAC-certified volunteer docents. Docents receive hundreds of hours of training about Chicago’s architecture and its history. They are storytellers and Chicago experts.
Meet at the Chicago’s First Lady boat dock at least 30 minutes prior to departure. The dock is located at the southeast corner of Michigan Avenue Bridge and Wacker Drive.
Look for the black awning at the stairway entrance (if using a GPS, enter 112 E. Wacker Drive).
Refunds and exchanges for ticket purchases are not permitted. Please double-check your dates and times before making a ticket purchase.
The closest parking garage is located at 111 East Wacker Drive. CAC guests and members receive a discount on parking at this garage for up to 4 hours. You can receive a validated parking sticker at the Center box office or the dockside CFL River Cruise box office. The parking garage is open 24/7.
Several other public parking garages are available in the River North and Loop neighborhoods. You can also book convenient and affordable parking in advance through SpotHero, the nation's leading parking reservations app.
To reserve your parking spot, visit the Chicago Architecture Center SpotHero Parking Page.
Group & Private Tours
Interested in a tour for a group? Learn more about our group and private tour options.
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Looking for the ultimate Chicago architecture experience? Add admission to the center for just $5 (regular price $14) as an event extra in your Ticketmaster cart.