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.
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.
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.
Please note: Tickets purchased via Stubhub are not valid; please purchase directly from Ticketmaster or call the Box Office directly at 312.922.3432.
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.
CAC's expert docents are highly trained and bring their own unique perspectives and interests to every tour. Each river cruise offers a fresh experience, ensuring you learn something new every time.
First Lady works hard to ensure that everyone is able to access the beauty of their boats and enjoy a wonderful experience aboard. For the best experience, give us advance notice for any special boarding needs.
All our boats, except First Lady & Little Lady, are handicap accessible and offer a wheelchair-accessible restroom.
Guests who are unable to climb stairs to the upper deck may sit on the open-air bow deck or the climate-controlled cabin with large windows.
For guests unable to use stairs, the City of Chicago Riverwalk provides two options: an ADA-compliant ramp at Wacker Drive and State Street, or a drop-off area on the same level as our dock at Lower Lower Wacker Drive. View directions.
Staff members will gladly take table-side drink orders for passengers with limited mobility.
Please visit First Lady or contact CAC's tour operations team.
Tickets for tours on accessible boats (Emerald, Classic and Leading Lady) can be purchased by selecting the 9 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m., or 7:30 p.m. departure times.
For those requesting use of the company's manual wheelchair, please visit the dockside First Lady ticket office upon arrival.
We welcome service dogs onboard! The service animal must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered while in public places. Emotional support animals, pets and other animals not covered by ADA guidelines are not permitted. Please visit the ADA's FAQ on service animals for further details.
When boarding the ship, guests cross two ramps and enter through a opening (doorway) that is 36" wide. Crew members can assist you in guiding the wheelchair across the gangway. Motorized scooters and electric wheelchairs may not board the ship; guests may utilize our manual wheelchair (based upon availability).
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 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 First Lady 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 CAC SpotHero parking page.
Interested in a tour for a group? Learn more about our group and private tour options.
Fantastic views. Love the history and the facts about architecture! I highly recommend this boat tour to anyone visiting Chicago.
What an amazing tour!!! Our guide was fantastic! He was funny and knowledgeable and made the entire trip very interesting! I would highly recommend for anyone visiting the city; this is definitely one not to miss!
So worth it. This was a highlight of our trip. Just beautiful. Very interesting info, too! We learned a lot and had a great time.
Such a wonderful experience. Megan was very knowledgeable and her love and passion for her city made me fall in love with it too. Highly recommend.
Aerial view of the CAC River Cruise aboard First Lady. Photo by: Barry Butler
A docent shares stories on a CAC River Cruise. Photo by: Dennis Lee Photography.
The CAC River Cruise is an annual tradition for out-of-town visitors and Chicagoans alike. Photo by: Barry Butler.
Looking for the ultimate Chicago architecture experience? Add admission to the center for just $5 (regular price $15) as an event extra in your Ticketmaster cart.
Celebrate the season with this tour that concludes at Daley Plaza, which hosts the Christkindlmarket November 21 - December 24, 2025. This fast-paced introductory tour features some of Chicago's most famous buildings.
Explore the interior and exterior of one of Chicago’s most famous and beloved historic buildings. *CAC Select tour.
