Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady

Enjoy a quintessential Chicago experience when you go on an architecture-themed river tour. Pick from multiple convenient start times, and board your vessel—the Lady Liberty—directly from the Chicago Riverwalk. Your trained docent guides will give you a rich introduction to the Windy City’s history, key landmarks, and architectural highlights—and you can spy landmarks like the Marina City towers and Navy Pier from the water’s edge.

See a new perspective on the Windy City when you sail the Chicago River
Multiple departure times are available to suit your schedule
Discover key Chicago landmarks like Navy Pier and Marina City
Learn all about the city’s highlights and heritage from your docent guide

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.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.
• Admission Ticket Free

Navy Pier

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

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.
• Admission Ticket Free

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.
• Admission Ticket Free

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.
• Admission Ticket Free

150 N Riverside Plaza

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

100 N Riverside Plaza

View Boeing International Headquarters at 100 N Riverside Plaza.
• Admission Ticket Free

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.
• Admission Ticket Free

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.
• Admission Ticket Free

Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME)

View the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Building, located at 20 S Wacker Drive.
• Admission Ticket Free

Chicago Tribune Freedom Center

Chicago Tribune Freedom Center.
• Admission Ticket Free

Highlight

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Not recommended for children younger than 12 years
Service animals allowed
Routes, specific vessels, and schedules are subject to change without notice
All seating is General Admission. Boarding is on a first come, first serve basis
Near public transportation
Most, but not all, departures are wheelchair accessible, please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Pets are not allowed
Most travelers can participate
WARNING: Tickets are not refundable or transferrable to other departures.
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.
This tour is available in recorded form in 4 languages: Continental French, Latin American Spanish, Japanese and Korean. To access these languages, please download the “Listen Everywhere” app in advance. Once you are on board the boat, the app will connect and allow you to listen in your selected language as the boat makes its way down the river.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 250 travelers

Include

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

Exclude

Drinks & light snacks (available to purchase)
Storage for luggage
WiFi on board

  • Scroll to Top