Chicago River Cruises | Lake Michigan & Architecture Tours

Q: What types of Chicago Cruises can I choose from?

You can choose between in-depth <experience tgid="33161" type="Popup" title="Architecture Cruises" id="IX7FpQZZ" /> for a professionally guided look at the city’s skyscrapers or easy breeze <experience tgid="33180" type="Popup" title="Lake Michigan Cruises" id="SZCNDZ3x" /> for relaxed lake-front views.

Q: Are skip-the-line tickets available?

Yes! The <experience tgid="33161" type="Popup" title="90-min Architecture Cruise" id="P9ZXAojZ" /> comes with skip-the-line boarding, so you can breeze past the queues and hop straight onto your boat.

Q: Which cruise is best for families or first-time visitors?

For families and those new to the city, the <experience tgid="33163" type="Popup" title="45-min Chicago River Architecture Cruise" id="hqNe91PQ" /> is a great option since it provides comprehensive historical commentary, comfortable seating, and a pace that’s both engaging and relaxed. It’s designed to cater to all ages and offers a family-friendly atmosphere.

Q: Can I upgrade my Chicago River Cruise experience?

Yes! If you’re on the <experience tgid="33163" type="Popup" title="45-minute cruise" id="trvINqyH" /> and want to dive deeper into the city’s stories, you can upgrade to the <experience tgid="33161" type="Popup" title="90-min cruise" id="bKhw5eJD" /> for a richer, more thorough experience.

Set sail along the Windy City’s river line aboard a Chicago Cruise for a marvellous way to admire the cityscape. Whether it’s admiring the world-class architecture from the Chicago River, or soaking in panoramic skyline views on Lake Michigan, there’s a perfect boat adventure waiting for every traveler. Scroll through for an all-inclusive guide on which Chicago Cruise is best for you and what to expect on your cruise experience.

See, sail, and soak it all in: Why a Chicago Cruise is a must

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A floating museum of architecture

Step aboard for an unforgettable journey through 130+ years of design. From Gothic Revival gems like Tribune Tower to gleaming modern skyscrapers like Aqua and Vista, every bend of the river tells a story. A bonus add-on is that passionate local guides who double up as architecture docents narrate most cruises live.

Two perspectives in one trip

See Chicago from two angles on combo tours that cruise both the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Travel through the historic Chicago Locks to experience the city’s skyline from both up-close and panoramic distances.

A relaxing sightseeing experience

Cruising is the easiest way to soak up Chicago's sights without battling traffic or long walks. Sit back with a drink in hand on climate-controlled boats and let the city come to you. With comfortable seating, restrooms onboard, and refreshments available, it's a stress-free way to sightsee for families with kids, couples, seniors, and solo travelers.

Flexible options

Whether you’ve got 45 minutes or three hours, there's a cruise that fits everyone’s schedule. Choose from express tours, romantic sunset cruises, comprehensive architecture cruises, or family-friendly lake outings.

Award-winning experience

Recognized globally, the Chicago Architecture River Cruise has earned honors like “#1 Tour in America”. With exceptional storytelling and unmatched skyline access, you will learn about iconic architects, hear tales from the Great Fire to modern marvels, and discover how Chicago earned its title as the birthplace of the skyscraper. It’s a must-do on any Chicago itinerary.

Book smart: Insider tips for booking your Chicago River Cruise

Book early, especially in peak season. The Architecture River Cruises and evening lake tours are among the city’s most popular experiences. During peak months (June to August), prime time slots can sell out days in advance.
Departure points for cruises vary by tour type. River and Architecture Cruises leave from Michigan Avenue Dock, while Lake Michigan cruises depart from Navy Pier.
Chicago Cruises offer a variety of experiences to suit every traveler — from in-depth architecture tours guided by experts, to relaxing lakefront sightseeing cruises ideal for families and photographers.
For those wanting both up-close architecture and sweeping skyline views, a combo of river with lake cruises provide a complete experience. You can also opt for romantic sunset cruises to celebrate special occasions.
Choose your cruise duration based on your schedule and interests. Shorter cruises like the 30-min Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise and the 45-min Chicago River Architecture Cruise are great for quick sightseeing. Longer ones like the 75-Minute Chicago River Architecture Cruise and 90-min Chicago River and Lake Michigan Architecture Cruise offer deeper exploration and cover more landmarks.
Tours operate in most weather conditions. The boats have both indoor and outdoor decks, so light rain won’t dampen the experience. Severe weather (like lightning or strong winds) may result in cancellations or rescheduling.

Find your perfect Chicago Cruise: River, lake, or both!

Exterior view of the Chicago River Architecture Cruise

Chicago River Architecture cruises

Cruise all three branches of the Chicago River — main, north, and south — on a guided journey through the heart of the city.
Expert narration brings over 40 iconic buildings to life with stories of innovation, design, and history.
Spot skyline landmarks like the Wrigley Building, Marina City, Tribune Tower, Willis Tower, and the Merchandise Mart, with up-close views only possible from the river’s unique vantage point.

Recommended experiences:

90-min Chicago River Architecture Cruise
75-Minute Chicago River Architecture Cruise
45-min Chicago River Architecture Cruise
90-min Chicago River and Lake Michigan Architecture Cruise

People enjoying a 90-minute scenic sunset cruise on Lake Michigan.

Lake Michigan cruises

Relax and unwind on open waters as you sail along Lake Michigan, with sweeping, unobstructed views of Chicago’s entire skyline — from the John Hancock Center in the north to the Museum Campus in the south.
With light commentary or music onboard and plenty of space to stretch out, these cruises focus less on architecture and more on comfort, fresh air, and taking in Chicago’s grandeur from a unique panoramic perspective.
These cruises are perfect for casual sightseeing, photos, and soaking up the sun.

Recommended experiences:

90-min Scenic Sunset Lake Michigan Cruise
30-min Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise
90-min Chicago River and Lake Michigan Architecture Cruise

Your guide to ensure a smooth sailing

First time taking a boat tour in the Windy City? We’ve got everything you need to know before you hop aboard and set sail through Chicago’s iconic waterways.

Confirm the departure point beforehand: Tours depart from Michigan Avenue Dock or Navy Pier, depending on the operator. Check your ticket confirmation for the exact dock and directions. Most locations are easily accessible via CTA trains, buses, or a short walk from downtown hotels.
Arrive early: Boarding typically begins 15–30 minutes before departure. Arriving early helps you secure a good seat, especially on the top deck for panoramic skyline views.
Bring a valid ID: Most cruises (especially those with alcohol or combo packages) will require a photo ID for check-in.
Dress for the weather: Open-air decks offer the best views, so layer accordingly — breezy evenings on the lake can get chilly!
Follow crew instructions: From boarding order to safety announcements, your guide will ensure a smooth ride.
Sit back and enjoy: This is your time to relax and admire one of the world’s most striking skylines.

Hop aboard: Departure docks for your Chicago Cruise experience

Now that you’re all set with everything you need to know about booking your Chicago River Cruise tickets, here’s where your journey begins. Most cruises depart from iconic locations right in the heart of downtown, offering easy access to the city’s most scenic spots.

Michigan Avenue Dock

Address: 400 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States | Find on Maps
Nearby landmark: You can spot the Wrigley Building right next to the dock.
Closest bus stop: Michigan & Hubbard (Wrigley Bldg.) | 1-min walk
Closest subway station: State/Lake | 9-min walk

Cruises that depart from here:

90-min Scenic Sunset Lake Michigan Cruise
90-min Chicago River and Lake Michigan Architecture Cruise
90-min Chicago River Architecture Cruise
75-Minute Chicago River Architecture Cruise
45-min Chicago River Architecture Cruise

Navy Pier

Address: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States | Find on Maps
Nearby landmark: The Chicago Shakespeare Theater is right by the dock.
Closest bus stop: Navy Pier Terminal | 1-min walk
Closest subway station: Grand | 5-min drive

Cruises that depart from here:

30-min Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise

Plan your visit

Visitors on a 90-minute Chicago River Architecture Cruise viewing iconic skyscrapers.

Regular cruise hours: Boats depart between 10am and 8pm, depending on the particular cruise you choose
Dinner cruise hours: Dinner and evening cruises begin around 6pm
Duration: Cruises sail anywhere from 30 to 90 mins
Operating Season: April to October (peak), with limited cruises in March and November

Chicago River cruise boat with tourists viewing Lake Michigan skyline.

For a quieter experience, choose weekday cruises (Monday to Thursday) and avoid peak summer weekends when crowds are at their highest. Spring and fall (April–May, September–October) offer mild weather and smaller crowds.
Midday cruises provide crisp daylight views of Chicago’s architecture, while evening and dinner cruises offer a romantic cityscape illuminated by skyline lights and, in summer, fireworks.
Most cruises run from April through October, with limited holiday-themed lake cruises in winter, and in March, you can catch a festive ride along the green-dyed Chicago River during St. Patrick’s Day.

Modern washroom facilities with sinks and mirrors in a tourist attraction.

Restrooms are available on each boat with adequate facilities for families.
The vessels have indoor lounges and outdoor decks that make sure your journey is comfortable regardless of the season and weather conditions.

Wheelchair-accessible entrance at Universal Studios Singapore.

Most Chicago cruise boats offer wheelchair-friendly boarding ramps and accessible onboard spaces to ensure a smooth experience for all guests.
Strollers are welcome on board, though they may need to be folded during busy departures.
Many vessels also feature designated seating areas designed for easy accessibility and comfort.

Frequently asked questions about Chicago River Cruises

What types of Chicago Cruises can I choose from?

You can choose between in-depth Architecture Cruises for a professionally guided look at the city’s skyscrapers or easy breeze Lake Michigan Cruises for relaxed lake-front views.

What is included with my Chicago River Cruise ticket?

Your ticket includes a scenic river cruise guided by an expert. For the 90-min tour, you also get skip-the-line access. Climate-controlled interiors, open-air decks, restrooms, and a cash bar on board will make your journey comfortable.

Are skip-the-line tickets available?

Yes! The 90-min Architecture Cruise comes with skip-the-line boarding, so you can breeze past the queues and hop straight onto your boat.

Which cruise is best for families or first-time visitors?

For families and those new to the city, the 45-min Chicago River Architecture Cruise is a great option since it provides comprehensive historical commentary, comfortable seating, and a pace that’s both engaging and relaxed. It’s designed to cater to all ages and offers a family-friendly atmosphere.

What happens if it rains on the day of my cruise?

No need to worry, the boats have climate-controlled interiors, so you’ll stay cozy and dry even if Mother Nature gets dramatic.

What languages are the tours conducted in?

Currently, all live tour narrations are available in English.

Can I upgrade my Chicago River Cruise experience?

Yes! If you’re on the 45-minute cruise and want to dive deeper into the city’s stories, you can upgrade to the 90-min cruise for a richer, more thorough experience.

What safety measures are in place during the Chicago Cruises?

Your safety is a top priority. The captain may alter routes to ensure safety, and all boats are equipped with life-saving equipment. You just need to sit back and relax because you're in good hands.