--- title: Chicago by Night 90 Minute River and Lakefront Cruise slug: chicago-by-night-90-minute-river-and-lakefront-cruise type: attraction sub_type: tours source_url: https://www.tripster.com/detail/chicago-by-night-90-minute-river-and-lakefront-cruise city: Chicago state: IL country: US address: 112 E. Wacker Dr. geo: lat: 41.88843 lng: -87.62423 duration: up to 1.5 hrs cancellation_policy: All sales are final. No cancellations or changes. extracted_at: 2026-06-16T17:25:04.330Z price_from: amount: 45 currency: USD unit: per_adult availability: InStock rating: value: 4.5 count: 1 scale: 5 ticket_options: - group: Other Options options: - name: General Boarding price: 45 regular_price: 50 savings: 5 ticket_types: - name: Adult (13+ yrs) min_age: 13 - name: Child (4-12 yrs) min_age: 4 max_age: 12 - name: Young Child (0-4 yrs) min_age: 0 max_age: 4 - name: Priority Boarding price: 50 regular_price: 55 savings: 5 ticket_types: - name: Adult (13+ yrs) min_age: 13 - name: Child (4-12 yrs) min_age: 4 max_age: 12 - name: Young Child (0-4 yrs) min_age: 0 max_age: 4 --- ## Overview Take in sweeping views of Chicago’s skyline from the water on the Chicago by Night Cruise. Glide along the Chicago River and the Lake Michigan shoreline while a knowledgeable guide shares insights into the city’s architecture, history, and cultural landmarks, watching the skyline light up at dusk. ## What's Included - Guided 90-minute evening river and lakefront cruise - Expert commentary on Chicago’s history, architecture, and landmarks - Access to both an outdoor deck and indoor areas with panoramic windows - Full-service bar and restrooms onboard ## What's Not Included - Outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted ## Ticket Options - **General Boarding** — $45.00 (regularly $50.00, save $5.00) Book a 1.5-hour night cruise along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan shoreline. Enjoy views of Chicago’s glowing skyline and iconic landmarks like Willis Tower, Navy Pier, and Buckingham Fountain, with live commentary onboard. Food and drinks available for purchase. - Adult (13+ yrs) - Child (4-12 yrs) - Young Child (0-4 yrs) - **Priority Boarding** — $50.00 (regularly $55.00, save $5.00) Upgrade to Priority Boarding for early access and a seamless start to the 1.5-hour night cruise. Skip the queue and be among the first to board for front-row views of Chicago’s skyline. Includes live commentary; food and drinks available for purchase. - Adult (13+ yrs) - Child (4-12 yrs) - Young Child (0-4 yrs) ## Good to Know - Marvel at Chicago's iconic landmarks from the water, brilliantly lit against the night sky. - Enjoy unobstructed views of the dazzling skyline from the outdoor deck. - Depart from the scenic Chicago Riverwalk, just steps from the Magnificent Mile. - Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure to check in. - General Boarding starts 15 minutes before; Priority Boarding begins 20 minutes prior. - Children 3 and under cruise free with an accompanying adult. - Full-service bar and restrooms are available on board. - Manual wheelchairs and small folding strollers are welcome. - Strollers must be folded and stored in the indoor salon; they are not allowed on the deck. - Children must be removed from strollers before boarding. - The boat is wheelchair accessible with advance notice; motorized scooters and electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. - Cruises depart rain or shine with open and covered seating onboard. - Dress in layers as temperatures can drop on the water at night; wear comfortable shoes and consider a light jacket or sweater. - Only ADA-defined service animals are allowed on the cruise. ## FAQs ### Where does the cruise depart from? The cruise departs from the First Lady dock, located on the scenic Chicago Riverwalk, just 3 blocks north of Millennium Park and steps from the Magnificent Mile. Enter at the northeast corner of Michigan Avenue and Upper Wacker Drive and descend the stairs two levels to the dockside ticket office. ### Where is the closest parking? The closest parking is at LAZ Parking Garage at 111 E. Wacker Drive, a garage across the street from the street-level dock entrance. Discount rates available for guests with validation: $14 for 1-3 hours or $15 for 3-4 hours of parking. After 4 hours, standard rates apply. Don’t forget to have your parking ticket stamped at the ticket window or on your boat in order to receive the discounted rate. Stamped tickets must be further validated at the parking garage office before leaving. ### How long is the cruise? The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. ### How early should I arrive? Please arrive 30 minutes early to check in. Boarding begins 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time for General Boarding and 20 minutes for Priority Boarding. ### Is the cruise appropriate for children? Yes, the cruise is suitable for all ages. Plus, children 3 years and under can join the cruise for free, but don’t forget to select a free ticket for them when booking your tickets. ### Is the boat stroller accessible? Yes, strollers may be brought aboard and will be folded and stored in the indoor salon for the duration of the cruise. They are not allowed on the deck. Please note that children must be removed from strollers before boarding. ### What will I see on the cruise? This guided night tour features Chicago's skyline from both the lake and the river with a friendly commentary on architectural, historical, and maritime points of interest. The local guides will show you all of Chicago’s downtown skyscrapers and offer insights about each building or landmark as they beautifully glow against the night sky. ### Can I bring my camera? Yes, there will be lots of photo opportunities on board. ### Do they serve food and drinks on the boat? Yes. The boat has a full-service bar and small snacks onboard. Please note that outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted. ### Are there restrooms on the boat? Yes, of course! ### Can I bring a pet? Only ADA-defined service animals are allowed on the cruise. ### Is the boat wheelchair accessible? The boat is wheelchair accessible with advance notice. Please call First Lady via the number on your e-ticket after booking. For safety reasons, the ship cannot accommodate motorized scooters and electric wheelchairs. Guests who can transfer may use the company's manual wheelchair, subject to availability. ### Do tours still depart when raining? Yes, cruises will depart rain or shine. The boat has open and covered seating on board. ### What should I wear? Dress in layers to stay comfortable as temperatures can drop on the water at night. Wear comfortable shoes and consider a light jacket or sweater, especially if it's cooler outside.