--- title: First Lady Sightseeing Cruise Chicago River & Lake slug: chicago-river-lake-sightseeing-cruise-first-lady type: attraction sub_type: sightseeing cruises source_url: https://www.tripster.com/detail/chicago-river-lake-sightseeing-cruise-first-lady 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: 2026-06-16T17:25:25.813Z price_from: amount: 46 currency: USD unit: per_adult availability: InStock rating: value: 4.5 count: 9913 scale: 5 ticket_options: - group: Other Options options: - name: General Boarding price: 36.8 regular_price: 46 savings: 9.2 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: 51 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 See Chicago's skyline on a 90-minute river and lake cruise aboard the First Lady, featuring expert commentary and views of architectural landmarks. ## What's Included - 90-minute guided river and lake cruise aboard the First Lady - Expert live narration with fun facts, history, and architectural insights - Access to open-air decks and indoor seating - Restrooms available on board ## What's Not Included - Snacks and drinks (available for purchase) - Outside alcoholic beverages (not permitted) ## Ticket Options - **General Boarding** — $36.80 (regularly $46.00, save $9.20) Enjoy a 1.5-hour cruise along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan shoreline with a friendly guide. Marvel at the Chicago skyline aboard a 2-level boat, featuring an open-air viewing deck, restrooms, and a full-service bar. - Adult (13+ yrs) - Child (4-12 yrs) - Young Child (0-4 yrs) - **Priority Boarding** — $51.00 Choose the best seats with the Priority Boarding option. Skip the line and enjoy a 1.5-hour cruise along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan shoreline. Take in the stunning views while listening to a lively narration. - Adult (13+ yrs) - Child (4-12 yrs) - Young Child (0-4 yrs) ## Good to Know * Cruise the Chicago River and Lake Michigan for approximately 90 minutes. * Marvel at the stunning Chicago skyline with uninterrupted views from the outdoor deck. * Departs from the scenic Chicago Riverwalk, just steps from the Magnificent Mile. * Arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure. * General boarding begins 15 minutes before, and priority boarding 20 minutes prior to cruise time. * Children 3 and under cruise free; kids must be accompanied by an adult. * Manual wheelchairs are welcome; small folding strollers are allowed on board (must be folded and stored indoors; children must be removed before boarding). * The boat is wheelchair accessible with advance notice; motorized scooters and electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. * Cruises operate rain or shine, with open and covered seating on board. * Pets are not allowed except for ADA-defined service animals. ## Cancellation Policy No cancellation policy information provided. ## 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 duration is approximately 90 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 suitable for children? Yes, the cruise is enjoyable 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. ### 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 city tour highlights Chicago's skyline from both the lake and the river with friendly commentary on architectural, historical, and maritime points of interest. The local guides will show you all of Chicago’s downtown skyscrapers and describe many fascinating details about each building or landmark. ### Do they serve food and beverages on the boat? Yes. The boat has a full-service bar and small snacks onboard. Please note that outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted. ### Can I bring my camera? Yes, there will be lots of fun photo opportunities. ### Are there restrooms on the boat? Yes. Restrooms are available on board. ### 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.