Chicago Architecture Center - Chicago's First Lady - Chicago
General Information & Upcoming Events

Venue Information and Details

General Info

This 90 minute cruise of the Chicago River is complete with educational commentary provided by trained Chicago Architecture Center certified docent guides aboard Chicago's First Lady Cruises fleet. The tour covers the following routes on the Chicago River: 1. Michigan Ave. & E. Wacker Dr. (starting point) 2. Main branch of river (Canal St. to Navy Pier) 3. South branch of river (to Roosevelt Rd.) 4. North branch of river (to Chicago Ave.) ● Capture Chicago Photography Cruise summer Saturdays and Sundays only at 9am. Move freely around the boat and have access to all angles while a highly-trained docent points out architectural highlights along the way. The tour will pause three times giving you the prime opportunity to capture the city's architecture. ● Our evening cruises run summer weeknights at 5:30p & 7:30p GENERAL ADMISSION SEATING - OUTDOOR SEATING IS GUARANTEED CLIMATE CONTROLLED INTERIOR SALON with air conditioning available on first come, first served basis. CRUISE TAKES PLACE RAIN OR SHINE THERE ARE NO REFUNDS OR TIME EXCHANGES (Tickets are date and time specific) EVERYONE MUST HAVE A TICKET (Infants and children included)

Parking Details

Discounted Parking Available! LAZ Parking Services Garage at 111 E. Wacker Drive (Illinois Center). Receive a discount for up to 4 hours of parking. If you park longer than 4 hours, discount is no longer valid. IMPORTANT: You must have your parking ticket stamped at our ticket window to receive the discounted rate. Note: LAX Parking Services at 111 E. Wacker is not owned or affiliated with Chicago’s First Lady Cruises. The parking information posted here is merely for the convenience of our guests and is not to be construed as a recommendation or endorsement.

Phone Details

Individual Tickets: 800-745-3000 CAC Member Reservations: 312-922-8687 Groups of 10 or more, please contact [email protected] or call 312-322-1130 to make a reservation.

Open Hours Details

Chicago’s First Lady Cruises Dockside Box Office Hours. Early Opening Schedule (March 15 - March 29): Saturday & Sunday 9:00am - 4:00pm; Season Opening Schedule (April 3 - April 12): Monday - Thursday: 9:00am - 4:00pm, Friday - Sunday: 9:00am - 5:00pm; Early Spring (April 13 - April 30): Monday - Thursday: 9:00am - 4:00pm, Friday - Sunday: 9:00am - 5:00pm; Late Spring (May 1 - May 21) Monday - Wednesday: 9:00am - 4:00pm, Thursday - Sunday: 8:30am - 5:00pm; Summer (May 22 - October 12): Monday - Thursday: 9:00am - 7:30pm, Friday - Sunday: 8:00am - 7:30pm; Early Fall (October 13 - November 1): Monday - Thursday: 9:00am - 4:00pm, Friday - Sunday: 9:00am - 5:30pm; Late Fall (November 2 - November 22): Monday - Thursday: 9:00am - 4:00pm, Friday - Sunday: 9:00am - 5:00pm. Chicago Architecture Center Box Office Hours Monday - Sunday: 9:00am - 5:00pm

Will Call Information

Will call ticket pickup is available at Chicago’s First Lady Cruises dockside box office on Michigan & Wacker Dr. We strongly recommend arriving at the box office 30 minutes prior to the start time of your cruise.
For full information about the will call policy at the Chicago Architecture Center - Chicago's First Lady please call the venue.

Accessible Seating Info

Guests with limited mobility please visit www.cruisechicago.com/accessibility for drop-off location and directions. Please present yourself to our staff if you prefer early boarding. Chicago's Leading Lady and Chicago's Classic Lady are wheelchair-accessible and offer a wheelchair-accessible family restroom. Tickets for tours on these vessels can be purchased by selecting the 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm or 4pm departure times. Please also note that all Chicago Architecture Center downtown walking tours are wheelchair accessible.

Children Seating Details

- All children and infants need a ticket to board the boats. Infant priced tickets are available. - There are no reduced rates for seniors or children over 3 years old. - Please note: This is an adult oriented event. - Strollers must be folded and stored in the dining salon - Due to Coast Guard regulations everyone who boards the boat MUST have a ticket, even infants and children.