Book Chicago First Lady Cruises

Know before you go

Chicago skyline with skyscrapers and river view, Illinois, USA.

First Lady cruises typically run mid-morning through evening, roughly 10am-9pm (peak summer hours can extend to about 10pm), with departures every 60-90 minutes; exact times vary by season and day.
Boarding begins 15-30 minutes before departure. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to allow time for ticketing and boarding. Arrive early to secure the best seats.

Chicago Riverwalk with skyscrapers and bridge in the background.

All cruises depart and return from First Lady dock on the Chicago Riverwalk; 112 E. Wacker Drive (near the foot of Michigan Avenue / Upper Wacker) | Find on Maps

Getting there:

By bus: Multiple Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) buses stop along Michigan Avenue near the Chicago River (#2, #3, #26, #143, #146, #147, and #151). Use stops at Michigan & Wacker or Michigan & Hubbard; just steps from the First Lady dock.
By train: The closest ‘L’ stations are Grand (Red Line) and State/Lake (Red, Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple Lines). Both are about a 10-minute walk. Millennium Station (Metra) is also nearby, a 5-7 minute walk east of Michigan Avenue.
Car & parking: There is no parking directly at the dock, but multiple commercial garages are located within a few blocks (including garages at 401 N Michigan and 300 N State/Marina Towers).

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

Indoor, climate-controlled lower cabins and open-air upper decks for unobstructed views.
Full-service bar and light concessions on board (available for purchase).
Restrooms are available on board, including wheelchair-accessible bathrooms. Please note that all restrooms close 15 minutes prior to the end of the tour for safety reasons.
Live, docent-led narration provided by Chicago Architecture Center-trained guides.
Seating is first-come, first-served; arrive early to get the best deck or window spot.

Centennial Fountain spraying water over the Chicago River with city skyline.

Want the best photos? Aim for a sunset cruise for golden-hour lighting, or an early-morning departure for calmer water and fewer people.
Check your ticket for the exact dock and boarding time, as those are date and time-specific.
Bring a light jacket or layer even in summer; it can be breezy on the upper deck.
Wear flat, secure footwear for safe boarding and moving about the boat.
Binoculars or a zoom lens help capture architectural details high on the facades.
Be courteous at railings and photo spots; cruises can be crowded at popular viewpoints.
Cruises depart promptly; late arrivals may not be accommodated.
Most tours are round-trip and return to the same dock.
Manual wheelchairs can be accommodated, and the cruise can lend a manual wheelchair if requested; motorized scooters and electric wheelchairs cannot board for safety reasons.

Best time to go on a cruise

Downtown Chicago skyline with raised bridge over the river.

Time of the day

Morning : (10am-12:30pm)

Calmer waters and softer light; fewer crowds. The route combines peaceful lake panoramas with clear river reflections; great for relaxed sightseeing and detail shots. Avoid mid-morning weekday windows if you want to dodge school groups.

Afternoon: (12:30pm-5pm)

Bright daylight for crisp skyline and architectural photos. This is a busier window; expect lunch crowds and fuller boats on weekends and in summer.

Downtown Chicago skyline and Chicago River from Wolf Point in morning light, Illinois.

Time of the year

Late September-early November (Fall) top pick:

Crisp skies, cooler air, and fall color make this the best window for photos and calmer, more comfortable cruises. Its public season typically runs from mid-March through late November; ideal if you want great light and fewer people.

Late May-June (Late spring / early summer) great balance:

Warm, pleasant weather and more departures than early spring, but not as crowded as peak July-August. A great choice if you want long daylight and plenty of schedule options without the fullest boats.

Frequently asked questions about First Lady cruise tickets

Can I bring food or drinks onboard?

Outside alcoholic drinks aren’t allowed, and bringing your own food isn’t recommended. The boat has a full bar and light snacks, so it’s easiest to grab something on board or eat beforehand.

Is narration available in other languages?

The tour is led live by Chicago Architecture Center docents in English. Non-English narration isn’t a standard option, but if you have a private group, you can ask the ticket office in advance to see what they can arrange.

What if it rains during the cruise?

The tour runs rain or shine and the boats have climate-controlled cabins, so you’ll stay comfortable in light weather. If conditions are unsafe, the captain may cancel.

Is Wi-Fi onboard the cruise?

There’s no standard public Wi-Fi listed for the First Lady river cruise.

Can I trade tickets?

Usually not. Your tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.

Does the boat go on the lake?

No, this tour operates exclusively on the Chicago River. For lake excursions, we recommend our Sightseeing Cruises.

Are service dogs or emotional support animals allowed onboard?

We welcome service dogs in compliance with ADA guidelines. They must remain harnessed, leashed, or tethered unless these interfere with their work or the handler’s disability prevents it. Emotional support animals, pets, and non-ADA animals are not allowed.

Can I bring a stroller?

Yes! Children must be taken out of strollers before boarding, and strollers will be folded and stored in the salon during the cruise.

Can I bring luggage?

No, luggage is not permitted onboard for security reasons, and we do not have dockside storage. We suggest asking your hotel to hold it for you.