CAC River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady - Staging

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    voted #1 boat tour in north america

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    top six tours in chicago for first-time visitors

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    top six tours in chicago for first-time visitors

For more than 25 years, the CAC's expertly trained docent volunteers have led the river cruise, sharing fascinating stories behind more than 50 buildings along the Chicago River. Hear how Chicago grew from a small settlement into one of the world's largest cities in less than 100 years. In just 90 minutes, you'll get the best overview of Chicago’s architecture and its history.

Duration
1.5 hours
Site Type
Buildings
Location
Downtown

Tour Highlights

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Boat Amenities

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Full Service & Snack Bar
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Restrooms
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Climate Controlled Cabins
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and More...
First Lady LogoFirst Lady Logo

About Our Boat Partner

We’re proud to partner with Chicago’s First Lady Cruises, operator of Chicago’s finest fleet of cruising vessels. Its boats hold up to 250 passengers and feature open-air upper decks, full-service bars, climate-controlled lower cabins and upscale marble and granite restrooms. Being onboard is sure to be an experience you'll never forget.
A group on a boat in the foreground with the evening skyline in the background A group on a boat in the foreground with the evening skyline in the background

Evening River Cruise

The city's most popular tour is now offered in the evening. Serene and bathed in softer light, the city's architecture takes on a whole new life in the setting sun. Wind-down from the work-week by enjoying a cocktail with friends and family and experience Chicago's skyline on our luxury boats. All departures later than 5:00PM

A river cruise going under a bridge with a train going over the bridgeA river cruise going under a bridge with a train going over the bridge

Tour Information and Tips

  • Each person must have a ticket, including infants and children.
  • Seating is general admission
  • The River Cruise is available in 4 languages: Continental French, Latin American Spanish, Japanese and Korean. To access these languages, please download the "Listen Everywhere" app in advance. Once you are on board the boat, the app will connect and allow you to listen in your selected language as the boat makes its way down the river.
  • Arrive 30 minutes prior to your cruise departure time. Allow extra time for traffic and parking in summer.
  • Cruise guests board 15 minutes before departure time.
  • All tours depart rain or shine. Check the weather before you arrive!
  • Tickets may not be refunded or exchanged if you miss your boat. Allow extra time.
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Accessibility

We work hard to ensure that everyone on Chicago’s First Lady Cruises is able to access the beauty of our boats and enjoy a wonderful experience aboard. Below you’ll discover the easiest ways to board, and don’t forget—we can make your experience much more pleasant if you give us advance notice for any special boarding needs. Our crew is happy to help when you arrive at the dock level.

Guests with Limited Mobility – What to Expect Onboard

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    Handicap Accessible Boats

    All our boats, except Chicago's First Lady & Chicago's Little Lady, are handicap accessible and offer a wheelchair-accessible restroom.

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    Seating Options

    Guests who are unable to climb stairs to the upper deck may choose to sit on the open-air bow deck of the vessel or the climate-controlled enclosed salon with large windows.

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    Accessing the Dock Area

    For guests unable to use stairs, there are two options: an ADA-compliant ramp to the Riverwalk at Wacker Drive and State Street, or a drop-off area on the same level as our dock at Lower Lower Wacker Drive. View directions.

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    Assistance can be provided

    Staff members will gladly take table-side drink orders for passengers with limited mobility.

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    Have more questions?

    Please contact our tour operations team.

    CONTACT

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    How to Buy Accessible Tour Tickets

    Tickets for tours on accessible boats can be purchased by selecting the 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm or 5:00 pm departure times.

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    Wheelchairs Available for Use

    For those requesting use of the company's manual wheelchair, please visit the ticket office first upon arrival.

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    Service Animals

    We welcome service dogs onboard! The service animal must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered while in public places unless these devices interfere with the service animal's work or the person's disability prevents use of these devices. Emotional support animals, pets and other animals not covered by ADA guidelines are not permitted. Please visit the ADA's FAQ on service animals for further details.

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    Boarding Ramps Available

    When boarding the ship, guests cross two ramps and enter through a opening (doorway) that is 36" wide. Crew members can assist you in guiding the wheelchair across the gangway. Motorized scooters and electric wheelchairs may not board the ship; guests may utilize our manual wheelchair (based upon availability).

FAQs

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  • Consectetur adipiscing elit. Praesent eget risus vitae massa semper aliquam quis mattis quam. Morbi vitae tortor tempus, placerat leo et, suscipit lectus. Phasellus ut euismod massa, eu eleifend ipsum. Nulla eu neque commodo, dapibus dolor eget, dictum arcu. In nec purus eu tellus consequat ultricies.

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Group & Private Tours

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Upgrade Your Ticket to See More

Looking for the ultimate Chicago architecture experience? Add admission to the center for just $5 (regular price $14) as an event extra in your Ticketmaster cart.

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take the #1 boat tour in north america

According to USA Today Readers' Choice 2021 Awards!

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