Chicago

15 Best Lake Michigan & River Cruises

The lake cruises: skyline sails off Navy Pier, Seadog speedboat runs and fireworks sailings on summer nights. The lake side of the skyline is the view locals send their relatives.

1.Chicago Architecture River Cruise

Discover Chicago’s stunning skyline and iconic architecture on this 1 hour 15-minute river cruise, led by knowledgeable guides. Perfect for first-timers and architecture lovers.

Most Popular★ 5.0

“Very informative. The guide was very knowledgeable and presented the material very well. The boat was very clean too”

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3.Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady

Experience Chicago’s stunning architecture from the river with a 1.5-hour guided cruise aboard First Lady, offering expert insights and iconic city views.

★ 5.0

“This was a great tour aboard the First Lady, and the docent, who was a volunteer from the Chicago Architecture Center, was so knowledgable and gave a great tour. He gave the history of Chicago and its architecture and the tour provided a chance for…”

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4.Chicago: Architecture River Cruise Skip-the-Ticket Line

Experience Chicago's stunning architecture on a 75-minute river cruise with live narration, skip-the-line tickets, and beautiful city views.

★ 4.8

“The tour leader was very knowledgeable about the history of Chicago from a waterfront viewpoint. He had the audience entertained as the we caught the beautiful sunset. This tour is a MUST.”

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7.Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour

Explore Chicago’s iconic skyline on a 90-minute architecture river cruise. Enjoy expert guides, stunning views, and insider stories for an authentic experience.

★ 5.0

“I scheduled a trip for Saturday Oct 18th, paid my fees, and less than 24 hours out the tour company canceled the trip and would not refund me. The listing said the tour was rain or shine, so I was prepared to go regardless. It…”

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8.Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise in Chicago

Experience Chicago’s stunning skyline at sunset on a 90-minute boat cruise, with scenic views, expert guides, and onboard snacks. Perfect for a memorable evening.

★ 4.5

“Amazing sunset cruise - I had pre booked and it was a great experience You go along the river then into the lock then onto Lake Michigan Sunset was stunning - much better to do thus cruise at sunset time as it adds to the…”

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9.Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago

Discover Chicago’s skyline from Lake Michigan with a 45-minute sightseeing cruise, offering stunning views, informative commentary, and flexible options.

★ 4.5

“Tour was beautiful & staff were friendly. It was relaxing and informative. I will definitely do this again.”

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10.Chicago Architectural River Cruise

Discover Chicago’s stunning architecture on a 1.5-hour river cruise with expert guides, scenic views, and fascinating stories that bring the city’s skyline to life.

★ 4.5

“Vey informative…. So much fun. The weather was perfect and our tour guide was very knowledgeable, had a great sense of humor, and was very thorough in explaining the different buildings, architectural style.”

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14.Chicago City Tour with Architecture River Cruise Option

Discover Chicago's highlights with a small-group city tour, featuring iconic landmarks and an optional architecture river cruise for a comprehensive experience.

★ 5.0

“The first part of the tour which was a city tour is just under two hours. Avery was our driver and he was quite knowledgeable about the area. If you choose the architectural cruise, he will drop you off at the pier. Be aware that…”

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More Lake Michigan & River Cruises

4.3Chicago: Fireworks Cruise with Lake or River Viewing Options45 minutes - 2 hours$32 4.5Chicago Sightseeing River and Lake Cruise$45.00 4.7Chicago: Architecture Boat Tour with Drinks1.5 hours$42 4.7Chicago: Architecture Center Cruise on Chicago’s First Lady1.5 hours$57 4.0Chicago Signature Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan2 hours (approx.)$66.97 4.3City Cruises Chicago: Premier Lunch or Dinner Cruise2 - 3 hours$88 4.0Lake Michigan 30-Minute Speedboat Ride30 minutes (approx.)$42.78 4.7Chicago: Narrated Sightseeing River and Lake Cruise$45 4.5City Cruises Chicago: 75-min Speedboat Architecture Cruise1.3 hours$61 4.5Chicago Seadog River & Lake Architectural Tour1 hour 15 minutes (approx.)$61.82 5.0Historical and Architectural Chicago Fireboat River/Lake Cruise2 hours (approx.)$47.00 4.5Chicago By Night River & Lake Cruise$45.00 4.0City Cruises Chicago: Lake Michigan Lunch or Dinner Cruise2 hours$66 4.5Best of Chicago Small-Group Tour with Architecture River Cruise4 hours (approx.)$254.00 4.8Chicago: City Minibus Tour with Optional Architecture Cruise2 - 4 hours$48 4.7City Cruises Chicago: Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner River Cruise2 hours - 150 minutes$84 5.0Small-Group Sightseeing Boat Tour in Chicago1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)$89.00 4.7Chicago River: 1.5-Hour Guided Architecture Riverboat Tour1.5 hours$57 4.0City Cruises Chicago: Fireworks Signature Dinner Cruise2 to 3 hours (approx.)$116.17 4.0Chicago Creepy Cruise$45.00 3.0City Cruises: Chicago Fireworks Premier Dinner Cruise2 to 3 hours (approx.)$142.14 4.1Chicago: Historic Gangsters & Twilight Tales Night Cruise$45 4.1City Cruises Chicago: Lake Michigan Fireworks Dinner Cruise3 hours$116 4.5Chicago Premier Plus Brunch Cruise on the Chicago River2 hours (approx.)$84.74