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

“We had such a good time on the boat. The staff were knowledgeable and friendly and fun. The weather was perfect and my friends had a great time. Thank you so much!”

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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

“Dress for elements. Cynthia was an excellent tour guide. She was very knowledgeable and her presentation was engaging.”

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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

“We did a standard architecture tour a while ago, but we've never been out on the lake. Amazing activity, the whole friend group loved it. I'll do it again with my mom when she visits Chicago”

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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

“It was a great experience, scenic, informative experience in a short period of time. It’s easy to book an experience on the go. Booked a cruise, went right to the pier and boarded the boat.”

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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

“The tour was very informative about the history and architecture of Chicago! The changes of the Chicago river was such a surprise !”

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11.Chicago by Night River and Lake Cruise

Discover Chicago’s stunning night skyline, historic landmarks, and Lake Michigan on this 1.5-hour river and lake cruise with lively guides and breathtaking views.

★ 4.6

“My Guide was very knowledgeable about Chicago History. What he was saying didn't sound Like he was reading a Script. I was surprised We Had a lot in common!? The Experience is something I WILL Definitely recommend to my Family, Friends, and anyone else who…”

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12.Chicago: Shoreline Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise

Experience Chicago from Lake Michigan on this 45-minute cruise featuring iconic skyline views, engaging commentary, and excellent value for $38.

★ 4.6

“It was amazing, glad I brought a jacket because it was chilly during the ride. The view was beautiful!!!! The boarding info should be on the ticket. They board 15mins before the actual time. My time was 5:45 I boarded 5:30. I didn’t have a…”

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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

“Love all the information of the buildings’ history! Seeing them in one area was amazing! The tour took about an hour. I didn’t visit the bar/cocoa area downstairs but it’s great that they have one. The guide was funny and friendly. He interacted with us…”

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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