Chicago

15 Best Lake Michigan & River Cruises

This list covers both kinds of Chicago boat trip: skyline cruises out on Lake Michigan and slower runs along the river. Only from the lake do you see the whole skyline at once. Most boats leave from Navy Pier, and summer fireworks nights book out early.

2.Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise Aboard Chicagos First Lady

Captivating architecture enthusiasts with its unparalleled skyline and iconic landmarks, the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady is a must-experience tour.

★ 5.0

“Lots of interesting Chicago architectural history presented on a clean, efficient boat. Family friendly experience.”

5,536 reviews1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)From $57.00by Chicago Architecture Foundation & Chicago's First Lady Cruises

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3.Chicago River Architecture Cruise: Skip-the-Ticket-Office

Wander through Chicago's iconic skyline seamlessly with the Skip-the-Ticket-Office option on the Chicago River Architecture Cruise - discover what makes it a game-changer!

★ 4.8

“I recently had the pleasure of joining a boat tour led by our fantastic guide, Dillon, and Captain Albert, and I can't recommend them highly enough! From the moment we set sail, it was clear that we were in for an unforgettable experience. Dillon's enthusiasm…”

4,325 reviews1 hour - 90 minutesFrom $39by Shoreline Sightseeing

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6.Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour

Mesmerizing the senses, the Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour unveils the city's iconic skyline, captivating visitors with its rich history and architectural marvels.

★ 5.0

“David was a great and knowledgeable tour guide! He gave just enough details of the skyline without being overwhelming or boring.”

1,635 reviews1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)From $37.00by Tours and Boats

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7.Chicago River and Lake Michigan Sunset Boat Tour

Experience the breathtaking beauty of a Chicago River and Lake Michigan sunset boat tour in 2024. Don't miss out on this captivating and unforgettable adventure!

★ 4.5

“Very crowded boat and all sat on top of each other virtually. The guide had a high opinion of himself and made jokes that were not really that funny. Didnt really tell us much about Chicago - The boat went through the lock and onto…”

1,520 reviews1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)From $45.00by Wendella Tours & Cruises

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9.Chicago: 1.5-Hour Romantic Sunset Cruise

Glide through the enchanting Chicago skyline on a romantic sunset cruise, where surprises await to transform an ordinary evening into a magical adventure.

★ 4.7

“Everything was perfect from start to finish. Amazing views on the Sunset Cruise which I would highly recommend- it was my birthday so an extra special experience.”

739 reviews1.5 hoursFrom $45by Wendella Tours & Cruises

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11.Chicago Small-Group City Tour With Optional Architecture River Cruise

Discover the Windy City like never before with our small-group city tour. Don't miss the chance to add an optional architecture river cruise for an unforgettable experience.

★ 5.0

“Avery was our guide and he was great. Very good knowledge of the city and the communication was excellent.”

705 reviews2 to 4 hours (approx.)From $49.95by See it ALL Chicago Tours

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13.Chicago: 90-Minute River and Lakefront Cruise at Night

Tantalize your senses with the captivating Chicago skyline at night, where architectural wonders come alive under the shimmering lights.

★ 4.6

“This was the highlight of our trip! We spent about an hour out on the lake, which I was most excited for, for the best night skyline views. Then spent the last 30 minutes on the river which was also beautiful. Nick, our tour guide,…”

561 reviewsFrom $45by First Lady

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14.Chicago: Fireworks Cruise With Lake or River Viewing Options

Hop aboard a magical journey of fireworks and city lights on the 'Chicago: Fireworks Cruise', where the night sky holds secrets waiting to be revealed.

★ 4.3

“Really we liked it all. It was informative. It wasn’t too long. We had a great view of the fireworks and the crowd was a fun crowd.”

551 reviews45 minutes - 2 hoursFrom $32by Wendella Tours & Cruises

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4.7Chicago: Architecture Center Cruise on Chicagos First Lady1.5 hours$57 4.0Chicago Buffet Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan2 hours (approx.)$66.97 4.0Chicago Buffet Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan$89 3.5Chicago Gourmet Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan$49 4.030 Minute Lake Michigan Speedboat Ride30 minutes (approx.)$42.78 4.5Lake Michigan and Chicago River Architecture Cruise by Speedboat1 hour 15 minutes (approx.)$61.82 4.3Chicago: Lake Michigan Gourmet Brunch/Lunch/Dinner Cruise$67 4.6Chicago: 75-Minute Architecture Cruise by Speedboat$44 5.0Historical and Architectural Chicago Fireboat River/Lake Cruise2 hours (approx.)$47.00 4.5Chicago by Night: 90 Minute River and Lakefront Cruise$45.00 4.7Chicago: Family Fun Urban Adventure River and Lake Cruise$45 4.1Chicago: Lake Michigan Buffet Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Cruise$130 4.8Chicago: City Minibus Tour With Optional Architecture Cruise2 - 4 hours$48 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 4.0Chicago Lake Michigan Fireworks Cruise$50.00 4.6Chicago: Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner River Cruise$116 4.5Chicago River Cocktail Cruise$49 4.0Chicago Fireworks Dinner Cruise With Buffet2 to 3 hours (approx.)$116.17 4.1Chicago: Summer Fireworks Cruise With 3D Glasses and Music$52 3.0Chicago Fireworks Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan2 to 3 hours (approx.)$142.14 4.5Chicago Premier Plus Brunch Cruise on the Chicago River2 hours (approx.)$84.74 3.8Chicago: Fireworks Buffet Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan$135 5.0Guided Historic Small Boat River Architecture Tour in Chicago$49