A un viaje de distancia

CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE CENTER RIVER CRUISE ABOARD FIRST LADY KICKS OFF 2026 SEASON ON MARCH 15

Tickets now on sale for the #1 Boat Tour in the U.S., available online, by phone or in-person

CHICAGO – Chicago's most celebrated architectural experience, the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) River Cruise aboard First Lady, kicks off its 2026 cruise season on Sunday, March 15, continuing its legacy. Crowned the #1 boat tour in the U.S. in 2025 by USA Today 10 Best readers and Chicago Reader's Best Tour for more than 10 years, the CAC River Cruise continues to set the standard for expert-led exploration of Chicago’s legendary skyline along the river. The season launch marks the return of one of the city’s iconic experiences.

For 90 captivating minutes, guests travel all three branches of the Chicago River, surrounded by open-air, 360-degree views and the stories behind more than 50 iconic buildings. Along the way, passengers glide beneath 13 historic bascule bridges and learn about the visionary architects and engineers who shaped Chicago’s skyline. From art deco and neoclassical landmarks to mid-century modern and postmodern towers, the tour reveals how bold ideas helped shape one of the world’s most influential architectural cities.

The CAC River Cruise aboard First Lady is the only Chicago architecture cruise led by CAC-certified docents. Each docent completes nearly 100 hours of intensive training plus an additional 12 weeks of study before leading the CAC River Cruise. Because each docent brings their own perspective and storytelling style, no two tours are exactly alike. Even long-time Chicagoans and repeat guests discover something new as the city’s architectural landscape continues to evolve.

Beyond offering breathtaking views and expert insights, the CAC River Cruise supports the future of architecture and design. A portion of ticket proceeds supports CAC’s nonprofit mission and helps provide design education programs and tools to tens of thousands of Chicagoans each year. Support also helps fund CAC’s youth programs such as Girls Build! and We Build! camps and classes, Teen Fellows and the annual Engineering Fest, all offered at no cost to students interested in learning about architecture and design.

CAC River Cruise 2026 Boarding and Ticket Information 

Location: Northeast corner of Michigan Ave. and E. Wacker Dr (112 E. Wacker Drive). Look for the black awning at the stairway entrance

Pricing: Tickets start at $57 and can be purchased in person, via phone or online through architecturecruise.com.

Note: Because tours frequently sell out, advanced ticket purchase is recommended, especially on weekends, on holidays and evening tours.

Ticket Upgrade: Visit the award-winning CAC for an additional $5 (regular price $15) by adding a ticket as an event extra in your Ticketmaster cart. 

Priority Boarding: Tickets start at $72 and include access to an exclusive early boarding period and admission to the Chicago Architecture Center Exhibits.

For additional information on the 2026 season, tickets, boarding location, parking, and other details, please visit architecturecruise.com.