Chicago's First Lady Cruises

Chicago's First Lady Cruises We are Chicago's Finest Fleet and home of the official Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise.
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The Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady is up for BEST TOUR in the Chicago Reader’s 202...
12/13/2023

The Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady is up for BEST TOUR in the Chicago Reader’s 2023 Best of Chicago awards! We’re honored and thrilled to be nominated and we need your help to win!

Starting today, you can head over to the Reader’s voting page and cast your ballot. You’ll find BEST TOUR under the CITY LIFE section. Every vote counts so THANK YOU for participating - together we’ve got this!

Visit https://chicagoreader.com/best to place your vote — voting ends on January 14th.

It's almost time for the fleet to depart for the winter, but we still have two days of cruising left! November 19th will...
11/17/2023

It's almost time for the fleet to depart for the winter, but we still have two days of cruising left! November 19th will be our final day of departures for 2023. We hope you join us this weekend to close out our 30th Anniversary Season. Architecture Adventure Awaits!

The results are in, and it was very close! We are happy to announce (on IG) as the People's Choice winner of our 2023 C...
11/07/2023

The results are in, and it was very close! We are happy to announce (on IG) as the People's Choice winner of our 2023 Cruise Chicago Photo Contest! Congratulations and thank you to everyone who voted!

Today is the last day to vote! Comment your favorite on our post!
11/07/2023

Today is the last day to vote! Comment your favorite on our post!

Our 2023 Cruise Chicago Photo Contest People's Choice Award voting is now live! To vote, comment which picture (1-9) is ...
10/31/2023

Our 2023 Cruise Chicago Photo Contest People's Choice Award voting is now live! To vote, comment which picture (1-9) is your favorite. Votes limited to one per account. We will announce the People's Choice Contest Winner next week, November 7th. Thank you to our prize sponsors: Chicago Architecture Center, Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse, and The Northman Riverwalk!

10/30/2023

We're so excited to finally announce the winners of our 2023 Cruise Chicago Photo Contest! Without further ado, congratulations to Best Reel winners Joel & April ( on IG)! Thanks to everyone who submitted photos and stay tuned for our People's Choice Contest - voting will begin tomorrow! Plus, a big thank you to our prize sponsors: Chicago Architecture Center, Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse, and The Northman Riverwalk!

We're so excited to finally announce the winners of our 2023 Cruise Chicago Photo Contest! Without further ado, congratu...
10/30/2023

We're so excited to finally announce the winners of our 2023 Cruise Chicago Photo Contest! Without further ado, congratulations to Best Photo winner Alyssa ( on IG)! Thanks to everyone who submitted photos and stay tuned for our People's Choice Contest - voting will begin tomorrow! Plus, a big thank you to our prize sponsors: Chicago Architecture Center, Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse, and The Northman Riverwalk!

It may be October, but we got lucky with some unseasonable (but welcome) warm weather today! Stop by the Chicago Riverwa...
10/24/2023

It may be October, but we got lucky with some unseasonable (but welcome) warm weather today! Stop by the Chicago Riverwalk and enjoy the sun this afternoon with Chicago's First Lady ☀️⛴

Fall foliage is starting to pop! Experience the magic and beauty of Chicago in autumn aboard a CAC River Cruise! Cozy up...
10/20/2023

Fall foliage is starting to pop! Experience the magic and beauty of Chicago in autumn aboard a CAC River Cruise! Cozy up with a warm drink in hand and let the scenery drift by as you take in the sights and stories of Chicago, its river, and its architecture.

Architecture Adventure Awaits!

Chicago's First Lady Cruises is partnering with City Winery Chicago Riverwalk to make your Riverwalk experience even bet...
10/12/2023

Chicago's First Lady Cruises is partnering with City Winery Chicago Riverwalk to make your Riverwalk experience even better!

Purchase one glass of wine at City Winery Riverwalk and present your cruise ticket to receive another glass FOR FREE!* Don't miss out on this great BOGO offer!

*Offer valid for City Winery wines only. Limit one complimentary glass of wine per guest. Digital or hard copy ticket or receipt showing current date required to redeem. Must be 21 or older. Additional restrictions may apply.

As we recognize Indigenous People's Day today, let's take a look back at the artwork that hung above our ticket office f...
10/09/2023

As we recognize Indigenous People's Day today, let's take a look back at the artwork that hung above our ticket office from 2021 through 2023.

Artist Andrea Carlson (Ojibwe) created five banners that read "Bodéwadmikik ėthë yéyék/You are on Potawatomi Land," an acknowledgment to Riverwalk guests of the history of the land we live and work on. Carlson said, "You are on Potawatomi Land is a statement of fact. It is also a statement of perpetual belonging."

Learn more about Andrea Carlson's inspiration and process at https://www.potawatomi.org/blog/2023/03/17/qa-with-ojibwe-artist-andrea-carlson/.

If you'll be downtown for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon this weekend, make time to take a Chicago Architecture Ce...
10/04/2023

If you'll be downtown for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon this weekend, make time to take a Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady! Enjoy the early fall weather and take in the stunning sights from the river. Architecture Adventure Awaits!

🏆 Chicago has been voted Best Big City in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler readers for an astounding 7 years in a row! Sh...
10/03/2023

🏆 Chicago has been voted Best Big City in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler readers for an astounding 7 years in a row!

Showcasing Chicago is what we do best and we're so proud to be a part of the Best Big City in the U.S. yet again. Whether it's food, architecture, the people, the neighborhoods, or a relaxing cruise you're after, this city has something for everyone.

Come experience why Chicago is the very best, for the seventh year in a row!

Read: https://www.choosechicago.com/blog/special-events/chicago-voted-best-big-city/

Our Photo Contest has come to a close! Thank you to all who submitted photos and reels! Winners will be announced late...
10/02/2023

Our Photo Contest has come to a close! Thank you to all who submitted photos and reels! Winners will be announced later this month.

Today is the LAST DAY to enter our 2023 Cruise Chicago Photo Contest! Show us what means to you and get a chance to wi...
09/30/2023

Today is the LAST DAY to enter our 2023 Cruise Chicago Photo Contest! Show us what means to you and get a chance to win free private cruise tickets and more great prizes from Chicago Architecture Center, Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse, and The Northman Riverwalk! To enter, post a photo or reel of our boats or on our cruises and share with the hashtag . For full rules and details, visit cruisechicago.com/photocontest.

LAST DAY TO BID!Since 2015, Pat Tomasulo of WGN-TV Morning News and his wife Amy have led continuing efforts to raise fu...
09/28/2023

LAST DAY TO BID!

Since 2015, Pat Tomasulo of WGN-TV Morning News and his wife Amy have led continuing efforts to raise funds to research a debilitating facial pain condition known as Trigeminal Neuralgia. Their “Laugh Your Face Off” fundraising event is being held September 23rd at Park West Chicago and we’re donating a private cruise aboard our vintage yacht Lady Grebe to their silent auction!

Read more about the event (https://laughyourfaceoff.org/) and check out the bidding (https://e.givesmart.com/events/v9T/i/_All/nwk7/?search=) on our cruise, as well as the other items up for auction, before bidding ends on September 29th!

This is the FINAL WEEK to enter our 2023 Cruise Chicago Photo Contest! Post a photo/reel of our boats or on our cruises ...
09/25/2023

This is the FINAL WEEK to enter our 2023 Cruise Chicago Photo Contest! Post a photo/reel of our boats or on our cruises and share with the hashtag for a chance to win free cruise tickets and more great prizes from , , and ! Amateurs and professionals alike are encouraged to join in the fun! The last day to enter is Saturday, September 30th. For full rules and details, visit the link in our bio.

Since 2015, Pat Tomasulo of WGN-TV Morning News and his wife Amy have led continuing efforts to raise funds to research ...
09/20/2023

Since 2015, Pat Tomasulo of WGN-TV Morning News and his wife Amy have led continuing efforts to raise funds to research a debilitating facial pain condition known as Trigeminal Neuralgia. Their “Laugh Your Face Off” fundraising event is being held September 23rd at Park West Chicago and we’re donating a private cruise aboard our vintage yacht Lady Grebe to their silent auction!

Read more about the event (https://laughyourfaceoff.org/) and check out the bidding (https://e.givesmart.com/events/v9T/i/_All/nwk7/?search=) on our cruise, as well as the other items up for auction, before bidding ends on September 29th!

09/15/2023

The view from the river never disappoints 🤩 Happy Friday Chicago!
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Enter our 2023 Cruise Chicago Photo Contest for a chance to win free cruise tickets and more great prizes from Chicago A...
09/06/2023

Enter our 2023 Cruise Chicago Photo Contest for a chance to win free cruise tickets and more great prizes from Chicago Architecture Center, Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse, and The Northman Riverwalk! Post a photo/reel of our boats or on our cruises and share with the hashtag . Amateurs and professionals alike are encouraged to join in the fun! For full rules and details, visit cruisechicago.com/photocontest.

Wrap up the long weekend with a relaxing cruise down the Chicago River! There's no better way to enjoy the last bit of s...
09/04/2023

Wrap up the long weekend with a relaxing cruise down the Chicago River! There's no better way to enjoy the last bit of summer than catching a cool breeze as the sights of the city float by. Architecture Adventure Awaits, Happy Labor Day!

Have an eye and love for photography? Share your content taken ON or OF a Chicago’s First Lady Cruises or Mercury, Chica...
09/02/2023

Have an eye and love for photography? Share your content taken ON or OF a Chicago’s First Lady Cruises or Mercury, Chicago's Skyline Cruiseline vessel using the hashtag for the chance to win incredible prizes including a cruise for 6 aboard our vintage yacht Lady Grebe! Other incredible prizes from Chicago Architecture Center, Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse, and The Northman Riverwalk are also available to win!

Submit your photo for a chance to win our BEST PHOTO or BEST PHOTO - VIEWERS’ CHOICE prizes. If your interest lies more in creating video content, TikToks and reels, we've got you covered! Submit your video content as a TikTok or reel (with OR without graphics and enhancements), for a chance to win our new BEST REEL prize!

Amateurs and professionals alike are encouraged to join in the fun! Visit cruisechicago.com/photocontest for Full Rules & Details.

Address

112 E. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL
60601

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 7:30pm
Tuesday 10am - 7pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 7:30pm
Friday 9:30am - 7:30pm
Saturday 9am - 5:30pm
Sunday 9:30am - 7:30pm

Telephone

(847) 358-1330

Website

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Videos

Bon voyage to the rest of our fleet as they head to their winter home for yearly maintenance! Already looking forward to welcoming them back next spring ⛴️🌊 • #caccruise #cflcruises #cruisechicago #chicago #explorechicago #travel #beautifuldestinations #enjoyillinois #yourchicago #chicagoriverwalk #chicagoarchitecture

We're so excited to finally announce the winners of our 2023 Cruise Chicago Photo Contest! Without further ado, congratulations to Best Reel winners Joel & April (@filoricanadventures on IG)! Thanks to everyone who submitted photos and stay tuned for our People's Choice Contest - voting will begin tomorrow! Plus, a big thank you to our prize sponsors: Chicago Architecture Center, Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse, and The Northman Riverwalk!

The view from the river never disappoints 🤩 Happy Friday Chicago! • #caccruise #cflcruises #cruisechicago #chicago #chicagoriverwalk #explorechicago #travel #beautifuldestinations #enjoyillinois #yourchicago #chicagoriverwalk #chicagoarchitecture

The View From The River Never Disappoints
The View From The River Never Disappoints

The view from the river never disappoints 🤩 Happy Friday Chicago! • #caccruise #cflcruises #cruisechicago #chicago #chicagoriverwalk #explorechicago #travel #beautifuldestinations #enjoyillinois #yourchicago #chicagoriverwalk #chicagoarchitecture

Dock to Shipyard - Time Lapse
Dock to Shipyard - Time Lapse

From our dock downtown to our shipyard in 30 seconds!

CAF Cruise timelapse
CAF Cruise timelapse

Is anyone else in a rush to get to the weekend?

Chicago is a truly magical place. #cafcruise

Instagram Twilight Cruise
Instagram Twilight Cruise

We received a surprise from the water cannon last night during our Instagram twilight cruise. #CAFcruise

Beautiful weather. Beautiful views.
Beautiful weather. Beautiful views.

Beautiful weather. Beautiful views. #cafcruise

Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise Aboard Chicago's First Lady Cruises
Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise Aboard Chicago's First Lady Cruises

It’s a beautiful spring day for a #cafcruise!

An exciting day on the Chicago River!

Timelapse on the Chicago River
Timelapse on the Chicago River

Take a :38 river tour teaser of our Chicago Architecture Foundation Twilight River Cruise kicking off next week Friday, May 19th.

Enjoy a glimpse at our Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady Cruises with this mesmerizing timelapse from The Product Poet!

Timelapse on the Chicago River
Timelapse on the Chicago River

We recently hosted local photographers for a special sunset river cruise. One captured the ultimate timelapse video of the experience as they traveled down the Chicago River at dusk. Watch and enjoy!

It's a lovely day for a cruise!

North Michigan Avenue views are simply the best.

You've seen the pictures - now peep the video!

And you say - Chi City!

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About Us

Chicago's First Lady Cruises is the official cruise line of the Chicago Architecture Center and is proud to present the official Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady; this is the architect’s choice, and Chicago’s #1 tour based on TripAdvisor reviews.

In addition to the #1 tour in the city, Chicago's First Lady Cruises also offers Chicago's finest fleet of cruising vessels, accommodating groups ranging from 2 to 250. We’re one of the most unique Chicago private party locations for special events, outdoor wedding ceremonies and receptions, networking events, private corporate events, birthday party cruises, chartered Chicago boat tours and much more. Whether you choose to cruise on the Chicago River, Lake Michigan or both, we promise your party will be a night to remember.

Thank you for “Liking” Chicago’s First Lady Cruises. This page is intended for our members, supporters, visitors and friends, as well as for those who would like to be friends and/or plan to visit us in the future. The page exists to share information about Chicago’s First Lady, our experiences, and Chicago’s architecture, history and beauty. We welcome you to the page and ask that you respect the space and support a positive fan experience. Please do not use inappropriate or offensive language, post false information or link to information that is factually incorrect or even violent in nature. We also ask that you do not spam the page. If, through your comments or actions you demonstrate that you are clearly not a fan of Chicago’s First Lady or support our mission, if you create an environment of negativity or otherwise damage the experience for everyone else, your comments will be deleted and you will be denied participation on this page. Thank you for your cooperation.