Flow reversal of the Chicago River ...a dirigible mooring mast that once accompanied the "onion dome" atop the former Medinah Athletic Club ...a not so common (river) perspective of some of Chicago's great structures ...Chicago's First Lady (Architecture Foundation River Cruise) offers insight along with an unobstructed view of some of Chicago's architectural wonders. The tour lasts a full 90 minutes so bring a hat, a camera and some extra cash for a couple of drinks ...a worthwhile experience for anyone interested in one of America's great cities. read more

It was our last tourist activity in Chicago before heading home........ I am so glad we didn't miss it. In a very informative and laid back setting our docent Leslie did a wonderful job of narrating our voyage down the Chicago River. This was worth every penny of the $40 fee........ Would do it again if I return to Chicago. read more

I'm a lifelong Chicagoan and found this very enjoyable, such a beautiful city and This tour really showcases our skyline. Everyone should go. read more

Exceptional tour - don't think twice about choosing Chicago's First Lady if you're in town looking for a great architecture tour on the river. We bought our tickets in advance online and printed ours out, so we got to avoid the hassle of worrying about availability on the day of the tour. Our tour was at 1pm on a Wednesday and only about half full, so even though we didn't get there until about 15 minutes or so before it began, we still were able to get seats right along the side, which clearly are preferred over the middle section for visibility purposes. Get there earlier if you're going at a more popular time, like on a weekend day. Our guide knew so much about every building: who built it, the history of the building's use, architectural details and fun facts, and why we should care about each. When I first got to Chicago, I marveled at the cityscape and just at how many different unique buildings make up the downtown area. She was easy to listen to as she delivered information effortlessly as we went along the river. Bar and restrooms are easily accessible as well. Not knowing we already had tickets in advance, we actually received several recommendations from locals to go for this specific tour - luckily we had already made the right choice. read more

This review is NOT about the tour itself. This is about the "President" of the company, Holly Agra. I called a number that was on the website... I asked for a manager's name that I had been given... Apparently this woman felt that it was below her to be polite. She said "We have no employee by that name." and hung up on me. I called back to verify, because I was told that this manager was reserving two tickets for me. I repeated his name, David Ferrell. She refused to help, told me that he didn't exist, and refused to give me her name. Nice customer service, heir President. Since your name is on the website, you might want to be a little more tolerant of others. I've gone on this tour five times a year for the last gazillion years. Not only that, but as a member of the hospitality biz, I have referred HUNDREDS. She makes me want to get back every cent that ever fed her. *shudder* read more

They overbooked by about 75 people...still trying to get my refund. Instead went on a Wendella tour. Same tour, $15 per person cheaper than First Lady. read more

I wish I could rate the actual tour. Instead unfortunately I have to rate their ticket policy. Our flight was delayed by a few hours which led to running late for our scheduled departure time for this tour. We called from the airport to see if we could exchange tickets. The person who answered the phone said no refunds, no transfers, too bad for you. I have no idea why they can't manage a standby arrangement, but it seems pretty dismissive and disrespectful to customers, so this is one famed Chicago tourist attraction I guess I'll have to do without. It's just a drag to throw away $100 and change due to a lousy policy when they could at least offer a standby policy if there are empty seats on a later cruise. So, we bought tickets instead to the Wendella tour, which is phenomenal and which I'll review separately. And goodness the ticket folks at Wendella are a heck of a lot nicer. read more

This tour was fantastic. We were able to see the unique buildings Chicago has to offer as well as learn some history. We did get a little chilly as it is still early spring but had anger at time anyway. We reserved tickets through our hotel for the tour. Didn't save money but we were guaranteed a seat. read more

Cameron was a great host. Have lived in the burbs for awhile and thought we would do try something different. Learned some new Chicago history and enjoyed the ride read more

First Lady - Boating Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I highly recommend this tour. I did it while I was in Chicago for the weekend. The guide called herself a docent because she has studied a great deal about architecture and history so that she can give the best tour possible, and she did just that. I learned a ton about the city's history and she pointed out all of the main attractions, as well as some other unique buildings and Chicago quirks. She also informed us about basic architectural principles that I did not know before taking the tour. It was raining for a good deal of our tour, but the guide was so engaging and encouraging that most of us stayed upstairs in our ponchos with her, despite the weather. Definitely look into this tour when you are in town! read more

I'd be remiss to share with you our behind the scene experience with this fine company. I was tasked with purchasing three tickets for my husband and his friends on the St. Patrick's Clover Cruise. After purchasing the tickets last Saturday, I realized I had accidentally purchased four instead of three. These aren't cheap tickets, and after a testy exchange between me and my husband , I emailed the company and hoped that I would hear back, but figured we'd have to eat the 100 bucks. Absolutely not the case. I received an email back from Melanie late Saturday night and she quickly offered up the refund and reissued the tickets. Thank you, Melanie for going out if your way- on a weekend! to offer us a refund and assuring my husband he has the right information he needs to get on the boat in March! I don't visit Chicago often, but next time time I do, I'll make sure to book a cruise!!! read more

The 90-minute boat tour comes highly recommended by locals and the tourism bureau. First Lady is the official Chicago Architecture Foundation river cruise. There is indoor seating with airconditioning and a full service bar as well as two open air seating. We took the 11:30 am tour on a hot summer day and I would recommend taking a later tour (5pm sounds good). The tour begins at the Riverside Gardens and takes you along the three branches of the Chicago River passing underneath 13 Chicago River bridges offering an amazing view of Chicago's world renowned architecture. You get an inside view of the riverfront development stemming from what were warehouses in the early trade days to the modern day address of prestige with million dollar offices, condos and townhouses along the river. The view of the buildings and the Chicago skyline is absolutely amazing with lots of photo ops. Our guide from the Chicago Architecture Foundation was informative, funny and entertaining. Make sure you are in line prior to your boarding time because they don't offer exchanges or refunds if you miss your boat! read more

Great tour. The guides really know their stuff. You learn to appreciate Chicago's fine architecture in a different light. I would highly recommend sitting on the upper deck and towards the front. read more

We rented out this boat (Chicago's First Lady) for our wedding rehearsal dinner. We took a 3-hour cruise with our closest friends and family. It was the best thing we could have ever done. This boat can fit up to 150 guests and it's absolutely beautiful. It has a beautiful climate-controlled salon (the downstairs area) and an amazing deck level with 360-deg views. The bathrooms are also really nice! Renting the boat was pretty easy- we called the parent company (Cruise Chicago) and spoke with Mary, who was wonderful and easy to work with. We made the booking, chose our beverage package (which you do through the cruise company, not through the caterer) and chose our caterer (they make you choose from 4 options). Renting a boat like this is obviously not cheap. The prices are listed on their website, and things add up quickly, especially with the catering costs and the beverage packages. BUT, it's truly a once in a lifetime experience. The night of our boat ride was beautiful. The boat staff were so friendly and nice, especially our Captain, Jason. It was night that we, our friends and family will never forget... If you are looking for a venue for your next party/wedding/rehearsal dinner, give this option some thought! read more

This is an excellent tour for visitors and residents alike! First off you get to be on a boat! You meander along the river right smack dab downtown looking up and over and around listening to the volumes of information the docent provides, every seat offers the same unobstructed views , the boater learns of both current Chicago and its past while drinking a Bloody Mary if one does, which I did! But regardless of the bar downstairs I left the tour happy! What more could you want? read more

The architecture tour is mandatory for first-time visitors. This is absolutely the best way to see and learn about all the skyscrapers of Chicago, with a smidge of other history occasionally thrown in. Excellent tour guide -- like an interesting Architecture 101 class. Tickets are expensive ($46/person, no discount for kids), but 2 adults and 4 hard-to-please children ages 11 to 18 all liked it. Tips: You might want to bring a sweater for the breezier parts. Sit on top deck toward back--good view and near speakers. read more

This was a great experience. As a first timer in the city and someone who loves architecture , it was one of the major highlights of my trip to Chicago. The host was great and the cocktails served at the bar were great! The only issue was it was a bit pricey, $40 a person. read more

Don't miss this amazing tour! Chicago's First Lady provides the best of everything when it comes to seeing Chicago! Beautiful, well kept vessels - in fact, I was lucky enough to board their newest, largest boat, Chicago's Leading Lady! The staff was informative, professional and delightful and the tour is beyond memorable. Chicago's Architecture Foundation partners with Chicago's First Lady to ensure that you learn everything about Chicago's history, the beautiful buildings, our city's prominent architects and many fun facts about Chicago. The beautiful Chicago weather we were fortunate enough to have added to the experience and our docent, I believe his name was Barry was brilliant! And funny ... by the end of the tour our entire group was saying, "Kiss Your Architect!" read more

A truly phenomenal captain, staff, and boat. We had a special situation in which we needed to ask a favor for our wedding, and they went above and beyond in making it possible last night. We couldn't have asked for more! Everyone was very warm and friendly. The cruise itself was beautiful as well - much more comprehensive than a similar one by another company we had taken last year. We are anxious to go on another one of their cruises after the wedding! read more

This is a great thing to do if you're visiting Chicago or are entertaining guests. The tickets are a little high but it's worth doing at least once. The tour commentators are very knowledgeable. Get there early to get towards the front of the line - seating is general admission and if you're in a big group you want to make sure you can all sit together. read more

I have lived in the city of Chicago for almost 9 years and have never ventured out on Chicago's First Lady for the architectural tour (or any other boat tour for that matter). I work downtown every day and see these building all the time, so I thought I would be bored with the tour. I was WRONG - - it was amazing to see the city in this way. First of all, I don't know much about architecture, so the cruise was enlightening. It was also really neat to see the city from different parts of the river - - not the usual view of the city. I would suggest this tour to anyone - - even those who have lived in the city for years! read more

When we first entered the boat it was a mystical land of architecture being unraveled. As a breeze was blowing our boat we took a breath of vital Chicago architecture. Our docent was one of the best docents of the CAF that we had ever met. This tour we really recommend to anyone who is ready to dig down into 20th century Chicago. Though at first some people might turn down the chance of going on this tour, YOU shouldn't. This tour was practically one of the best developed tours by the CAF. We also recommend going in breezy weather in the summer. Everything from Mid-century modern to using the Chicago River as a hydroelectric source beholds you in this tour. read more

Good picture taking tour and the bar on the boat was a nice touch. Bartender was funny and a good guy.!

I have been on several tours in Chicago. I went on the Wandella tour which is right across the street from Chicago's First Lady and the facts, knowledge and humor I got from the Wandella tour far surpassed Chicago's First Lady. I'm not sure if the guide just started but there was a lot of "um" and awkward pauses and repetition when she didn't know what to say. Half of the key points and fun facts I gained from the Wandella tour were never shared on the Chicago's First Lady. My whole family was in town and I thought it would be great tour but I was sadly disappointed. read more

This boat tour was awesome. Our guide, Judith, was so knowledgeable and entertaining. She knew everything about the buildings and told the most interesting stories. I highly recommend it. read more

This is the second time I've done the architectural tour, and the first for many of my family members that were with me (including 3 boys under the age of 13). Everyone had a blast! Our tour guide, Barb, was super fantastic! I have no idea how she remembers the number of facts she shared with us, but she was unbelievably knowledgable and a joy to listen to. The tour winds through the Chicago River and highlights the remarkable architecture the City has to offer. Extremely interesting and a lovely way to spend a day on the river. I would definitely do this tour again to pick up new information. And Barb says the infrastructure changes all the time, so I'm guessing that by the time we go back there will be new things to learn. So much fun! read more

i loved it. great 1 1/2 hour tour on the river introducing history, architecture, sights and sounds of chicago. our docent was entertaining and informative. i'm glad i listened to everyone who'd ever visited or lived in chicago and said this is a must do! picked up a sandwich at pastoral (a few blocks away - separate review), walked to the easy access boat dock, picked up my ticket, carried on my lunch and enjoyed my sunny tour! full bar/byob for those interested. read more

The 90 min cruise is a must for first time visitors. Aboard on the first floor there is a full bar with decent prices. The second floor deck has comfortable seating with spectacular views up close of some of the most gorgeous buildings in Chicago along the river. Our tour guide was informative and pleasant. The scenery is breathtaking. Chicago is a beautiful city. Boat cruises are rain or shine no refunds. It down poured during our cruise and the volunteer tour guide (who by the way don't accept tips) was a champ as she endured the rain and wind on the top deck even though most people went downstairs to take cover and dry off. Bring a poncho if rain is expected or buy one there for $2. Finding the ticket stand was kind of tricky since you have to go down 3 flights of stairs and the ticket booth is on the river level. There's a small blue cover and sign on the street corner and that's where you go down the stairs. read more

A must do tour when in Chicago! We bought a bottle of wine and enjoyed the great views!

Went on a their architectural tour. Our docent was informative and knowledgeable. Boat ride was smooth and departure time and return time was prompt. Boat was spacious which made for a really nice ride. Highly recommended for any tourist. read more

The tour was amazing, only thing o would change is the length of the tour and have better speaker inside so that the people inside could actually get a decent tour they paid for. read more

My husband and I had a wonderful time on the cruise. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable & pleasant. And the views...absolutely gorgeous. Seating was comfortable. It was our favorite tour of the city. Such a wonderful experience!! A must do in Chicago. read more

Well organized boat tour. The ride was smooth, the speaker had a very clear voice, and knowledgeable of the buildings without being choppy. I didn't get sick on the boat ride and felt very comfortable. I recommend this tour to anyone since it shows a lot of the city that you may not be able to see on foot. read more

This was a great place. Amazing how the volunteer narrator literally had something to say about every building and it was well done from start to finish. If you get cold or hot, you can go below deck, still see and hear and they have a full bar downstairs too :-) read more

Great way to see the architecture of Chicago. Very knowledgeable guide. I've done another boat tour in Chicago with a different group and this one was much more comfortable. This boar has plenty of chairs others have benches Highly recommend this tour. read more

We had the best time on the architectural boat tour. It was a highlight of our trip to Chicago and our docent, Lance, was as informative and engaging as a guide could be. This is simply not to be missed. read more

I chartered Chicago's Leading Lady the largest in their flight for a private reception. It was a great event for 260 people. The boat pulled right up to our hotel the Sheraton and everyone loaded right on. We hung out for a while and then cruised up the river and back again. The First Lady staff was amazing along with Captain Rich. When I got on the boat there had been a miscommunicaton on my part of the setup and they had too many tables. They immediately started clearing them and found somewhere to store them on the fly. Their staff was amazing! So friendly and flexible. I would definately use them again. read more

Went on a cold fall day, but the tour was still great! Tip: you can buy tickets at the dock, and there is a bar on the boat! Great way to see cool buildings and learn a little more about Chicago!! read more

Family was visiting Chicago and, wanting them to appreciate Chicago's beauty, we booked a Friday morning architecture cruise. The one sponsored by the Architecture Foundation is the way to go; this was our 5th time, and the guide was once again excellent and enthusiastic and I learned something new, as I have on all previous tours. The guides are volunteers and they know their stuff; ours spoke of the time they have spent with architects to learn more about the buildings on the tour. They pitch to the right level; the tour feels neither too jargon-filled or dumbed-down. The operation beyond the guide was, once again, highly professional. Our guests were very impressed with the tour AND our great city! There is just no better way to get a fast appreciation for Chicago than a cruise of its river. read more

We did not get past the ticket counter because the person behind the window was totally not interested in her job. Went across the river to Shoreline Tours and had an amazing experience. Don't waste your time at First Lady, go direct to Shoreline. read more