I'd take this river cruise tour again in a heartbeat. It's run by the Chicago Architecture Foundation, and our docent was not only incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the history and architecture of Chicago, but she was a real trooper, not losing any of her enthusiasm despite a few very rude people (girls who'd had too much to drink) and the intermittent rain showers. She shared her city with us on what turned out to be a gorgeous evening. If you love architecture, river tours, or history, this is a tour not to be missed. read more

Really great tour. Barry was our guide and is extremely knowledgable about the city. I highly recommend this tour. Definitely worth the money. read more

First Lady - Panoramic shot of the end of the tour. Really interesting stuff. - Boating Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

What a blast!!!! We have been living in Chicago for two years and have waited to do this tour. I wish we hadn't! We decided to take advantage of it when our parents came to visit from out of town. The tour guide was so smart. We learned a ton and had a blast while we did it!!! We will be back! read more

We chartered for a work function. The staff was entertaining attentive and witty. Perfect evening of touring the river and cruising the lake. I will definitely plan this trip again! read more

Kent was an awesome tour guide. Very knowledgable and we had a beautiful September day to enjoy the beauty of Chicago by River.

I'm not generally into touristy things. However, this is one of the coolest touristy things in any city I've ever been too. Fun and very educational...amazing architecture, et al. read more

The tour is exceptional. Our guide, Lindy, was deeply knowledgeable about Chicago architecture and history, and funny. We sat on the upper deck, but it was overcast so the ride was relaxing and very pleasant. Most people seem to head down below, but, we had unobstructed views. The buildings were spectacular making this tour was worth every penny. Make sure you have a hat, sunblock, and bottled water. They sell drinks, including alcohol. I'm not sure if they sold food. read more

Had family coming in and we wanted to do something downtown, this tour was absolutely perfect. Amazing that I have lived here all my life and still learned something new. Chicago is a gorgeous city with such history. I love how our tour guide Bobbi loves Chicago just as much as I do but she knows so much more. Thank you for an Amazing time and we will be back!! We even had perfect weather. You don't get much better for a springtime afternoon in the Windy City. read more

Excellent overview of Chicago architecture. Our guide, Mary Jo, was knowledgeable and funny.

Such a great tour to go on, with so many interesting and informative facts! They know all about the buildings history, architecture, and more! If you pick a day with great weather it's even better! Make sure to bring sunglasses because it's hard to look up at the buildings with the sun. Overall great experience and a lot of fun. Not too long either ! read more

Such a great way to see Chicago big buildings. Recommend that you arrive early, because the lines fill fast.

AMAZING tour!! The guide spoke for the entire 90 minutes about the buildings we saw and the history of Chicago. Very interesting - and educational. The view you get from the river can't be replicated on foot. Plus you see SO much without leaving your seat. We chose to do the trip on our morning of departure as the weather was rainy before that, but I think it would be a great first step on a visit to the windy city! read more

Great tour! Perfect way to see a macro view of the city! Volunteer tour guide Judith eloquently shared her knowledge of the history and architecture of the city. read more

Was fortunate enough to attend a private party on The First Lady and it was first class all the way. The boat is beautiful, all teak and brass throughout. Big spacious salon down below, big bar, lots of tables and windows all around, great view. Up top you couldn't ask for a better view, all open with plenty of seating, a bar up top as well. The crew is fantastic, very polished and professional, all dressed in nautical whites and very attentive. They have the best boats in the city and they know Chicago inside and out. Their Architectural Tours are fantastic, you go on the river and out on the lake, the views are breathtaking. The best way to see Chicago. read more

Brent was a superb architectural tour guide! He knew his stuff and was passionate and articulate about his subject matter. I highly recommend this tour! read more

Corporate Event - 8/25/12 Coordination of the event for over 50 people was great! Correspondence with Cindy was timely and last minute questions were answered quickly. Captain Garvett and the staff were very welcoming and made our guests feel special. Holly came onboard in the beginning to ensure everything was in order. Boat was a good size for 52 people to sit on the skydeck or below in the salon. It helped to have a site visit in the early stages of coordination to ask questions and to see where the boat was docked and if there was enough room for the band, etc. Brent Hoffman, docent from CAF, was very enthusiastic and very knowledgeable. We had great weather and the fireworks were awesome. Overall great experience working with Chicago's First Lady! read more

This really is a worthwhile trip to take in Chicago. I was skeptical at first, but I knew I chose the right tour when I saw other operators passing us by (First Lady takes its time, so real value for money!). The hosts are also volunteers from the Architecture Institute and really know their stuff. You also get views you really wouldn't get walking around the city and learn a lot about the history of Chicago. I ended up taking the tour twice and learned something new each time. Fantastic way to see the city. I recommend doing this first as it gets a really gets you grounded in the city and you begin to look up a lot more and check out what a really pretty city this is. And there's a full bar on board - though why you'd need it I can't understand. read more

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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This is a great way to view Chicago and learn its history. Our docent Rachel was both knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor. The views of the skyline are spectacular, so get your camera ready. This is a must for your visit to Chicago. read more

Great 90-minute trip on the Chicago River. Emily was our docent/guide and gave us valuable and informative comments on the wonderful architecture. It was an excellent tour and we learned so much about this exciting city. read more

What a great way to see Chi town! Floating down the river with a bloody mary in hand while listening to some of the history of this great city -- what could be better?!! All of the docents that narrate the tour are volunteers. Our docent, Judith, was so knowledgeable and informative. Her presentation was entertaining. The trip is about 1.5 hours and is about $45 but well worth it. read more

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

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

We had a great time on our tour! The guide had so much information to share. Loved seeing all the buildings up close. Was a really great way to see the city. Loved it. I would highly recommend this tour! 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