Chicago River Cruise & Boat Tours – Best Activities & Things to Do (2025)
See Chicago’s famous skyline from the water on architecture river cruises, Lake Michigan boat tours, sunset cocktails, and dinner cruises. This 2025 guide covers the best cruise options, how to choose the right tour, and smart tips for making the most of your time on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.
Top Experiences on Chicago River Cruises & Boat Tours
Chicago’s boats are all about skyline views, world-class architecture, and relaxed time on the water. Here are the best ways to experience the River and Lake Michigan in 2025.
Guided Architecture River Cruises
Join a Chicago River architecture cruise with a live guide explaining how the city rebuilt after the Great Fire, created the modern skyline, and became a global design capital.
Family-Friendly Short Cruises
Choose a 45-minute family-friendly cruise that keeps things short and engaging, perfect for kids, grandparents, or anyone who wants the views without a long tour.
Premium Architecture Cruises
Upgrade to a Chicago Architecture Center cruise on boats like Chicago’s First Lady, with detailed commentary for visitors who love history, design, and city planning.
Brunch, Lunch & Dinner Cruises
Combine sightseeing with a sit-down meal on brunch, lunch, or dinner river cruises, complete with skyline views, music, and indoor seating.
Sunset & Cocktail Cruises
Sail at golden hour on a sunset cocktail architecture tour, watching the glass towers glow as the city lights come on along the river.
Lake Michigan Skyline & Fireworks
Head out onto Lake Michigan for wide-angle skyline views and seasonal fireworks cruises that show Chicago lit up from the water.
Walking Tour + Boat Combos
Book a combo of a downtown walking tour plus boat cruise to hear stories at street level and then see the same buildings from the river.
Private Boats & Small-Group Tours
For special occasions or groups, choose a private boat or small-group sailing option for a more intimate experience on the river or lake.
Things to Do Around the Chicago Riverwalk & Navy Pier
A river cruise fits perfectly into a full day in downtown Chicago. Before or after your boat tour, explore the Riverwalk, Navy Pier, and nearby neighborhoods.
Stroll the Chicago Riverwalk
Walk along the Chicago Riverwalk for outdoor seating, public art, and great angles for photos of boats and bridges. It’s easy to reach many cruise docks from here.
Visit Navy Pier
Combine your cruise with Navy Pier – ride the Centennial Wheel, visit attractions, or enjoy casual dining with lake views before or after your boat tour.
Explore Downtown Landmarks
See icons like the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, Willis Tower, and the Chicago Theatre on foot or with a guided downtown walking tour.
Millennium Park & The Bean
Walk from the river to Millennium Park to see Cloud Gate (“The Bean”), Crown Fountain, and seasonal events before heading to your cruise dock.
Architecture Centers & Museums
Learn more about the city’s design history at local architecture centers and museums, then see the same buildings from the water.
Rooftop Bars & Riverfront Patios
Cap off your cruise with a drink at a skyline rooftop bar or a relaxed riverfront patio, watching other boats glide by as the city lights up.
Which Chicago River Cruise or Boat Tour Should You Choose?
Not sure which boat is right for you? Here are some of the most popular Chicago river and lake tours to consider for 2025.
1.5-Hour Guided Architecture Cruise
Classic Chicago River architecture cruise with detailed commentary, great for first-time visitors who want the main highlights and photo spots.
Family-Friendly 45-Minute River Cruise
A shorter family-friendly cruise with views and stories that work well for kids and anyone with a tighter schedule.
Architecture Center Cruise on Chicago’s First Lady
A premium Architecture Center cruise for design fans who want in-depth explanations and classic open-deck viewing of the skyline.
Skip-the-Line Architecture River Tour
Popular architecture river cruise with skip-the-ticket line, ideal on busy weekends and peak travel dates when docks are crowded.
River Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Cruise
Enjoy a City Cruises Chicago meal cruise on the river with a buffet or set menu, music, and skyline views from climate-controlled decks.
Sunset Cocktail & Architecture Tour
Combine sunset views and cocktails with an architecture cruise, ideal for couples, small groups, or anyone who wants a relaxed evening on the river.
Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise
Head out onto Lake Michigan for open-water views of the skyline, perfect if you want a different angle than the river alone can offer.
Downtown Walking Tour & Boat Cruise
Combine a guided walking tour of downtown with Lake Michigan cruise tickets for a full half-day exploration by land and water.
Tip: Many cruises offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, so you can adjust plans around weather or other activities.
Food & Drink with Chicago River & Lake Views
Whether you eat on the boat or on shore, Chicago’s riverfront and lakefront have plenty of options to pair with your cruise.
On-Board Dining Cruises
Choose brunch, lunch, or dinner river cruises or Lake Michigan meal cruises with reserved seating, climate-controlled cabins, and skyline views between bites.
Drinks & Snacks on Deck
Many architecture and sunset cruises offer cash bars or onboard drinks, so you can enjoy a cocktail, beer, or soft drink while you sail.
Riverwalk Cafés & Restaurants
Before or after your tour, grab a meal at riverfront restaurants along the Chicago Riverwalk, with outdoor seating when the weather is warm.
Navy Pier Dining
Combine cruises that depart near Navy Pier with casual eateries, quick-service stalls, or sit-down restaurants overlooking Lake Michigan.
Quick Visitor Tips for Chicago River & Boat Tours
Best Time to Cruise
Late spring to early fall offers the best weather. Evening and sunset cruises are very popular in summer, while daytime tours work well in cooler months.
How Long to Allow
Most architecture cruises last 60–90 minutes. Add extra time for check-in, boarding, and walking to and from the dock.
What to Wear
Dress in layers: it can feel cooler on the water, even in summer. In the evening or on the lake, bring a light jacket or sweater and comfortable shoes.
Choosing Seats
If you like photos, aim for open-air upper decks on river and lake cruises. For comfort, pick boats with indoor seating and large windows.
Weather & Rain
Most cruises run in light rain, but schedules can change in storms. Always check your ticket confirmation and weather forecast on the day of your tour.
Accessibility
Many major cruise operators offer accessible boarding and facilities. Check the “Important information” section on your chosen tour for details.
Photography Tips
Bring a phone or camera with a wrist strap, use burst mode on bumpy sections, and be respectful of other passengers when moving around for photos.
Booking & Cancellation
Popular time slots and weekends can sell out. Book ahead online and look for flexible tickets with free cancellation in case your plans change.
Ready to Book Your Chicago River Cruise?
From classic architecture cruises and family-friendly boat rides to dinner cruises and Lake Michigan fireworks, Chicago offers water experiences for every kind of traveler. Choose your date, pick the cruise style that fits you best, and get ready for unforgettable skyline views in 2025.