Chicago Lakefront Cruises — Local services in Chicago

We had an unforgettable time on the 90-minute architecture tour with Chicago Lakefront Cruises. This tour was ideal for our family, offering not just a relaxing cruise along the river but also an insightful journey through Chicago’s storied architecture. The boat had both open and enclosed seating, so everyone in our group could enjoy the views in comfort.

Our guide was fantastic—engaging and packed with knowledge about the landmarks we passed. They wove Chicago's architectural and cultural history into each building’s story, making the experience both educational and entertaining. From classics like the Wrigley Building to newer structures, the guide’s enthusiasm kept us hooked. And with stops on all three river branches (Main, North, and South), we saw iconic sites like Goose Island, Chinatown, and the renowned river locks.

The boat was well-maintained, and the views were stunning, especially from the upper deck. This tour offered a unique vantage point for capturing skyline photos, and everyone, from our youngest to oldest family members, enjoyed it. It was a smooth ride even in varying weather, and though there were some open areas, the enclosed space kept us comfortable.

Overall, Chicago Lakefront Cruises offers an immersive experience into the heart of Chicago’s architecture. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, this tour is a fantastic way to explore the city. Highly recommended for families and anyone looking to learn more about Chicago’s...

The Chicago Architectural boat tour is the best way to explore the city skyscraper, and the Chicago Lakefront Cruises is the best choice, in my opinion. The Chicago Lakefront Cruises provides a complete Architectural tour of all three areas/corners of the Chicago River (Chinatown, Navy Pier, and Chicago Tribune). The tour guide, David, is great at providing the details of the buildings. I learned so much from him, even though I'm from Chicago, living here for three decades. The public parking lot is next to the dock for $12 all day. To ensure parking is available, do an earlier tour before noon because the parking lot is small. We did the 1230 tour, and there were plenty of parking spaces when we arrived at 11 am. There aren't enough parking spaces during the transition of the tours. Plan accordingly and strongly recommend Chicago Lakefront Cruises as your choice of...

​The boat tour itself was enjoyable, with excellent guides and beautiful sights.

As patrons, we are viewing the most polished and affluent parts of Chicago—an experience that costs hours of minimum wage work—and the casual, almost sarcastic references to the city's notorious crime statistics felt out of touch.

​Chicago has the second highest Black homicide victimization rate in the country, and those tragedies occur in communities far from this riverwalk. The tour should acknowledge the stark socioeconomic contrast that exists blocks away from the skyscrapers we admire. The administration’s focus on Chicago crime is not a punchline; it's a call to address issues of concentrated poverty and disinvestment. I know you care about getting tips but do better and speak...