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Chicago's First Lady
Categories: Active Life Boating Hotels & Travel Tours Boating, Tours [Edit]
112 E Wacker Dr(between Michigan Ave & Lower Wacker Dr)
Chicago, IL 60601
Neighborhood: The Loop
(847) 358-1330
- Nearest Transit:
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Randolph/wabash (Brown Line, Green Line, Orange Line, Pink Line, Purple Line)
State/lake (Brown Line, Green Line, Orange Line, Pink Line, Purple Line)
Lake (Red Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Wed 9 am - 4 pm
Thu-Fri 9 am - 5:30 pm
Sat-Sun 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
Mention Yelp for Discount. Not valid with any other offer,or Saturday. Maximum 4 persons.
85 reviews for Chicago's First Lady
85 reviews in English
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Review from Nic N.
12/18/2011
Since I'm originally from out of town I have had a lot of friends and family visit me in Chicago. As a result I have been on around six architectural tours. I don't mind it since there is so much to learn about Chicago's beautiful skyline.
Chicago's First Lady is with out a doubt the BEST tour. The guide on my last visit was top notch. He was very entertaining and also managed to fit in a lot of good info. Do yourself a favor and give the First Lady a whirl. -
Review from Anthony N.
Playa del Rey, CA
***While quite pricey at $35 per person, the Chicago's First Lady architecture tour is a unique and one-of-a-kind experience (as well as a must visit if you are interested in skyscrapers)***
Chicago's First Lady is the official boat tour of the Chicago Architectural Foundation and it provides a one-of-a-kind experience. The boat tour takes you on a gentle cruise on the Chicago River where you get great views of many iconic Chicago skyscrapers like Willis Tower (Sears Tower) and the Chicago Tribune Building.
The tour guide was good. He was pleasant, friendly and informative. He did a decent job of connecting the dots to build a through line though there are probably better storytellers out there. He also had a few interesting tidbits here and there (like pointing out Groupon's headquarters).
The ride was comfortable and since the weather was not that humid, it was quite a good day to be on the water. The total time of the trip was just right. It ran an hour and a half, which was a good time to take everything in, but not too long where it started to get boring.
Pricing is high though. Tickets start at $35. If you need a refreshment during the tour, there is a bar on the boat. The tours are conveniently scheduled with boats leaving every 30 minutes. The tour starts at Wacker Drive and Michigan Avenue, which is a very convenient and easy to find location.
While expensive, Chicago's First Lady is a unique and very interesting experience. If you like architecture/skyscrapers, it is a must visit if you find yourself in Chicago.
I am not sure what the parking situation is around here, but I imagine it is expensive and hard to find. -
Review from Janet E.
9/17/2011
I've been on about three architecture tours but I think the best one is with the Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF). The tour meets at the southeast side of Michigan Avenue and Wabash Avenue. We purchased our tour tickets the day before, so we thought we would just need to arrive (20 minutes earlier, as advised by CAF) and line up at the first boat there. Turns out there are many boats there and you have to find the time of your tour at the entrance of each boat and then line up. It is open seating on the boat. We were seated next to one of the speakers. I thought it would be too loud for us, but it wasn't too bad at all (and I have sensitive ears). The 90 minutes went by quickly and very informative. I never get bored of hearing about Chicago architecture.
I recommend wearing a jacket because when the wind picks up on the boat, and you are under the shadow of the buildings, it can get very cold. Also bring a cap in case the sun is directly above to prevent sunburn. And of course bring your camera! That is a must! -
Review from Mimi W.
Los Angeles, CA
11/20/2011
I LOVED this tour. I can't believe that it took me moving away from Chicago to finally go on this tour, but it was wonderful. There were no shortage of seats on the deck and the boat was stable enough on the river that my motion-sickness-prone friend survived the ride. Dress warmly; it is Chicago after all.
There's a bar inside with hot cocoa, regular and with Schnapp's, yummy :) -
Review from Elle N.
Chicago, IL
1/30/2012
They are the only boat tour company in Chicago that gives the "official" architecture tour, narrated by docents from the Chicago Architecture Foundation. The tour is an hour and a half long tour on the Chicago River that is narrated by professional tour guides from the Architecture Foundation. There's an open bar on the boat and extremely nice and roomy bathrooms for a boat. I've actually been on the tour twice and enjoyed it both times. Although I would say it's probably too detailed of tour for kids under 8 or 9.
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Review from Clifford R.
Manhattan, NY
9/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
This review if for the CAF Architectural Tour. Who would think that someone talking about skyscrapers for 90 minutes could be fun? Not me! Boy, was I wrong. I've taken this tour twice, and both time I've been captivated by the wonderful narrative given by our CAF (Chicago Architectural Foundation) tour guide.
The tour is interesting, but even if Architecture isn't your thing, you get a very unique perspective of the city. And the fact that they make drinks available doesn't hurt!
Tip: Show up early. We got there about 30 minutes early, and there were already a ton of people on line. We wound up getting ok seats, but if you want to make sure your group can sit together and be comfortable, you're gonna have to have at least one person stand on line 45 - 60 minutes before. -
Review from liz k.
New York, NY
9/16/2011
We had a really excellent tour guide. He had extensive knowledge of everything we saw, and humor to boot! (Remember: "Kiss your architect.")
I never realized how residential downtown chicago is - and what a beautiful city! The planners did an excellent job.
Thankfully our tour was on a gorgeous day - not a cloud in the sky.
This is a MUST DO when visiting Chicago! -
Review from Tres B.
Denver, CO
This river tour is spectacular in that it is run by a nonprofit with volunteer guide who have a deep and abiding passion for the city and architecture they love.
If you are new to Chicago, take this FIRST as it will orient yourself to the building and geography. From the geometric genius of the art deco era to the beaux arts fanciness of an earlier age to the dark blank faces of the more austere new buildings, you'll learn the how and whens and why of many buildings along with fascinating stories.
The trickiest part may be finding the dock( its on Wacker Drive but down at the river front.) Ask about parking discounts! -
Review from Jack S.
Washington, DC
7/21/2011
This is one of those rare touristy things that everyone tells you to do, but still manages to blow you away. A very articulate, smart, VOLUNTEER architectural history buff will literally look up at some random building and give you its historical context and style. For 90 minutes.
They do let you bring food and drink on board, or you can buy theirs. One word of caution... you might want to avoid hot, sunny days! There is no shade on the top level of the boat. -
Review from Zack F.
11/2/2011
I really enjoyed the architectural tour. I was surprised about how much I learned and how many really cool buildings there are in Chicago. The staff was nice and the whole thing went smoothly. I got a lot of great photos. Then, as I was walking around the city, I found myself seeking out the buildings they pointed out from the boat, and interacted with them in a completely different way. It was money well spent.
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Review from cindy b.
5/29/2011
Very chilly but dry day, first ones in line due to one in our company having some mobility impairment. The tour guide was very good despite lip numbing wind, lots of information, wonderful cruise, and not that crowded on a Friday before Memorial day. Pricey but worth every penny and a good thing to do for folks that don't like hours of walking, I would do it again next time, or another one of these fine tours.
It would be nice if the hot cocoa/drinks were served in your seats. -
Review from Christa R.
Chicago, IL
7/6/2011
This was a really great tour. We were on a brand new boat with relatively comfortable seating so that was nice. Weather was perfect so that always helps. The docent was very knowledgeable but it got boring after awhile as all she was talking about were the specific buildings. What I mean is...I don't want to hear that this building was made in the art deco form but what happened in the Eastland disaster, or tell me more about the great Chicago Fire.
Worth the $ though. Definitely take your out of town guests to show them how amazing Chicago actually is. -
Review from Kim K.
10/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Amazing architecture river tour! The tour guide/docent was incredibly knowledgeable about Chicago, history, and architecture. She made the whole thing. The views from the river are unparallelled. Totally worth the price and the time. Dress in layers though, it gets cold on the water in the morning!
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Review from Dan T.
8/31/2010
Definitely worth the trip. My friend and I had a limited amount of time to enjoy the city of Chicago, and wanted something more than just walking by buildings and reading plaques or pamphlets, so this boat tour was the perfect solution.
90 minutes on Chicago's First Lady takes you up and down both the North and South Branches and out to the mouth of the Chicago River. There isn't really a bad seat on the deck. Most of your attention is directed towards your left so you could always hustle for a seat on that side if you wanted, but no spot will really be so obstructed that it will get in the way of picture taking from your seat.
I think what really made the trip was the extremely well-versed docent who guided us along. I'm impressed that they are volunteers, as they are certainly well practiced and give you JUST enough information to feel like you learned something new, but not so much that you feel like you are being overwhelmed by irrelevant minutiae.
Overall, a great way to spend the afternoon and gain a deeper appreciation for the city of Chicago! -
Review from Theodore O.
Pacifica, CA
9/26/2010
A great tour with great content. Chicago truly does have some of the most beautiful skyscrapers in the nation...if not he outright best.
Minus one star for it being so hard to get your ticket and tickemaster ineptitude. It would really help if you could call them directly, but you can only do that for parties over 20. I tried to call anyways and it went to a voice message which told told me to hit blah blah extension for ticket sales and then it beeped like an answering machine...I didn't have a chance to type an extension in....you went straight to voicemail. I would recommend getting your tickets the day prior....early morning is better....mid day is crazy around there trying to get your tickets and they sell out often.
Yes...it's a ticket snafu....but it's worth it. Plan accordingly and know it's a little colder on the river.Listed in: Chicago 2010
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Review from Tim S.
7/6/2010
Part of the fun of friends coming to town is you get to play tourist in your own town. After raving about how great this tour is and all of her friends saying the same the Architectural Boat Tour was a MUST for the Sister in Law from Toronto.
Even though I have done it before it is always a nice way to spend time with guests, the unique perspective that the river gives you adds to the amazing nature of the City.
Well worth the cost of admission!Listed in: Must See's in the City!!!
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Review from Erin E.
6/5/2011
i cannot comment on the tour guide, since my friends and i completely ignored him. i can comment on the beautiful weather, skyline, and fireworks, which i know the boat company was in no way responsible for, however, which made for a truly breathtaking experience. the kool-aide-like vodka drinks didn't hurt neither.
my one suggestion: for the night cruises, get rid of some of the chairs on the bow; we were all mingling and moving around and kept tripping over them. but other than that, seriously this was an amazingly perfect idea for a bachelor/bachelorette party. i totally recommend it. -
Review from Angela K.
8/23/2010 1 Check-in Here
I absolutely loved the Architecture River Cruise! Our docent was really knowledgable and engaging. This was one of the best things I did during my weekend trip to Chicago.
I loved hearing the history of the river and learning about the the building along it. I live in a Harry Weese building in KC, so I was especially fascinated by all of his buildings along the tour.
The only negative thing I have to comment on is the price. Over $40 for each of us. Yikes! -
Review from Kris O.
9/28/2010
I'm a little biased when it comes to architecture/planning tours since I'm an urban planner ;) I've been to Chicago a handful of times but have never been on the architecture tour.
I was wowwed at the knowledge of our tour guide! She knew dates, architects, construction material, and a pretty thorough history of all of the buildings along the water. Well worth the price. My favorite building is Aqua, newly built, and designed by a woman. -
Review from Jeremy K.
4/28/2010
On each of my two trips to the Windy City I have managed to find the time to go on this wonderful architecture tour of the city by boat and both times it was a wonderful experience. The entire process from purchasing the tickets to being on the boat is made even better by a very friendly and knowledgeable staff and although the information can be quite overloading at times (they give you the construction dates and architects for just about every skyscraper in the city within sight), you will learn a lot out of it and discover a whole new side of the city that most overlook.
The boat is very clean, not too crowded and the tour staff/guides are from the architectural society and know their stuff and articulate everything very well. It is by far one of the better sightseeing things I've done in any city.
If I recall correctly, the tour is approximately 90 minutes long and for those with small bladders, a bathroom is available onboard.
I'd definitely go on this tour again in the future once I return to the wonderful city that is Chicago. I can't wait! Especially now that I have a dSLR camera because that boat ride offers some incredible vantage points on the city, the buildings and the lake. -
Review from Chelsea M.
San Jose, CA
7/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Excellent tour that was recommended to me by chicagoans and former tourists alike. I found the tour to be fascinating and educational.
Don't hesitate to take this tour!! -
Review from Brett D.
6/29/2009 1 photo
Just a quick fyi that my review is based on a fabulous corporate event I recently hosted on the Chicago's Fair Lady, their medium sized and utterly fantastic double-decker vessel. So while I haven't done the 'tourist' passenger boat experience with Chicago's First yet, I still can pretty much vouch for the following:
a. A top notch boating experience on a clean, lovely, charming yacht
b. An amazingly well stocked bar - both upstairs and down
c. Knowledgeable, articulate, friendly and more-than-personable tour staff
d. Super clean and well maintained *indoor* potties
That covers about everything that anyone wanting a first rate experience of touristy proportions should need to know... Now onto the party!
This was actually my second year planning this nautical soiree and the decision to come back to Chicago's First Lady for an exact rerun of last years festivities was all but mandatory. Our feedback from the first event was so immensely energetic, flattering and totally overwhelming that I knew I'd found a winner! Fortunately for me, the feather in my cap came easy... working with Carol Wrath and the Chicago's First team was a breeze, a Lake Michigan breeze, that is.
From flexible headcounts, to low pressure sales tactics, to wonderful provided on site bar staff, to thoughtful contemporary background music and yes, I know I've mentioned the bar... so while I'm at it, another wine spritzer, please... it was not only a pleasure to plan my gathering of 100+ peeps but as easy as pie!
Now while Chicago's First doesn't provide any catering, they do work with a few hand-selected vendors (think: Harry Caray's, Entertaining Company, etc.) who are guaranteed to 'bring it' with the yummy bites, everything from casual fare to black tie along with the professional serving staff, chefs, table décor and anything else you can dream of to make you - and your shindig - a smashing success!!
What a truly unique and wonderful way to show off our fair city. There's nothing like a little floating revelry beneath the skyline to get your motor, er, propeller running. Thanks again to everyone at Chicago's First Lady for making my event one to remember, see you next year! -
Review from Carolyn S.
Chicago, IL
10/7/2008
Attention tourists! You will be hard pressed to find any actual Chicagoans at the following: Sears Tower, Navy Pier, or Buckingham fountain. Want to do something fun, informative, and an activity that actual Chicagoans enjoy?! Then you gotta do the Chicago First Lady Architecture cruise.
The view from the Chicago river is one of the most amazing views from any city in the world. The river cruise tour combines this amazing view, puts you on a relaxing boat with an informative tour guide, AND there is a bar where you can order booze. Now tell me that this isn't a little piece of heaven.
Finally, you must pick this boat cruise over the other options. This one is facilitated by people who actually know something about architecture. The guides are all from the Chicago Architecture society and not Joe-Schmo Summer Job College Student. Highly recommended for tourists and Chicagoans alike! :) -
Review from Athene C.
IL
2/25/2007
In the name of full disclosure, I am a Docent for the Chicago Architecture Foundation and give the River Cruise. What surprises most people is that we are the only "tour guides" on the river who do not get paid. I think it helps that we do this simply because we love Chicago's architecture and history. ( I think we are all frustrated performers!)And I have to confess that I love to go on other docents tours because they always bring something new to the table! We are constantly evaluating each other to make sure that the info is correct. My husband took a tour on one of the competitors and told me that Lake Point Tower is a cantilever building (it's definitely not) or I've heard that it was designed by Mies Van der Rohe (no way).
I also love presenting Chicago in such a beautiful and unique way. We have people from all over the world who come to Chicago because of our architectural legacy. On one tour I had a group of Brits on board,who had taken the El in from O'Hare on a layover from Minneapolis to the UK just to take the tour. It was pouring rain and probably 45 degrees, but they all told me that it was well worth the effort.
My insiders scoop ... weekdays are always best or Sundays late afternoon; sit toward the back of the boat; dress appropriately! Have fun and maybe I'll see you on the river! -
Review from Steve S.
Chicago, IL
7/22/2011
DO NOT USE THE FIRST LADY BOAT TOUR SERVICE!!! Terrible Experience. Wish I could rate lower
Customer Service is nonexistent! After going through the hassle of prepurchasing tickets through Ticketmaster, we ended up in the middle of a torrential downpour AND thunderstorm (someone was struck by lightning in the city the same day!). Upon arriving at the will call ticket booth and politely requesting to reschedule or for a refund due to the dangerous weather and severe storm warnings, I was abrasively told that the boat will go out in absolutely any conditions! Any conditions, really? If I take my kids off the football field during a lightning storm, I sure as hell am not about to put them on a boat in the middle of one! End result: poorly managed company would not offer a refund OR to EVEN RESCHEDULE!!! I was astonished when this was confirmed by several employees.
My Advice: I live in the city and have been on the architectural tours before, which have been an amazing experience. I recommend it!! JUST DO NOT USE THE FIRST LADY TOURS!!! There are other architectural tours available that are less expensive and are much easier to purchase tickets. Just do a quick Google search and you will find several alternatives. Food tours are great as well! I'm sure 75% of the time you will have no problems with this company, bit if there is a hiccup you will be offered no assistance in terms of customer service. Definitely do not buy your tickets in advance or you will be out $40+ per ticket like me. -
Review from Molly O.
7/6/2009
What a lovely day for a boat ride!
I thoroughly enjoyed this tour, learned a ton about Chicago architecture (which was probably more interesting to me since reading Devil in the White City), and even saw some full frontal nudity! That's right, folks. An exhibitionist flashed us from her swanky condo. Kind of hilarious.
I thought this was totally worth the $38 (post Ticketmaster), but purchasing the tickets online was a total pain in the ass. It immediately routes you to Ticketmaster, where you sign in with a password which you may or may not remember (because you created it 5 years ago). Took way too long to get the ducks in a row for payment.
Aside from the ticket headache, just a few suggestions:
1) Arrive early. Like, maybe more than a half hour. We were the last row to get seats together and arrived 25 minutes pre our departure.
2) Don't sit in the row that has the speaker attached to the railing - too loud.
3) The seats are plastic and hot, you will get, um, sweaty. Plan your pants/shorts/skirt materials accordingly.
Super fun! -
Review from Keiko S.
6/16/2007 2 photos
Can I copy and paste Pam S's review? I was with her on this tour and felt the same way...and yeah, we're both BURNED.
This is definitely one of the "must-do" activities in Chicago. It's not free (like the NYC ferry ride), but you get to see the entire city from different angles while cruising down the river for 90 minutes. The tour guide (a volunteer for CAF) does an outstanding job pointing out structures and providing all sorts of info. Amazing!
The lower level has a bar and is air-conditioned, so you always have an option of chilling with a few drinks there.
You can purchase the tickets online in advance - $26 on weekdays, $28 on weekends. The difficult part may be picking the day with the right weather as the tickets are nonrefundable/nontransferable, rain or shine. We all know how unpredictable it is! -
Review from Jennifer B.
Oakland, CA
6/22/2008
Everyone I asked about Chicago told me that I HAD to take the architectural boat tour. I am adding to their recommendations - if you are going to Chicago and the weather's fair, make this one of your first stops.
Chicago Architecture Foundation puts on a 90-minute tour of the Chicago River. This was a great activity to get in some sights, history, and a general orientation of the city. It would be of particular interest to anyone in the condo market - there's so much out there (kinda makes you wonder where all these magical condo-buying people are coming from...) Our tour narrator, who was a volunteer docent, was obscenely knowledgeable and intelligent. She could have been boring but something about the flawlessness of her vocabulary mesmerized me. Nothing dumbed-down-for-tourists about the experience at all.
At base, also a lovely way to enjoy the weather and the river breeze.Listed in: 40 hours in Chicago
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Review from Erin P.
Chicago, IL
7/8/2008
Fellow Yelpers recommended this as the best River Architecture Tour. I worried that it may be a little boring but it was not at all. I have been wanting to do this tour since I moved here and finally did it last weekend with my sister who was visiting from San Francisco. We had a great time relaxing in the sun and listening to the docent who was funny, friendly and informative.
I already forgot most of what I learned but that is OK. I know that it will be just as interesting next time. Its nice to know that I can take people on this when they come to visit and I will not be bored because I have already done it. (Growing up in San Francisco and taking visitors to Alcatraz and Fisherman's Warf became very boring for me as the host very quickly)
I would recommend it to locals as well as tourists and cannot wait to do it again. -
Review from Jennifer L.
San Francisco, CA
9/30/2007
A simple little boat, with the top deck crowded with cheap plastic chairs. A bar and some snacks downstairs, some restrooms. Standard. Nothing remarkable. Some of the staff was friendly, others quite surly.
You're not going for the boat. You're going for the tours.Listed in: Chicago
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Review from Gianna T.
Chicago, IL
10/20/2011
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!"
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Review from David D M.
San Francisco, CA
7/26/2009 1 photo
I wish that they had boat tours like this in more cities with rivers. The 90 minute tour takes you to the mouth of the Chicago River and north and south a bit. As they do three u-turns (if I remember correctly) you get ample opportunities to take pictures of the skyscrapers on both sides of the boat.
They have a bar downstairs as well as a bathroom, very important to know since the boat ride is 90 minutes long.
They told us that it would be a good idea to arrive 30 minutes early for our 3:30 boat tour. Good thing that we did because the line had already formed.
Chicago is a beautiful city. Even if you do not care that much for architecture for architecture's sake, the skyline is a wonder to behold. The one and a half hours, I have to say, was a little bit hard on my neck (staring up at all those tall buildings), so be warned. Nothing a good massage couldn't fix.
The women seated next to us was pregnant, and kept dozing off. One hour and a half isn't for every one. But, I think, well worth the effort. -
Review from Regina L.
Iowa City, IA
9/8/2007
I wouldn't have appreciated my Chicago vacation as much if I hadn't taken this tour. I would've just thought that hey, buildings are just buildings - we have them back in LA, big deal.
The tour showed me otherwise. Our enthusiastic tour guide showed us that there's so much historical background and architectural significance behind the buildings and the context of Chicago itself. Also, to ride down the river in this river while getting absolutely beautiful photographs of the majestic buildings around me was just an experience in itself that you can't get anywhere else. This was definitely the best part of my Chicago vacation..Listed in: One Weekend in Chicago
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Review from Elaine C.
Chicago, IL
5/26/2009
I am a huge art and architecture geek, and I can sit through hours upon hours of boring art and architecture lectures and not complain. I think when you take a tour, though, especially one that is a pain in the ass to get a ticket to and more expensive than other architecture tours, it should be more entertaining.
I learned some stuff here, sure, but it wasn't at all memorable. Our tour guide basically just gave out dates and styles without much background or anecdote.
I've also done an architecture boat tour off of Navy Pier. One of those $24 ones that you can just get to an go on (unlike First Lady where you have to book in advance and pay Ticketmaster fees), and I had a crazy lady who was hilarious and I learned way more. Like the Champagne bottle top building, built during the prohibition as an Eff-You, and lots of stuff about the history of the river and its reversal, which was pretty much skipped over in this tour.
Based on the rave reviews, maybe we didn't get the best guide. But its a damn shame because getting tickets was a pain and it was a complete disappointment. I'm definitely not coming back. -
Review from Jessie H.
Fremont, CA
10/20/2009 2 photos
I thoroughly enjoyed this tour, even though it started in the pouring rain. Yes, POURING RAIN. And i STILL enjoyed it - does that say anything?
I noticed some of the reviews said that their tour guides just went through a laundry list, but our tour guide was great. She gave us some history about the river, the sanitation problem, and the eventual reversal and the commotion that it caused to the southern states. She pointed out a lot of interesting facts about various buildings and the history behind some of the architecture and the relationships between various architectures.
Only thing I didn't like is the price. It is PRICEY. Especially when stupid ticketmaster (big fu to them) charges a $7 surcharge PER PERSON. That, my friends, is an example of highway robbery.Listed in: The Windy City
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Review from Dennis L.
5/27/2010 2 photos
What a great way to see the city! I really enjoyed the Official Architecture River Cruise on the Chicago's Little Lady. The tour takes you down the main branch, north branch, and south branch of the Chicago River.
The tour guide certainly knew her history as she spoke about 70 or so buildings on the 90-minute tour.
There is a bar on board for those who feel so inclined. I was on the company tab, so I certainly took advantage of this feature.
If you are going on a hot/sunny day, don't forget that you are going to be in direct sunlight for much of the time. You can choose to sit inside, but the sound was not piped inside (or at least it wasn't turned on).
Overall, this is a must do tour for anyone who loves architecture, history, or is new to the city. -
Review from Mary J.
7/22/2007
I attended a private party on this boat and it was a GREAT time! It was an evening cruise, leaving at 7 and returning at 10 and dinner was served. It was catered by Harry Caray and everything was delicious!
There was a bartender upstairs and downstairs and many crew people around to help you out if needed. The women's bathroom was marble and granite with 3 stalls and was very clean.
The boat ride was exactly the same route as the day trip (no tour guide) , but we got to see the sunset and the Chicago skyline at night. The big Ferris wheel at Navy Pier looks so pretty from the water.
While I was at the party, I felt like I should be on The Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous! So if you have a special occasion to celebrate, this is the way to go! -
Review from Ling L.
7/5/2008 2 photos
I was going to knock it down to 4 stars because we were unlucky enough to have one of those boats that has about less than 30 seats on the open level, and the rest of us had to sit in the covered portion. I overheard one of the regulars mention it is the luck of the draw which boat we get.
But once the trip started, our guide, Scott, more than made up for the inadequate boat. Scott was highly informative and actually funny and claimed he played the waiter to Rebecca de Mornay and Tom Cruise at the Signature Room scene in "Risky Business".
We took the 6:30 p.m. Lake and River cruise that covered a lot of architecture and city information. The bad part of this time is that there is very limited photo op of the skyline of Chicago as the sun is setting behind the buildings. Couple that with the usual annoyingly selfish occupants on the boat who are hogging the prime real estate, good luck getting your picture.
Still, the tour is a must-do, even for locals. It's enjoyable and reinforces our pride as residents of this fabulous city. -
Review from Robyn T.
6/17/2009
Are you looking to rent out a boat on the Chicago river for a private event? I can't recommend Chicago's First Lady enough. As a 3rd generation family owned business, Holly Agra and her staff go above and beyond the call of duty to make sure your event is well-executed and unforgettable.
As a former member of the Chicago Architecture Foundation and past tourist on one of their cruises I have to say that for visitors to Chicago this should hands-down be your first pick in cruising. -
Review from Erin L.
6/29/2009
My review is for a wedding reception on Chicago's First Lady.
Beautiful June Saturday night on the lake. What a funky, different way to celebrate your wedding reception! In theory, this boat is a wonderful way to see the city, have a great party and look really cool to your guests. However, I am not sure if the problems that arose were due to the boat coordinator or the bride and groom planning the reception. But, I think I blame the boat coordinator more for the problems since their job is to act as the expert and give their advice to the bride and groom. Although common sense should have kicked in during the planning process to someone about the problems.
Anyway, the problem was there wasn't enough tables set up for people to eat at downstairs. I believe they were thinking that people would go through the buffet line, sit at the tables and eat, get up and go somewhere else...then the next group would come by and do the same. Except the problem was that no one got up from the tables.
So, I was forced to eat on the open-air top of the boat, plate on my lap, drink on the floor. Spaghetti sauce and silk dress do not go well with each other. Not to mention I could barely eat because the wind was flying my hair all over my face. One glass of spilled wine and a fallen fork later, I gave up on eating.
Bad idea when you are trying to take advantage of the open bar.
They could have set up some high standing cocktail tables or something until people were done eating. It was just terrible planning. The boat was just too small to accommodate all of the guests.
Also, remember to bring Dramamine if you are going to drink and be on a boat. Some people got really sick, there was no Dramamine on board and the boat didn't let people off for 4 hours.
So, a wedding reception could be an awesome experience on one of these boats if it is planned correctly. Personally, I would go with a different company if I were looking for a boat.
