Chicago By Night River & Lake
See Chicago Twinkle and Glow
Glide along the Chicago River and Lakefront as you’re dazzled by the sparkle of the city at night. Hear lively commentary as you feel the night breezes and see Chicago’s dramatic skyline transformed into a glittering jewel. Family-friendly boat tours are our specialty!
Book your cruise
EPIC FUN!
It’s boat life, Chicago style.
WHAT They’re SAYing
Amenities
- Food & Drink A full-service bar and snack bar are available on every vessel.
- Outdoor Seating Each vessel features an open-air upper deck which allows guests to safely enjoy the outdoors. Seating Is general admission and open outdoor seating is guaranteed for all guests. The number on your ticket does not represent a seat number.
- Restrooms Well-appointed restrooms are available on each vessel.
- Free Stroller Storage Strollers will be folded and stored in the interior salon during the cruise. Children must be removed from strollers before boarding.
- Limited Mobility Services Available See our Location page for river-level drop-off directions for guests with accessibility needs. Our staff is also available to provide early boarding services for those with limited mobility.
- Food & Drink A full-service bar and snack bar are available on every vessel.
- Outdoor Seating Each vessel features an open-air upper deck which allows guests to safely enjoy the outdoors. Seating Is general admission and open outdoor seating is guaranteed for all guests. The number on your ticket does not represent a seat number.
- Restrooms Well-appointed restrooms are available on each vessel.
- Free Stroller Storage Strollers will be folded and stored in the interior salon during the cruise. Children must be removed from strollers before boarding.
- Limited Mobility Services Available See our Location page for river-level drop-off directions for guests with accessibility needs. Our staff is also available to provide early boarding services for those with limited mobility.
- Tour Duration 90 minutes
- Arrival Time Make sure your entire party arrives 30 minutes prior to departure.
- Our Lively Tour Guides will entertain you with stories of tall buildings and taller tales.
- Experience the Chicago Harbor Lock, an engineering marvel connecting Lake Michigan and the Chicago River.
- Cruises Depart Rain or Shine Tickets may not be refunded or exchanged if you miss your boat—allow extra time.
- Parking Discounted parking available at 111 E. Wacker Dr. with proper validation from ticket office. Visit our Location page for more.
- Kids Under 4 Ride FREE!
Frequently Asked Questions
Although advanced reservations are not required, we do recommend booking online in advance. Many tours will sell out during the busy summer season and on weekends.
General boarding begins 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure time. Priority boarding begins 20 minutes prior to scheduled departure time. Choose any seat - all offer a great view!
Yes. All boats have a full service bar and small snacks onboard. Outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
No, all tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
Children under 4 are always welcome free of charge, but do still require a ticket. Folded strollers may be brought on board. Children's rates available for kids 4-12 years old.
Our Sightseeing River & Lake Cruise, Chicago By Night River & Lake Cruise, 3D Fireworks Cruise, and Canine Cruise all pass through the Chicago Harbor Lock System, our Creepy Cruise does not. Our guide gives a full explanation of the operation of the lock. You'll feel the boat rise as you enter Lake Michigan and lower as you return to the River.
All of our boats have two levels - the upper deck is an open-air deck, and the lower deck is an enclosed, climate-controlled salon. Each salon is surrounded by large windows so you can stay dry and still take in the spectacular views. Vessels cruise rain or shine safely guided by our U.S. Coast Guard-trained captains and crew.
Yes, all the boats have restrooms onboard. There are also wheelchair accessible bathrooms on the Classic Lady, Leading Lady, and Emerald Lady. Please note: the restrooms close 15 minutes before the end of the tour for safety reasons.
The safety of our guests and crew is our number one priority. After more than 80 years providing memorable cruises of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan for millions of guests, we are proud to say we have a perfect safety record. All of our vessels are regulated, licensed and inspected by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) every year, and have undergone stability testing to ensure our guests are safe on their waterway experience. Our captains and deckhands go through an extensive training and drilling program that goes above and beyond the standards set by the USCG. Because we are committed to continuing education, we provide extra training every day to our crew.
Due to security reasons, luggage cannot be brought onboard. There is not an area to store your luggage dockside either. We recommend having your hotel hold your luggage.
Yes, you can bring a stroller onboard. Children must be removed from strollers before boarding. Strollers will be folded and stored in the salon during the cruise.
In accordance with ADA guidelines, we welcome service dogs onboard. The service animal must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered while in public places unless these devices interfere with the service animal's work or the person's disability prevents use of these devices. Emotional support animals, pets, and other animals not covered by the ADA are not permitted. All dogs are welcome on our Canine Cruise!
We love groups and would be happy to offer you a group discount if you would wish to reserve in advance. Please call 312-332-1368 or email grouptours@firstlady.com for more information.
Please note that we do not offer group discounts for our 3D Fireworks Cruise, but are happy to make a group reservation for full price.
At this time the Riverwalk does not offer any elevators. For those who need ADA ramps, you may access the Riverwalk via the ADA ramp at State Street and Wacker Drive within the Vietnam Memorial Park. Then just follow the Riverwalk to the East under the Michigan Avenue Bridge. Our Ticket Office is marked with a black awning. Our stairway offers handrails and shade from the sun. There is also a vehicle drop-off area on Lower Wacker Drive.
Visit firstlady.com/accessibility for detailed dock and vessel accessibility information.
The closest and most convenient parking option is the LAZ Parking Service Garage located at 111 E. Wacker Dr. (Illinois Center).
This garage is directly across the street from the stairway to our dock and next door to the Chicago Architecture Center. The entrance is the first driveway east of Michigan Avenue, on the south side of Upper East Wacker Drive. Reservations can be made online.
If you don't prepay for a parking space online, bring your parking ticket to our ticket office for a parking validation sticker. You can also get a parking validation sticker from the boat's bartender if the ticket office is closed. The discounted rate with validation is $14 (for 3 hours or less) or $15 (for 4 hours or less). No discounts offered for 4+ hours.
Alternatively, we also encourage our guests to use SpotHero, which often has the best rates at this and other nearby garages in the River North and Loop neighborhoods.
Note: LAZ Parking Services at 111 E. Wacker is not owned or affiliated with First Lady. The parking information posted here is merely for the convenience of our guests and is not to be construed as a recommendation or endorsement.
The Classic Lady, Leading Lady, and Emerald Lady have changing tables onboard in the family restroom. The Little Lady, Fair Lady, and First Lady do not have changing tables onboard.
You do not have to print your tickets. You can show your mobile ticket to our dock attendant with your smartphone, or you can have your tickets printed at the dockside will call window (be sure to bring a photo ID and your confirmation number).
All seating is general admission. Outdoor seating is guaranteed.
All tours are 90 minutes except for our 2-hour 3D Fireworks Cruises.
Although advanced reservations are not required, we do recommend booking online in advance. Many tours will sell out during the busy summer season and on weekends.
General boarding begins 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure time. Priority boarding begins 20 minutes prior to scheduled departure time. Choose any seat - all offer a great view!
Yes. All boats have a full service bar and small snacks onboard. Outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
No, all tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
Children under 4 are always welcome free of charge, but do still require a ticket. Folded strollers may be brought on board. Children's rates available for kids 4-12 years old.
Our Sightseeing River & Lake Cruise, Chicago By Night River & Lake Cruise, 3D Fireworks Cruise, and Canine Cruise all pass through the Chicago Harbor Lock System, our Creepy Cruise does not. Our guide gives a full explanation of the operation of the lock. You'll feel the boat rise as you enter Lake Michigan and lower as you return to the River.
All of our boats have two levels - the upper deck is an open-air deck, and the lower deck is an enclosed, climate-controlled salon. Each salon is surrounded by large windows so you can stay dry and still take in the spectacular views. Vessels cruise rain or shine safely guided by our U.S. Coast Guard-trained captains and crew.
Yes, all the boats have restrooms onboard. There are also wheelchair accessible bathrooms on the Classic Lady, Leading Lady, and Emerald Lady. Please note: the restrooms close 15 minutes before the end of the tour for safety reasons.
The safety of our guests and crew is our number one priority. After more than 80 years providing memorable cruises of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan for millions of guests, we are proud to say we have a perfect safety record. All of our vessels are regulated, licensed and inspected by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) every year, and have undergone stability testing to ensure our guests are safe on their waterway experience. Our captains and deckhands go through an extensive training and drilling program that goes above and beyond the standards set by the USCG. Because we are committed to continuing education, we provide extra training every day to our crew.
Due to security reasons, luggage cannot be brought onboard. There is not an area to store your luggage dockside either. We recommend having your hotel hold your luggage.
Yes, you can bring a stroller onboard. Children must be removed from strollers before boarding. Strollers will be folded and stored in the salon during the cruise.
In accordance with ADA guidelines, we welcome service dogs onboard. The service animal must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered while in public places unless these devices interfere with the service animal's work or the person's disability prevents use of these devices. Emotional support animals, pets, and other animals not covered by the ADA are not permitted. All dogs are welcome on our Canine Cruise!
We love groups and would be happy to offer you a group discount if you would wish to reserve in advance. Please call 312-332-1368 or email grouptours@firstlady.com for more information.
Please note that we do not offer group discounts for our 3D Fireworks Cruise, but are happy to make a group reservation for full price.
At this time the Riverwalk does not offer any elevators. For those who need ADA ramps, you may access the Riverwalk via the ADA ramp at State Street and Wacker Drive within the Vietnam Memorial Park. Then just follow the Riverwalk to the East under the Michigan Avenue Bridge. Our Ticket Office is marked with a black awning. Our stairway offers handrails and shade from the sun. There is also a vehicle drop-off area on Lower Wacker Drive.
Visit firstlady.com/accessibility for detailed dock and vessel accessibility information.
The closest and most convenient parking option is the LAZ Parking Service Garage located at 111 E. Wacker Dr. (Illinois Center).
This garage is directly across the street from the stairway to our dock and next door to the Chicago Architecture Center. The entrance is the first driveway east of Michigan Avenue, on the south side of Upper East Wacker Drive. Reservations can be made online.
If you don't prepay for a parking space online, bring your parking ticket to our ticket office for a parking validation sticker. You can also get a parking validation sticker from the boat's bartender if the ticket office is closed. The discounted rate with validation is $14 (for 3 hours or less) or $15 (for 4 hours or less). No discounts offered for 4+ hours.
Alternatively, we also encourage our guests to use SpotHero, which often has the best rates at this and other nearby garages in the River North and Loop neighborhoods.
Note: LAZ Parking Services at 111 E. Wacker is not owned or affiliated with First Lady. The parking information posted here is merely for the convenience of our guests and is not to be construed as a recommendation or endorsement.
The Classic Lady, Leading Lady, and Emerald Lady have changing tables onboard in the family restroom. The Little Lady, Fair Lady, and First Lady do not have changing tables onboard.
You do not have to print your tickets. You can show your mobile ticket to our dock attendant with your smartphone, or you can have your tickets printed at the dockside will call window (be sure to bring a photo ID and your confirmation number).
All seating is general admission. Outdoor seating is guaranteed.
All tours are 90 minutes except for our 2-hour 3D Fireworks Cruises.