Overview
Our popular 90-minute daytime river and lake tour, the Urban Adventure Cruise, delights family members of all ages with incredible views of Chicago's world-renowned architecture and stunning skyline. Lively, knowledgeable tour guides bring Chicago’s rich history to life with fun stories and interesting facts.
Relax and unwind on a scenic tour of the city from the unique perspective of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Welcome aboard!
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Live commentary on board
Gratuities
Food and drinks
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
On Michigan & Wacker Drive, at the northeast corner of the intersection. Upon arrival, please take the stairs down to Chicago's Riverwalk and visit the box office (right after/bottom of the stairs) for guidance to your cruise boarding dock. A departure board is available for your reference.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Good to know
Please proceed directly to the boat with your voucher. Any staff member will gladly direct you to the correct dock. Ticket is date and time specific. Please arrive 30 minutes before departure. We go rain or shine. The boat leaves right at the scheduled departure time.
What to expect
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Lake Michigan
45 min
Travel along Lake Michigan to view the Chicago Skyline!
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Chicago River
45 min
The tour cruises through the main branch of the river. You will hear information about Chicago's famous architecture.
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Wrigley Building
45 min
The Wrigley Building was built to house the corporate headquarters of the Wrigley Company.
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Navy Pier
45 min
View Navy Pier's 50 acres of parks, promenades, gardens, shops, eateries and attractions, especially the 15-story Ferris wheel.
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Buckingham Fountain
45 min
Located in the center of Grant Park. Dedicated in 1927, it is one of the largest fountains in the world!
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Field Museum
45 min
One of the largest natural history museums in the world!
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Shedd Aquarium
45 min
Shedd Aquarium was once the largest indoor aquarium in the world.
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Adler Planetarium
45 min
See this famous planetarium in the heart of Chicago's museum campus.
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Soldier Field
45 min
Soldier Field is a Chicago landmark and home to the Chicago Bears.
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The McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum
45 min
At river level, visitors can view the massive gears of Chicago’s most famous movable bridge and then journey through time as they experience the story of the Chicago River. Once at the top of the Bridgehouse, visitors are treated to magnificent 360 degree views of the city and river, and will gain a whole new perspective on the beauty and complexity that is Chicago.
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Navy Pier
45 min
Navy Pier is a 3,300-foot-long (1,010 m) pier on the Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan. Navy Pier currently encompasses more than fifty acres of parks, gardens, shops, restaurants, family attractions and exhibition facilities. The ferris wheel it is currently the sixth-tallest wheel in the United States.
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John Hancock Center
45 min
The John Hancock Center is a 100-story, 1,128-foot[6] supertall skyscraper located in Chicago, Illinois. Located in the Magnificent Mile district, its name was changed to 875 North Michigan Avenue on February 12, 2018. View from the lake.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (America/Chicago).
Additional Information
- Discounted parking available at 111 E. Wacker Drive. Please visit the dockside box office for parking ticket validation
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
FAQs about Chicago Urban Adventure River and Lake Cruise
Can I cancel Chicago Urban Adventure River and Lake Cruise for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 1 hour 30 min.
Where does it start?
On Michigan & Wacker Drive, at the northeast corner of the intersection.
What's included?
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Live commentary on board
What's not included?
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
Which places does it visit?
It visits Lake Michigan, Chicago River, Wrigley Building, Navy Pier, Buckingham Fountain, Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Operated by Mercury, Chicago's Skyline Cruiseline
