Shoreline Sightseeing Chicago has been a leader in Lake Michigan tours for over 100 years. In fact, they fleet includes the two oldest tour boats on Lake Michigan! they have been Chicago’s favorite tour company since 1975, proudly sharing the city’s history and architecture from a unique perspective along both Lake Michigan and The Chicago River.
With they fleet of nine vessels to discover the beautiful Chicago skyline, whether it’s cruising along Lake Michigan to discover the beautiful Chicago skyline or traveling up The Illinois and Chicago Rivers, there are tours for every interest.
To see more about Shoreline Sightseeing, check out their website at: shorelinesightseeing.com.
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Shoreline Sightseeing Chicago provides tours on Lake Michigan and The Illinois and Chicago Rivers.
- When: Year Round
- Hours: Vary depending on the tour, click here to see current departure times.**
- Where: Departing from Navy Pier or Michigan Avenue (depending on the type of tour).
- Included: A tour guide on every boat makes Shoreline Sightseeing Chicago a great experience for first timers and regulars alike.
- Cost: Click here to see current ticket prices.
- Additional Information: With the city’s largest fleet of boats and water taxis – and a team of exceptional guides – Shoreline is ready to turn your tour into a memory you’ll carry with you for years.
Lake Michigan Sightseeing Options
Enjoy a guided tour of Chicago’s magnificent skyline from Lake Michigan on the Spirit of Chicago. With the city skyline, Navy Pier and its amazing Ferris wheel as your backdrop, enjoy lively narration about Chicago history and architecture on this fully-narrated Lake Michigan cruise. Board on Navy Pier and watch the city of Chicago come alive from a unique perspective.
The Spirit of Chicago
- Departing from: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
- Length of Cruise: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Available Cruises: 10am, 11am, noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm
- Included: Live commentary from a Shoreline Sightseeing expert tour guide.
- Cost: Tickets start at $19 for adults and $16 for children under 12 years old.
- Discounts available for groups and military personnel.
- Call 630-739-2628 or visit shorelinesightseeing.com for current ticket prices and to book your tickets online in advance.
- Please note: Departure times vary depending on the time of year and will be posted on Shoreline’s website prior to the date of your tour.
Chicago & architectural river cruise
The Chicago Architecture Foundation’s River Cruise is a one-hour cruise along the Chicago River, departing from and returning to the dock at Michigan Avenue. The boat provides unparalleled views of many of Chicago’s most notable landmarks as it glides past them on its journey between Lake Michigan and The Merchandise Mart. On the tour, you’ll see significant buildings such as The Rookery, The Wrigley Building and Marina City.
- Departing from: Michigan Avenue Dock – 401 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611
- Length of Cruise: 1 hour.
- Available Cruises: 10am, 11am, noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm
- Included: Commentary from a Shoreline Sightseeing expert tour guide.
- Please note: Departure times vary depending on the time of year and will be posted on Shoreline’s website prior to the date of your tour.
- $16 for adults; $14 for seniors (55+) and children 12-11 years old; under 11 FREE.
- Call: 312-977-0227 or visit shorelinesightseeing.com for current ticket prices and to book your tickets online in advance.
- Tickets must be purchased at least 24 hours prior to departure time. Group & School Tours Available.
Chicago Fireworks Tour
If you’re looking for the best view of Chicago’s Fourth of July fireworks, then look no further than your cruise on Lake Michigan with Shoreline Sightseeing. Aboard the Spirit of Chicago, get an up-close view of the spectacular display over Navy Pier while enjoying live musical entertainment.
- Departing from: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
- Length of Cruise: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Available Cruises: 10am, 11am; noon; 1pm; 2pm; 3pm; 4pm
- Included: Live commentary on tour sights and views of the Fourth of July Fireworks on board a heated boat.
- Cost: Tickets start at $20 for adults and $19 for seniors (55+), children under 12 years old and military members.
- Discounts available for groups and students with a valid ID.
- Call 630-739-2628 or visit shorelinesightseeing.com for current ticket prices and to book your tickets online in advance.
- Tickets must be purchased at least 24 hours prior to departure time. Group & School Tours Available.
- Please note: Departure times vary depending on the time of year and will be posted on Shoreline’s website prior to the date of your tour.
How long is Shoreline Sightseeing Chicago?
The Chicago Architecture Foundation’s River Cruise is a one-hour cruise along the Chicago River, departing from and returning to the dock at Michigan Avenue.
The Spirit of Chicago departs from Navy Pier and provides unparalleled views of many of Chicago’s most notable landmarks as it glides past them on its journey between Lake Michigan and The Merchandise Mart.
Chicago Fireworks Tour is a 1 hour 15 minute boat ride that offers views of the Fourth of July fireworks over Navy Pier while providing live musical entertainment.
The Chicago Architecture River Tour is a 2 hour tour along the Chicago River.
Chicago Architecture Foundation’s Lakefront Tour is a 2 hour tour along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. During the winter, this tour is offered as a 1 hour option.
The Architecture Lakefront Tour departs from and returns to the dock at Michigan Avenue (the same as the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s River Cruise).
Chicago Architecture Foundation’s Fireworks Tour is a 1 hour tour along Lake Michigan.
How long is the Shoreline Architecture river cruise?
The Chicago Architecture Foundation’s River Cruise is a one-hour cruise along the Chicago River, departing from and returning to the dock at Michigan Avenue.
How much is the architectural tour in Chicago?
The Chicago Architecture Foundation’s River Cruise is a one-hour cruise along the Chicago River, departing from and returning to the dock at Michigan Avenue.
Where do you park to walk on the Chicago Riverwalk?
There are multiple garages and lots where you can park, including Millennium Park Garage (entrance on Columbus Drive or Monroe Street), East Monroe Lot (East Monroe Drive and Michigan Avenue) or Grant Park South Garage (Michigan Avenue between Harrison Street and Roosevelt Road).
How do you get down to the Chicago Riverwalk?
You can get to the Chicago Riverwalk by walking or taking public transportation (Red Line train at Grand station, Brown Line at Clark/Lake, Green Line at Morgan, Monroe or Washington/Wabash, Orange Line at Adams/Wabash or Randolph Street).
Is there free parking at Navy Pier?
There is street parking in the area and also a parking lot on Navy Pier that you can pay to park at.
How do you access the Chicago Riverwalk?
There are multiple entrances to the Chicago Riverwalk as you can access it from Michigan Avenue as well as from many of the bridges that cross over the river.
