If you are looking for a great experience on our beautiful lake or the Chicago river, you need to have the First Lady experience! A first class, professional, knowledgeable crew will meet all of your needs. The boat is lovely and so well manicured and maintained. I recently held a group event with dinner (great food and service provided by Entertaining Company) on the Little Lady and it was memorable. From the time we were greeted to the time we left, we were made to feel so welcome. Can't say enough about the experiece, really. Thanks to all who contributed!! KB read more

I had two visitors to town so bought 3 tickets for the First Lady online through ticketmaster. The line was already building when we first arrived (well before boarding), but there were seat numbers on our tickets so we weren't concerned. However, when we finally climbed onto the boat, we found that it was free seating. OK, after seeing the seats were plastic chairs, part of me expected this. Not a problem, we thought, we'll just grab three seats and pull them together. However, as we wandered around the boat, we found that there wasn't even two seats left together, let alone three. Other small groups were clearly in the same predicament. As such, we spent most of the 1.5 hour cruise standing on the side up by the bow - able to see only the right side of the river. For a company that charges $45/ticket for a 90 minute cruise, it shouldn't be unreasonable to expect that they don't oversell the boat so much that a group as small as three can't acquire a seat. If they have 200 seats, for example, they should view their capacity at 175 people, so as to help eliminate these issues - part of the cost of running a premium product. At the very least, have ushers which can help manage the seat usage. The reason this gets 1 star (and not 2) is because I reached out to CFL to explain my issue, and no one contacted me back (it has been over two weeks). My advice - if you are going with a group of greater than 2 people, look at some of the less popular cruises so you can actually sit together and see the whole river. read more

This tour was awesome! Our tour guide was Adrienne and she was a volunteer with an abundance of knowledge on the architecture of Chicago buildings. The weather report showed that there may be some rain and thunderstorms, which made me a little nervous because the tour would be go on despite poor weather. However, we were lucky enough to get some sunshine! It was really cool to learn about the history of various buildings while cruising up and down the river. The tour takes about 45 minutes, which felt like the perfect amount of time. If it were any longer, I would have wanted to get off the boat and if it were any shorter, I would have been wanting more. Another plus is that we didn't need to have our tickets printed out after buying them online. We just needed to show the barcode on our phones to get on the boat. This cruise is one that I would recommend to any visitors to Chicago and even locals who want to see their city from a different point of view! read more

The bar was understaffed and it was impossible to get a drink. The docent seemed knowledgeable but the line for drinks was so long that I missed half the tour while waiting for a drink. read more

If you're an architecture buff, definitely take this tour, since it IS the official boat tour of the Chicago Architectural Foundation. But if you're looking for a less lecture-y tour, you might be better off with Shoreline or one of the other, less "official," companies. The parents, bf, and I all really enjoyed this tour, but it was a LOT of names and technical terms, so it seemed a little dry at times (no pun intended). The Shoreline tour is probably not as knowledgeable, but a little more fun. So it all depends on what you're looking for out of your touristy summer activity! read more

Well this was not a bad tour you really can not go wrong with any boat tour...I mean the city is beautiful to see especially at night. The only problem I had was our tour guy just sounded like he would rather be doing something else; really did not seem in to it. I have been on a Shoreline & Sea Dog tour and it seemed like the guides were more excited and had more info and cool little facts about the city. The crew was nice but it was like they were all half asleep no one was extremely friendly. But, hey after being on a boat full of tourist all day I may not be that friendly either. If you choose this tour not bad at all I may have just caught them on a bad night. read more

Seems extremely touristy to do one of these but we left feeling rewarded. These run pretty frequently and last for about 1.5 hours. Try to get a seat on the upper deck along the left side since most of the sightseeing and talking will be directed to the buildings along the left side. The boat runs at a slow and steady pace and gives you ample time to listen in on the history behind each of the relevant landmarks around the city. If you're not really interested in architecture, then this tour isn't for you. If you love having the small details pointed out, you'll walk away with a few tidbits which will help you greater appreciate the amount of detail and effort that goes into each structure, both in Chicago and everywhere else you go. read more

Fantastic architectural tour on the Chicago River. I wish I did this tour in the beginning of my visit so I could have used my new-found architectural knowledge... Oh well. Here's a tip for your first-time visitors to Chicago: check out Chicago's First Lady in the BEGINNING of your visit! read more

A really neat boat to be cruising down the Chicago River in. A little dingy, but what do you expect. If you really want a full experience, sit on the top deck outside and brave the elements -- heat or cold! Otherwise, there's an indoor parlor downstairs (with a bar!) where you can sit and enjoy your tour. read more

My girlfriend and I did this tour on a semi-over cast day after a bit of rain, but it was perfect. If you're not into architecture, this tour will make you appreciate every detail and beauty of it!!! We were both so amazed how knowledgeable our liaison was... there was a lot of information in a short amount of time, but the interesting points will definitely get to your mind and make you wonder. I definitely recommend this tour if you haven't done it already. read more

We loved this tour! I'm not huge into history but learning all of the history of Chicago and the architecture was so interesting!! I am so glad we picked the company we did. Our tour guide was so smart and really kept the crowd engaged!! read more

Absolutely "must take" architecture tour. The guide was knowledgeable and funny. Loved their route.

What nice and perfect way to get to know Chicago! Wonderful tour, worth every penny, very informative. Take care you have a sunhat and enough water on hot days before you enter the boat :-) read more

this is one of those things that i feel like i need to do about 10 more times to really grasp all of the information/sites that are presented. i loved it despite the chilly weather in which we decided to take the tour. the price is a little steep, but it's worth it. the tour guide gave interesting antecdotes, and it really made me appreciate the city and all of its state-of-the-art design so much more. be sure to get there early because you'll get a much better seat and can grab a drink to enjoy the ride even more. looking forward to summer when i have out of town guests and can go again. read more

Get in line 15-20 minutes before departure time to get a good seat (up top, next to the sides of the boat). This was a nice, relaxing way to see Chicago, I would definitely do it again. read more

Rebecca Dixon guided our tour and it was very informative, even for someone like myself not into architecture. The buildings in Chi are beautiful, and this is a great way to see them. We even saw some residential properties, and I was able to daydream about what it would be like to live in such a great spot. I could have used a 60min instead of 90min tour, but I get antsy sitting anywhere for over an hour. read more

Awesome time !! Beautiful, even in the rain!!! Really awesome views and learned lots about Chicago!!! Be sure to tip the speaker!!!!! He's working for free!!!!!! read more

Yes, it's spendy. Though, if you only have a day or two and want to get a good overview of the layout of the city and a brief history, this is a great opportunity. The docent and staff were very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. The boat was comfortable, although the speakers can be quite loud depending on where you sit (I had to put in some earplugs). Easy to get to and a good option if you want to get in some non-walking sightseeing. read more

What an awesome boat cruise! We took the architectural cruise on the river through the city! The docent was incredible sharing her knowledge of all the fabulous and diverse buildings along with city history! I thought sitting on the top that it would be too warm (in August) but it was really nice with the shady spots you get going under all the bridges and at times shadows casted from the buildings. It truly was a beautiful way to see the city, a different perspective you'll never get from the streets! We highly recommend this for all ages! This has to be hands down one of the best tours we've been on ever! read more

We went on this river cruise on our last day in Chicago. The cost is $49 per person for 90 mins river cruise. I thought was worth it. I learned a lot about many buildings and background about Chicago. It was very educational. I wish I went on this cruise on my first day! May be it would have been even more fun having the knowledge exploring downtown. read more

Do yourself a favor and only book these guys! I did one of these river tours before with another company but I learned so much from our docent " Leslie " she is full of knowledge I learned so much from her. It's one and a half hours long they start letting you on 15 mins before your time of your. Bathrooms on board and hot drinks and a bar too !! If you are going later in the year when it's getting chilly I strongly recommend that you wear warm clothes and wrap up as it gets chilly out on the river I saw quite a few people shivering! Chicago has a great history and with Leslie being so knowledgeable about everything it was a treat to learn so much ! It's easy to find too. We booked on their website then ticket master handles the booking I cannot recommend this company more this is the only one to book their docents are great and they will not accept tips either. read more

Had family coming in and we wanted to do something downtown, this tour was absolutely perfect. Amazing that I have lived here all my life and still learned something new. Chicago is a gorgeous city with such history. I love how our tour guide Bobbi loves Chicago just as much as I do but she knows so much more. Thank you for an Amazing time and we will be back!! We even had perfect weather. You don't get much better for a springtime afternoon in the Windy City. read more

what a way to explore chicago! went on this CAF tour...there are a few other touring companies but this one is the 'official' CAF boat. the tour lasted about 1.5 hours and was $28...seats were up top...white plastic lawn chairs....and this being a very sunny day i came back with some 'color' (so, bring sunscreen). our docent was quite knowledgeable...but i mostly just took in the views. a nice way to spend the afternoon. read more

So, I live in Chicago and have had a hard time finding someone to go on this tour with me, and I finally had family in from out of town to join me. I really enjoyed this tour, and my cousins both loved it. My only complaint would be the prices (a little steep) and the staff didn't blow me away with their friendliness. The volunteers doing the tour were really friendly and into it, but everyone else just didn't look too thrilled to be there. It wasn't enough to ruin the experience, just knock it down to 4 stars. After all, who WANTS to be at work on a Saturday? Definitely recommended, to both Chicagoans and tourists alike. read more

Thoroughly knowledgeable docent and of course, gorgeous architecture lining the river.

I have also done another boat tour, and this was truly superior. Our guide, Dick Clark (!), was personable and knowledgeable, and the boat comfortably appointed. This is a slightly premium-priced tour, but (ex post) was certainly worth it. read more

Our tour guide, a volunteer from a local preservation and historical organization was quite charming and so well-versed in the architecture and city's history. It's a 90 minute ride on the river which costs $40. They have a bar on the main deck, which also offers refuge from a hot Chicago day, if needed. To locals this might be a touristy thing to do but everyone should do it once. There is not better way to see the city than on a river tour. read more

I never thought I'd get much from a tour of a city that I grew up in and worked in for many years, but the CAF river tour shone new light and gave a grrr-eat perspective to many of my favorite buildings. Tom was a super tour guide, giving details about all the major design phases of the city, its architects, and which buildings were designed by whom. While it is a bit expensive for what it is, it's worth it if you have any interest in the city and its buildings. be aware, it doesn't cover the buildings int the South Loop, as this is a river tour. Additionally, It is colder on the river than in the city. So wear a sweatshirt, jacket, scarf, hat, mittens - or any combination thereof. read more

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!! read more

What a great way to see Chicago, the tour guide was extremely knowledgable and we learned so much about the City. Make sure that you take the tour with the Chicago Architecture Foundation volunteer, there are plenty of other choices, but this is the best one for the money. Make sure you bring a bottle of water, it gets hot. read more

The tour guide made the trip. The boat had the option to be inside which was warm however you would miss out on seeing the tops of the skyscrapers. I have no doubt the tour guide was more knowledgable than those from other companies as she is a member of the architect society. The tour is a bit more expensive than others at $40, but it is 90 minutes not 60 and I feel the extra 30 minutes are those really interesting facts and details. Added bonus is the tour guide and is a volunteer and doesn't want or solicit tips, so the $40 is an all in cost. read more

Based on a trip to Chicago last Oct.... The tour guide was very knowledgable of the architecture of all the buildings. Best part is going under the bridges. Every seat on the boat gat an awesome view of the river. I would totally go again. Love the views of the skyline.... Bucket list item.... Love Chicago!!! read more

Outstanding tour with lots of interesting factoids. Definitely should be on the top three list for anyone visiting Chicago.

Excellent overview of Chicago architecture. Our guide, Mary Jo, was knowledgeable and funny.

The tour is exceptional. Our guide, Lindy, was deeply knowledgeable about Chicago architecture and history, and funny. We sat on the upper deck, but it was overcast so the ride was relaxing and very pleasant. Most people seem to head down below, but, we had unobstructed views. The buildings were spectacular making this tour was worth every penny. Make sure you have a hat, sunblock, and bottled water. They sell drinks, including alcohol. I'm not sure if they sold food. read more

Fun trip. Get in line early....the top of the boat fills quick where the best viewing is. Definitely a fun way to get introduced to the city

I really loved this tour. I've lived in Chicago for two years and our wonderful tour guide pointed out buildings I'd never noticed before. This is great for when friends/family are in town, or if you're just bored on a lazy Saturday. read more

Our guide was an ex-school history teacher who is very proud of her son. During the tour we saw a beautiful building in which her son has an office. She was giving descriptions of the buildings by which were passing in a dry and boring way, unless it had to do something with her son. I am very sorry for her students. My wife and I were looking for an emergency exit 30 minutes after the tour began, but there was none. Were jealous a the boats that were passing by and their guides were much more interesting. For us because of this ex-history teacher guide, the tour was a waist of time and money. read more

The boat tour was just fine-just. I think if you're not really a architecture enthusiast, this tour may not necessary be the one for you. You can catch other faster and less expensive boats that go along the same route, that show the same scenery. In addition, I didn't appreciate The Architecture Foundation charging $23.00 for my 6 month old infant to take the tour-ridiculous! read more

We bought tickets in advance through ticketmaster and showed up for the tour twenty minutes before our scheduled time to find they had sold our seats and we were bumped to a later hour. This happened to at least two other groups. They blamed a glitch but I think the only glitch is shady business practices. There are many other boat tour companies and I suggest using someone other than the first lady of f-ing over our customers. Yelp needs zero stars for crap company like this one. read more