Chicago Travel Guides (Updated September 2026)

I thought the docent did a really great job talking about the buildings, I honestly thought I was just going to enjoy the view and looking at the buildings, but she had some great information in history about the buildings which typically I’m not interested. She did a great job making it very interesting.

Perfect duration, narration and sights for young kids ( and a grandpa) Justine was exceptional guide

Very informational. Guide was entertaining, yet professional.

What a fantastic experience! A must for experiencing Chicago in a unique, informative and fun way. We arrived early and were able to pop on an earlier ride (thank you!) and had a fantastic tour guide- knowledgeable, funny, great pacing, able to enjoy with a cocktail from below deck, plenty of time for photos. Would highly recommend!

Great experience. Easy to find the boarding location, fun a knowledgeable guide and very comfortable boat. Highly recommend!

Lucas was very knowledgeable! Great personality and great sense of humor. We did the 6:30 ride and highly recommend. We got to see the city in the daylight and at night!

We went on a 3pm history and architectural fireboat tour and it was fantastic. We were checked in promptly when we arrived at 2:30 and were able to board at 2:45. We found seats at the front of the boat and ended up next to where the guide, Cliff, was speaking. Cliff was very engaging and incredibly knowledgeable - we learned a lot on the tour, more than I expected. We started off on Lake Michigan, went through the locks onto the river and then came back. Cliff chatted with us during the brief breaks and even shared some tips for us after finding out that we had been to Wrigley Field. During the tour, he told us about the city's architecture, Chicago bridge and fireboat styles, movies made in Chicago, a bit about Al Capone, the lighthouse, Navy Pier, fires fought by the fireboat we were on when it was in service, and more! The bartender Manny was also very nice and personable. The only downside was the number of people standing at the rail, which unfortunately blocked some pictures I wanted to take. Overall, I would definitely recommend the tour!

Loved this tour because it goes into the lake, through the lock, and down the river. The guides are very knowledgable and every seat is a great seat! There's outdoor seating on the front and sides, and the rear is covered. There's also bathrooms on the boat. Very comfortable, smooth sailing. It was at 2 hours for us because a holiday weekend and busy traffic for the lock system, but 100% worth it. Loved being on a retired fireboat and learned some fireboat fighting history.

Even as 4 lifelong Chicagoans, we learned a lot and enjoyed the tour.Tour director was great. Covered a little north and a little south of Navy Pier.

Beautiful tour; our guide, John, was fantastic. Provided a wealth of historical information in a fun manner. Saw a lot, learned a lot - thoroughly enjoyed this tour!

Great excursion. Very informative. Relaxing cruise with drinks and food for purchase. I would definitely recommend this excursion to anyone.

Fun time! Beautiful city! The lady announcing was great! Great scenery. Definitely recommend to anyone

Great views of the city. Tour guide was great and enjoyable as well as knowledgeable. Drinks on board were delicious.

Wonderful tour! Grant was very knowlegeable and personable. We had a great time and learned a lot!

Very good tour nice and easy great views

This ride does not go out into Lake Michigan; it goes up to the barrier between the port and the rest of the lake. However, it was still a very fun ride. The boat staff are very courteous and professional, and services include drinks and snacks available for purchase. This tour is exactly as the title advertises, for you get to ride out on the lake’s waters while presented with numerous, impressive views of Chicago’s city, especially at sunset where the bright yellow and orange glare shines across and between the building gaps of the city— as if you see a vast silhouette of a city in said glow. Most of the boat ride is smooth, albeit there are a few fun bumps and easy dips. Along with the ride and panorama you get a historical and geographical narration of Lake Michigan and its ties to Chicago. It is a presentation that enriches the experience altogether. Very much worth the price and time!