Is there a nighttime river cruise in Chicago?

Yes, the Chicago by Night River and Lake Cruise offers an evening sailing that showcases the city's illuminated skyline and architectural landmarks.

Is the river cruise in Chicago worth it?

This nighttime cruise provides a distinct perspective of Chicago's historic architecture and brightly lit skyline directly from the water.

What is included in the River and Lake cruise ticket?

The ticket includes a narrated boat tour along the Chicago River and out onto Lake Michigan, featuring commentary on the city's architecture and history. Food and beverages are not included but are available for purchase on board.

What time of day offers the best experience for the river and lake cruise?

Late afternoon departures are ideal as they allow you to see the city's architecture in daylight and watch the skyline illuminate as the sun sets over Lake Michigan.

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Chicago by Night River and Lake Cruise Day Tours

Chicago by Night River and Lake Cruise Day Tours

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Attraction Ticket Tours

Chicago by Night River and Lake Cruise Day Tours

Name: Chicago by Night River and Lake Cruise Day Tours
Brand: HolidaySG
Price: 25.34 SGD
Availability: InStock

600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United State...

At a glance

Ticket type

E-ticket / Mobile

Confirmation

Instant

Accessibility

Wheelchair friendly

Suitable for

All ages

Highlights

Sail through the Chicago Harbor Lock, an engineering marvel
Cruise along the main branch of the Chicago River full of historic buildings
Listen to entertaining guides who bring Chicago to life with stories of its rich history

Ticket Options

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itinerary-General Boarding: Night Cruise-20:00:00

Non-refundable

Adult

SGD 57.01

Child

SGD 25.34

itinerary-Priority Boarding: Night Cruise-20:00:00

Non-refundable

Adult

SGD 63.34

Child

SGD 31.68

No package is available on this selected date. Try another date.

About Chicago by Night River and Lake Cruise Day Tours

Experience the magic of Chicago after dark on this captivating 5-hour nighttime cruise along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Marvel at the city's stunning illuminated skyline, sail through the remarkable Chicago Harbor Lock, and immerse yourself in fascinating stories brought to life by your engaging guide.

Local Legends & Stories

Chicago's river runs backward—a remarkable engineering feat achieved in 1900 when the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal reversed the flow of the Chicago River to protect the city's water supply. The skyline you'll admire is home to some of the world's most iconic architectural masterpieces, from the Wrigley Building to the Willis Tower.

Must Do Experiences

Sail through the Chicago Harbor Lock, a breathtaking engineering marvel that connects the river to the lake

Hidden Gems

Ask your guide about the hidden architectural secrets tucked into the riverfront buildings

What Makes it Special

The rare opportunity to sail through the Chicago Harbor Lock, an extraordinary feat of civil engineering

Available Facilities

Live guide commentary onboard restrooms heated indoor seating outdoor viewing decks

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

The best time to embark on this cruise is during the warmer months from May through September when the weather is most pleasant for enjoying the outdoor decks. However, the winter months offer a magical experience with snow-dusted skylines and fewer crowds, though dress exceptionally warmly.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

Bring a camera with good low-light capabilities or a smartphone with night mode for stunning skyline shots

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

Chicagoans are known for their friendly, no-nonsense Midwestern hospitality—don't hesitate to strike up conversations with fellow passengers. It's also a great idea to learn a few facts about Chicago's architectural history beforehand, as the guides love engaging with knowledgeable and curious guests.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

Chicago River Dyeing—watch the river turn vibrant green every St. Patrick's Day in mid-March

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

Hold onto railings when moving between indoor and outdoor areas, especially if the boat encounters choppy waters on Lake Michigan

Visitor Information

Entry Fee

Pricing varies depending on the season and booking platform. All taxes, fees, and handling charges are included in the ticket price, so what you see is what you pay—no hidden costs.

Visit Duration

This immersive nighttime cruise lasts approximately 5 hours, offering ample time to fully appreciate Chicago's dazzling river and lake scenery. Plan your evening accordingly and allow for extra time before boarding to ensure a relaxed start to your adventure.

Accessibility

The cruise boat is wheelchair accessible with ramps and designated seating areas. It is recommended to notify the operator in advance of any accessibility requirements to ensure a smooth boarding experience.

Overview

Chicago by Night River and Lake Cruise Day Tours gallery

Important Information

Opening Hours

Open on Fri-Sat, 11:00am-10:00pm<br>Open on Mon-Thu, Sun, 11:00am-9:00pm

What's Included

5-hour nighttime boat cruise of Chicago River and Lake MichiganAll taxes, fees, and handling chargesLive guide commentary

Not Included

Gratuity
Food and beverages

Select your preferred date and ticket type, then add to cart.

Complete secure payment at checkout.

Receive instant e-ticket confirmation via email.

Show your mobile or printed voucher at the venue.

Cruises depart rain or shine as both open and covered seating is available onboard

Children under 5 are free

Beverages, including water, soda, wine, and beer, are available for purchase onboard

No food is sold on the boat, though you are welcome to bring your own snacks

Strollers may be brought aboard and will be folded and stored in the salon for the duration of the cruise, children must be removed from strollers prior to boarding

For safety reasons, motorized scooters and electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated aboard the ship, guests who are able to transfer may use the company's manual wheelchair, based upon availability

Latecomers cannot be refunded, but every effort will be made to accommodate you on another evening

Items recommended to bring:

Jacket

Snacks

Warm clothing

Not allowed items:

Drones

Luggage or large bags

Non-folding wheelchairs

Good to know:

Beverages, including water, soda, wine, and beer, are available for purchase onboard

Children under 5 are free

Cruises depart rain or shine as both open and covered seating is available onboard

Latecomers cannot be refunded, but every effort will be made to accommodate you on another evening

No food is sold on the boat, though you are welcome to bring your own snacks

Strollers may be brought aboard and will be folded and stored in the salon for the duration of the cruise, children must be removed from strollers prior to boarding

Location

600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the Chicago by Night River and Lake Cruise offers an evening sailing that showcases the city's illuminated skyline and architectural landmarks.

This nighttime cruise provides a distinct perspective of Chicago's historic architecture and brightly lit skyline directly from the water.

The ticket includes a narrated boat tour along the Chicago River and out onto Lake Michigan, featuring commentary on the city's architecture and history. Food and beverages are not included but are available for purchase on board.

The standard architectural river and lake cruise typically lasts between 90 minutes and two hours, depending on the specific operator and route.

You will pass iconic skyscrapers like the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower on the river, and see the Chicago skyline, Navy Pier, and lakefront parks from the water on Lake Michigan.

Most major cruise operators depart from docks located along the Chicago Riverwalk, specifically near the Michigan Avenue bridge or at Navy Pier.

Yes, the cruises are family-friendly and offer engaging architectural and historical narration that appeals to all ages, with ample seating and space to move around.

Most main decks of the cruise boats are wheelchair accessible via ramps from the dock, but upper outdoor viewing decks may only be reachable by stairs.

Late afternoon departures are ideal as they allow you to see the city's architecture in daylight and watch the skyline illuminate as the sun sets over Lake Michigan.

It is highly recommended to bring a windbreaker or light jacket, as the wind off Lake Michigan can make the open-air top decks significantly cooler than the downtown streets.

If the operator cancels the tour due to severe weather or unsafe water conditions, you will typically be offered a rescheduled date or a full refund.

You should arrive at the boarding dock at least 20 to 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time to allow for ticket scanning and finding your seat.

About Chicago by Night River and Lake Cruise Day Tours

Cruises on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan can be significantly cooler and windier than on land, so bringing a light jacket or layered clothing is advisable regardless of the season. Passengers should arrive at the designated docking area at least 30 minutes prior to departure to allow time for ticketing and boarding procedures. Most vessels feature both enclosed, climate-controlled lower decks and open-air upper decks, with wheelchair accessibility typically available on the main level.

Located on the shore of Lake Michigan, Navy Pier has a history of nearly 100 years and is an iconic attraction in Chicago. Navy Pier is very large, it is U-shaped, with plazas and shops in the middle, and a walkway on the side, walking along the walkway, you can enjoy the view of Lake Michigan. At the end of the pier is the confluence of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. There is a plaza on which stands a large iron anchor, which was given to the Navy Pier by the cruiser Chicago as a memorial. 1. There is a sightseeing cruise at the entrance to the south side of the pier. You can buy a ticket here to get on the boat and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lake Michigan on the boat. At night, there are many open-air bars and cafés along the promenade of the marina. When you are tired of playing, you can find a place to sit and enjoy the beautiful view of Lake Michigan, sip a cup of coffee or beer, and even look up at the brightly lit Ferris wheel in the night. 2. Surrounding attractions The large playground by the lake, covering an area of 50 hectares, has everything from parks, shops to restaurants and attractions. You can board the Ferris wheel for a panoramic view, or go for a merry-go-round, sky swing, mini golf, and more. The pier also has the Chicago Children's Museum (ChicagoChildren'sMuseum), Chicago Shakespeare Theater (ChicagoShakespeareTheater) and IMAX Theater. 3. Fireworks show From the end of May to the beginning of September, every Wednesday and Saturday, fireworks will be set off here to commemorate the people who once joined the army.

Pricing varies depending on the season and booking platform. All taxes, fees, and handling charges are included in the ticket price, so what you see is what you pay—no hidden costs.

Hold onto railings when moving between indoor and outdoor areas, especially if the boat encounters choppy waters on Lake Michigan

Bring a camera with good low-light capabilities or a smartphone with night mode for stunning skyline shots

Live guide commentary, onboard restrooms, heated indoor seating, outdoor viewing decks

General Questions

Simply select your preferred date, choose the ticket type and quantity, then click "Add to Cart". Complete the secure checkout to receive your e-tickets instantly via email.

Yes, all payments on HolidaySG are processed through SSL-encrypted, PCI-compliant payment gateways. We support major credit/debit cards and other secure payment methods.

Most bookings are instantly confirmed. You will receive your e-tickets via email within minutes of completing your purchase.

Cancellation and modification policies vary by activity. Please check the specific cancellation policy listed under each ticket option before booking.

In most cases, you can show your e-ticket directly from your mobile phone at the venue. Some activities may require a printed voucher — this will be clearly stated in your confirmation email.

If an activity is cancelled by the operator due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, you will typically receive a full refund or be offered an alternative date.

Yes, you can select multiple tickets for your group. For large groups (10+ people), please contact our support team for special group rates.

No, the price you see is the price you pay. All taxes and service fees are included in the displayed price.

We recommend arriving at least 15-30 minutes before your scheduled time to allow for check-in and any security procedures.

Yes, you can purchase tickets as a gift or for other travellers. Simply enter the correct details during checkout.

All prices on HolidaySG are displayed in Singapore Dollars (SGD) unless otherwise indicated.

Yes, HolidaySG is an authorized booking partner working directly with attractions, tour operators, and experience providers across Asia.

Our customer support team is available daily (9 AM – 11 PM SGT) to help. You can reach us via email or chat, and we will work to resolve any issues as quickly as possible.

Some activities offer special pricing for students, seniors, and children. These will be shown as separate ticket types when available.

Tickets are generally valid only for the selected date. If you need to change your visit date, please contact our support team before the original date.

Refund policies depend on the specific activity and ticket type. Free cancellation options are clearly marked where available.

You can reach our support team daily (9 AM – 11 PM SGT) via email at support@holidaysg.com or through the live chat on our website.

No, you can book as a guest. However, creating an account lets you track your bookings, save favourites, and access exclusive deals.

We strive to offer the most competitive prices. If you find a lower price for the same activity on another platform, contact us and we will do our best to match it.

Yes, we often offer combo packages that bundle popular attractions together at a discounted rate. Check our promotions page for current deals.