Where each Chicago river cruise boards

The Michigan Avenue bridge is the hub

Most of the cruises on this site board within a block or two of the Michigan Avenue bridge, also called the DuSable Bridge, where Michigan Avenue crosses the main branch of the river. Two landmarks make it easy to find. The white Wrigley Building stands on the northwest corner and the Gothic Tribune Tower faces it across the avenue. Wendella's dock is on the north bank, under the Wrigley Building. First Lady boards on the south bank, just east of the bridge, two levels down on the Riverwalk. Chicago Line uses its own dock a short walk east, and the Seadog leaves from Navy Pier. Shoreline's starting point depends on the ticket you buy.

Wendella, by the Wrigley Building

The 90-minute architecture tour from ~$45 and the 45-minute family cruise from ~$28 board at the same dock as the Lake and River cruise from ~$45. Wendella gives the address as 400 N Michigan Ave, at the northwest corner of the bridge beside the Wrigley Building. Head down to river level and check in with a dock employee, who will point you to your boat.

The company has four dock spots along the north bank between Michigan Avenue and Wabash Avenue, so the exact berth can change with the season. The Michigan Avenue dock is 62 steps down from the street with no elevator. The West Dock has an elevator. Its entrances are on Michigan Avenue between 400 and 410 N Michigan and at 401 N Wabash Ave, and many of the summer sailings start there. If stairs are a problem, ask Wendella in advance which dock your departure uses. Our accessibility guide has more on ramps and wheelchairs.

Wendella asks you to arrive 30 minutes early, and boarding starts 15 minutes before departure. Bags are searched before you board, so pack light. Seats on the open deck go first come, first served, which is one more reason to be early. No cash is taken on board, so pay by card at the bar and for the popcorn. Tips for the guide are not included in the ticket.

First Lady, under the black awning

The Architecture Center cruise from ~$57 sails from the river's south bank, on the east side of the Michigan Avenue bridge. From street level, find the stairs where Michigan Avenue meets Wacker Drive and walk down two levels to the Riverwalk. Check-in is under a black awning, and for a map app you can use 112 E. Wacker Dr. There is no elevator on those stairs. The step-free way in is the ADA ramp at State Street and Wacker Drive. From there you walk two blocks east along the Riverwalk and under the bridge. Some First Lady boats suit wheelchairs better than others, so tell the operator ahead of time.

First Lady does not refund passengers who miss the boat. Luggage and large bags are not allowed on board either, so leave suitcases at the hotel. Our Architecture Center cruise guide covers the docents and the seating on the upper deck.

The same dock serves two more First Lady listings. Chicago by Night from ~$50 heads out through the lock after dark, but it runs in the warmer months only and the narration is lighter than a docent's. The cruise and Architecture Center combo from ~$71 adds a voucher for the center at 111 E. Wacker Dr, close by. Booking the regular cruise with the $5 admission add-on usually costs less, so compare the two at the booking step.

Shoreline, wherever your voucher says

The Shoreline cruise from ~$39 has no single fixed start. Your voucher names the dock for the option you bought, so check it before you head out. Shoreline runs architecture tours from a Michigan Avenue dock at 401 N Michigan Ave and from Navy Pier, which are far enough apart that a mix-up can cost you the boat. The Michigan Avenue dock is two flights of stairs down. Boarding begins 15 minutes before departure, and the crew takes a boarding photo as you step on. If you change the time on the day itself, expect a $10 fee per ticket.

Chicago Line, on the Ogden Slip

The Chicago Line boat tour with drinks from ~$42 runs from its own dock on the Ogden Slip, a narrow channel just north of the river and of Centennial Fountain. The address is 465 N McClurg Ct. Walk east along the promenade of the Lofts at River East. You pass Robert's Pizza and Pinched on the way to the ticket table. Check in there and join the line. The dock is roughly 15 minutes on foot from the Michigan Avenue bridge and away from the main crowds, which reviewers like. It runs from about mid-March to late November, and our winter guide covers the cold months.

Seadog, at Navy Pier

The Seadog speedboat cruise from ~$42 leaves from Navy Pier at 600 E Grand Ave, about 20–25 minutes on foot from Michigan Avenue. City Cruises says some departures use the Riverwalk instead, depending on availability, so check the voucher here too. The catch is that it trades architecture for speed. Its ratings sit below the river boats, and you can get wet on the lake leg. Our lake and river guide compares it with the slower lake cruise.

Getting there on time

Walking between the docks around the Michigan Avenue bridge takes only a few minutes, so a hotel in the Loop or on the Magnificent Mile puts you close to most boats. Aim to arrive 15–30 minutes before departure. On a busy summer weekend, go for the earlier end. Traffic is the usual trap. One Lake and River guest stuck in traffic from the airport missed her slot and moved easily to the next departure, though that depends on seats being free. With children, our families guide has notes on strollers and restrooms.

• Read the voucher for the dock and the check-in point
• Bring a card, since Wendella boats are cashless
• Leave suitcases behind, especially for First Lady
• Expect a bag search before a Wendella boat
• Allow extra time if you need the step-free route

Unsure which boat to book in the first place? Which cruise to choose compares them, and the buildings guide shows what each route passes.