chicago river tour fireworks

• Fireworks Tour

Best seats in the city

See the summer spectacle.

The Chicago skyline at night is an incredible sight, and it’s even better with an up-close view of the Navy Pier fireworks! 

On Wednesday and Saturday evenings, you can take our Skyline Lake Tour and end your visit with a front-row view of the Navy Pier fireworks. On our boat, you’ll have the best seats in the city for the fantastic fireworks display.

Casting off

Our Skyline Lake Tours only depart from our Navy Pier dock at 600 E. Grand Ave . From Navy Pier, you’ll head out on a majestic boat tour of Lake Michigan where you’ll be able to see Chicago’s renowned skyscrapers and landmarks light up.

Our Skyline Lake Tour takes you on a loop around Lake Michigan, heading both north and south on the lake, you’ll see many of Chicago’s famous landmarks and the classic skyline vista. 

Adults: $40.95

Children (3-12): $24.15

Children 2 and under: Free

Tour highlights:

• Front-row views of the Navy Pier fireworks display (Wednesday and Saturday evenings only)
• View iconic landmarks including the Willis Tower, 875 N. Michigan Ave (the former John Hancock Center), Aqua Tower, and The St. Regis Chicago (Vista Tower)
• Enjoy the illuminated Chicago skyline at night from Lake Michigan

Now in its 83rd season, Shoreline Sightseeing operates Chicago's largest and most diverse fleet of cruise boats and water taxis with 11 major tour vessels and 7 water taxis.

(312) 222-9328 ext. 1 [email protected]

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COMING SOON ARCHITECTURAL FIREWORKS CRUISE

2 hours — river & lake* , architectural fireworks cruise.

Adults : $48    Seniors : $46    Youths : $26    Children 6 and under : Free

Enjoy your favorite drink while gazing Chicago’s magnificent architecture and finish your cruise with a fabulous light show, at Navy Pier!

Fireworks, one of the Four Great Inventions of ancient China were invented in the 12th century.

Chicago approved City-Wide Use of Fireworks on the 4th of July 1893. Mayor of Chicago Patrick Eugene Prendergast issued a proclamation approving the use of fireworks to celebrate the World’s Colombian Exposition and to celebrate the nation’s 117th Independence Day.

This fascination with fireworks, noise, and color continues today. The City of Chicago offers a fireworks show at Navy Pier on Wednesdays at 9:30pm and Saturday nights at 10:15pm.

Drinks may be purchased individually with a credit card on the boat. Complimentary Coca-Cola soft drinks, lemonade, and cookies are included. Depending on lock traffic, our fireworks cruise will sail along one of two routes, river only or river and lake.

Join us at 8pm on Wednesday nights and 8:30pm on Saturdays for our narrated Architectural Fireworks 2-hour Cruise. There’s something for everyone on this one of a kind cruise!

* Subject to change, depends on lock traffic and weather conditions

• Due to heavy Lake traffic, cruises may return to dock 30 minutes later than scheduled.

A CRUISE YOU’LL SURELY REMEMBER

Stunning light show.

OVERVIEW OF CHICAGO LINE’S

MERCHANDISE

Never forget your onboard experience on your Chicago Line cruise. Be sure to purchase one of our stylish souvenirs today!

COMPLIMENTARY

Starbucks Coffee, Twinings Tea, Coca-Cola soft drinks and lemonade are all complimentary.

BEER, WINE & COCKTAILS

Beer, wine and cocktails are available for purchase at any time.

CHICAGO LINE CRUISES

Sail with us, make your moments memorable with chicago line cruises.

PRIVATE EVENTS

For parties up to 170, we have fully-outfitted boats and onboard amenities to help you create a private event they’ll talk about for years to come.

DO YOU HAVE A GROUP OF 20 OR MORE? CONTACT US FOR SPECIAL RATES!

Group discount rates are available for parties of 20 or more aboard any of our river cruises.

GIVE THE GIFT OF CHICAGO LINE TOURS!

GIFT TICKETS

To give a special someone, friend or client the best tour in Chicago, simply ask at our ticket office or contact us.

This is my 8th time on a Chicago architectural river cruise and this was by far the most informative and biggest bang for your buck. Operagolf / LaHabra

The best guide on our whole USA trip. We took the Architecture tour where the boat meandered in between all of the incredible buildings of the city with the guide knowing EVERYTHING about each building; its style, age, height, architect, cost, purpose, owner ….. Quite brilliant! DrCumbrian / TripAdvisor

I've done several of the architecture cruises since my family moved to Chicago, and this is the best one yet! Allie K / TripAdvisor

If you only have time for one sight-seeing event while in Chicago, do this. We really have no great interest in architecture, but this tour came highly recommended and we did not regret it. Allice I / Oklahoma

My wife and I very much enjoyed the Chicago Line Cruise jazz cruise... My spouse said this was one of the favorite things she has done in Chicago since moving here in the past year, and I agree. I am a jazz snob, and ... I was very pleased with the music offered by the Geordie Kelly group. He's a fine jazz guitarist, and his band was great. Augie R / Yelp

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Architecture Fireworks Tours

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Take in Navy Pier's world renowned fireworks along Lake Michigan with Shoreline Sightseeing.

Featuring a guided presentation by one of Shoreline’s expert and entertaining guides featuring close-up views of Chicago’s world-famous landmarks lining the Chicago River. The tour ends with viewing of the Navy Pier Fireworks displays. Wednesday departures are at 8:30 p.m. Saturday departures are at 9:15 p.m. 

Tickets are $38-$45 for adults; $18-$24 for children 12 and under

• June 10 - September 04, 2021

600 E Grand Chicago, IL 60611

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Chicago River Tiki Bar Fireworks Show and Cruise

• River Cruise
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Restroom on board
• Alcoholic Beverages (available for purchase)
• Food (available for purchase)
• Island Party Hut, 355 Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago, IL 60601, USA Chicago Riverwalk entrance is the corner of Wacker Drive and Columbus Drive. Proceed down the stairs and make a right when you get to the river. If you are driving, there is street parking is available behind Island Party Hut, 355 Sub Lower Wacker, Chicago, IL 60601 (hint, it's near the auto pound.)
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Stroller accessible
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• Dogs welcome
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 45 travelers
• All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Island Party Hut 355 Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago, IL 60601, USA Chicago Riverwalk entrance is the corner of Wacker Drive and Columbus Drive. Proceed down the stairs and make a right when you get to the river. If you are driving, there is street parking is available behind Island Party Hut, 355 Sub Lower Wacker, Chicago, IL 60601 (hint, it's near the auto pound.) See address & details
• 1 Chicago River Stop: 60 minutes Enjoy beverages and listen to island tunes as you take in unique views of Chicago buildings and bascule bridges. Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

• Passport60589173932 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Terrible Customer Service! Terrible customer service from Diane, I would not recommend this company! I received a quote for another boat I wanted and they put me on the boat with the fake skirt. Read more Written April 1, 2024
• jbon7 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great place to be with friends! Had a great time to unwind with friends with beautiful views of the city on the lake, just get there early to find parking because they leave on time,had music and drinks ,but music wasn't so loud that you couldn't hear each other talk,staff was great also I highly recommend it. Read more Written September 11, 2023
• latashao55 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Ok it’s fine It’s advertised as being air conditioned which is false. Also, the seating is limited despite having sold tickets to ALL the passengers on the boat. Also, they say they serve food but I only saw the drink menu but you can easily bring your own drinks without them knowing Read more Written August 14, 2023
• rigof1991 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Don't expect to get comfortable It was a good time but the bar was pretty slow and there was barely any seating up top. Maybe an adults only option would have helped. Read more Written June 25, 2023
• samanthasR4016BJ 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles DON’T BYOB Everything advertised that I could bring my own beverages and a cooler aboard. Show up with my bachelorette party of eight and then was denied boarding. Read more Written May 28, 2023
• lorenad5865 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Fake tickets Very rude people and very rude disrespectful customer service. They don’t try to HELP at all when you call customer service, they just hang up at you. WORSE EXPERIENCE EVER!!! Read more Written August 11, 2022
• U1107HEmichaelc 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The best cruise ever! We loved everything about the Tiki Bar Cruise. The bartender (Finn) is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. We cannot wait to go again! Read more Written July 17, 2022
• 891yvetten 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles No cruise I wasn't happy with the cruise. But I was with my family there. That was awesome!! We where here June 22nd. We experience nothing of the Chicago Tiki Cruise line. It was suppose to be 75-90 minute cruise. We started off on dock, stayed there about 20mins. Didn't move. Moved to next area before you can exit area stayed there about 35mins waiting to go thru shore gates, because the water has to be at certain levels was told. Not sure what that means. Then finally we exit the gates, traveled maybe 200 ft to watch Fireworks. Then it was back to the dock. What kind of service was this. The price was $50 per person. I had about 10 people in our party. So, I'm looking to be contacted by who ever is in charge of this cruise, manager, etc... My email is [email protected] Read more Written July 11, 2022
• myticcag 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Unhappy with timeframe We were told a 75 to 90 min experience. We didn’t get out until the water til 45min later and that was included in the 75 to 90 min timeframe. The bartender was great and the fireworks but we did not get our moneys worth. Very dissatisfied. Read more Written June 25, 2022
• M7972QQchrisw 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Private cruise is awesome! A private cruise is a great way to see the river and downtown Chicago. Amazing views with photo ops and privacy. Grab a drink and enjoy! Captain Sam was awesome. Read more Written June 25, 2022
• 584shaylam 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Nah. Waste of money ... an hour of waiting to leave the river only to sit on Lake Michigan to view the (extremely brief by comparison to this entire experience) firework show and then promptly returning to the dock. Little to no music with minimal volume. Restroom was dirty/smelly. Drinks were great simply because I wasn't paying for them. Staff was ok. Wouldn't recommend, would like a refund. Note: this was a gathering for the adults in my family, no children were present Read more Written June 23, 2022
• RFLilly 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles River Boat Cruise This tour was great, very laid back and enjoyable trip down the river. Staff was helpful and polite. Great for groups small or large. Read more Written June 12, 2022
• carriegS2190OR 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The best! So much fun regardless of gloomy rainy weather. beautiful views great staff! I will be coming back. Drinks were also amazing. Read more Written July 17, 2021
• N4268VUlaurend 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Disgusting Boat and Awful Communication and Customer Service AWFUL. Do not book! First of all, the tiki boat is disgusting. For the cost, the product is absolutely not worth it. Old, musty, dirty....for what they make a weekend they could just buy new boats. Second, communication was laughable. The weather was rainy, high waves on the lake, and there was even a small craft advisory, and island party boat said it was up to the captain, the captain said it was up to the owner company, and we were also directed to talk to boatsetter. Why are we dealing with 3 different companies/people?! They refused to let us reschedule, and since the water was so choppy we had to stay near the shore in the marina, which is obviously not what we paid for. The "owner" never even responded to messages. Rained on us the entire time and we all had jackets and pants on. We even offered to pay an extra fee to reschedule and messages were ignored. Even if you have a nice day, I would not advise you to book this gross boat. Read more Written July 13, 2021
• khill603 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Buyer beware Just got off the 4th of July fireworks boat. Paid about $70 for the cruise, then found out doesnt include about $10 in tax, plus they added another $10 in gratuity. Suppose to be a 90 minute cruise, Before we sailed, was told the fireworks was cancelled ( actually cancelled days before but we were not notified) and that the cruise would be a river tour. Tour was actually 65 minutes, not enough seats onboard and not offered a refund or a reduction to their standard $35 cruise rate for their standard 75 minute river tour. Bathroom sink didn't work, was reminded to tip, not a very good operation. So moral of the story, looks like a good party time, but buyer beware, you may not get what you pay for. Won't answer the phones or e-mails either. Read more Written July 4, 2021

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Chicago River Tiki Bar Fireworks Show and Cruise provided by Island Party Boat

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Architecture Tour

TripAdvisor users rank the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady as the city's #1 boat tour.

There’s one sure recipe to make your business or social event even more memorable – just add water and Chicago’s First Lady!

Recalling the handsome elegance of 20th century luxury yachts, our vessels are sure to make an impression. Choose from seven perfectly sized ships for your private event.

Your wedding is the start of your lifelong journey together, so begin that journey in a truly memorable way - a wedding cruise down the Chicago River.

Evening River Cruise

Experience our renowned daytime CAC River Cruise in the glow of the setting sun. Take in the city’s magnificent architecture bathed in golden light as it begins its transition from day to night.

“The very best city tour I have been on in my life! We were in America for a month and this was our best morning.” - JurassicBill TripAdvisor, Dorset UK

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"What an amazing experience, this tour brings all the beautiful architecture and history to life.” - Rachel M Yelp, Arizona, USA

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CHICAGO'S ORIGINAL ARCHITECTURE TOUR®

BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE

Choose your adventure, chicago river architecture tour (90 minutes).

Take in the world-renowned architecture as our expert guides tell the story of 130 years of architectural innovation.

We like our drinks stiff, not our tour guides.

Chicago River Architecture Tour (45 minutes)

This family-friendly introduction to the Windy City's rich history and architectural heritage features highlights from Wendella's full-length architecture tours.

The Ultimate Chicago experience.

We're In the People Business

This was one tour that I can honestly say was worth doing & probably should be a must do/ see on your visit to Chicago.

Ginette, 2023

We were recommended the architecture boat tour by a few locals and it was absolutely amazing!! Beautiful views from anywhere you sat and an extremely knowledgeable and funny tour guide led the trip. Great value for money and so so worth it. Thank you!!

Jessica W, 2024

The skyline was beautiful and the buildings all shined differently. Pictures come out amazing!

Christina, 2023

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Chicago: 45 Minute River Architectural Cruise Tour

Chicago activities, wednesday, april 17 at 5:45 pm cdt.

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Chicago River Valentine’s Day Fireworks Dinner Cruise™

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