The beautiful, blue Lake Michigan, Chicago’s famous lake, is one of the city’s top attractions – and for good reason. As a top bucket-list item, a lot of travellers walk along the edges of the lake to marvel at its tranquil beauty and tick it off of their list. However, one of the best ways to experience the lakeside is through a classic lake tour.
Depending on how much time (or money) you have, there are various options available to enjoy one of Chicago’s top sights. Here we discuss different options of Lake Michigan Boat Tours to choose from. Choose from a quick 40-minute cruise, perfect for travellers with limited time, or treat yourself to a family lunch, or romantic dinner for two
Know before you book:
- You’ll be in the open, so dress for the weather
- Boarding begins 15 minutes prior to departure
- Remember to bring your camera
- Brunch and dinner cruise requires a smart-casual dress code
Highlights:
- See the Chicago skyline and attractions from a unique perspective
- Learn the history of Chicago and Lake Michigan
- Great fun for the whole family
Chicago is a cultural and architectural gem! Admire the scenic lakefront and many landmarks on your cruise of choice on Lake Michigan. Take in the enormity of the lake – one of five Great Lakes in America and the only one fully within America’s borders. It’s so big it reaches across four states! You’ll enjoy panoramic views over the lake and city. Try spot the buildings you’ve seen in some of your favorite movies – you should be able to find a few from here!
If you are pressed for time but desperately want to tick off Lake Michigan, then the 40-minutes sightseeing cruise is just for you. You can enjoy a unique vantage point of all Chicago’s main attractions while absorbing the beauty of the skyline. This cruise also comes with audio commentary, sharing insights on the city’s unique history and architecture.
Alternatively, you can treat yourself and your family to a gourmet brunch while enjoying a two-hour cruise on board the Odyssey. Lounge on the observation deck and take in the beautiful sights as you cruise along the water.
If you are looking for an extra special (and extra romantic) experience then you can also book a three-hour, three-course dinner cruise. Relax under dazzling lights and dance the night away in-between enjoying your sumptuous three-course meal.
Chicago Lake Tour Prices 2024
The cost of the tours start at about USD $26 for the shorter cruise with fewer perks and reaches approximately USD $110 for both the brunch and dinner option.
There are a variety of different classic lake tours in Chicago, simply pick the one that best suits your schedule and budget.
Times
Depending on which cruise you choose, your starting time will differ. The sightseeing cruise is a 40-minute experience, the brunch cruise is a two-hour experience starting in the morning, and the dinner cruise is a three-hour experience in the evening.
Best Time To Go
The best time to enjoy a cruise on Lake Michigan is definitely when the sun is shining and the weather is temperate. The weather is best in late Spring or during the months of May, June, September, and October. It is always wise to pack an umbrella. The great thing about the cruise options is that you can enjoy a boat tour at any time of the day, depending on whether you want a day time or night time experience.
Classic Chicago Lake Tour Options
As Lake Michigan is one of Chicago’s top tourist attractions, there are lots of tours available to meet demand which means you will have no problem finding the perfect tour for you. Here we highlight some of the best tours for solo travelers, families and couples alike.
40-Minute Sightseeing Tour
Enjoy a Chicago sightseeing tour on Lake Michigan! Only 40-minutes long, you’ll take in the iconic skyline and lakeside while listening to audio commentary or chatting with friends.
There’s an onboard bar, so you can grab a drink to enjoy with the view. It’s a perfect outing – a great opportunity to leave the city behind for an hour while seeing it from a unique angle! This is a great Chicago lake tour for couples on a romantic getaway, or solo travelers. It’s also great for families, as the short tour time means children won’t get bored!
Suitable for everyone and wheelchair accessible, this Lake Michigan boat ride is a laid-back, affordable tour. You can even choose whether you want to take it during the day, or see the sights light up at night! Sit back and relax. If you want you can even bring a picnic on-board, or your favorite snacks to savor with the famous scene. It will be one for the books!
What we liked: Great for if you don’t want it to take the whole day.
- 40-minute tour
- Audio commentary
- Food and drink
- Transport to location
This is the ultimate tour for locals and first-time visitors alike. Sit back, relax and enjoy the spectacular views of Chicago’s skyline from the vantage point of the Lake Michigan. The cruise highlights some of Chicago’s most significant landmarks which you can enjoy while listening to informative commentary on Chicago’s history and architecture.
Check Price & book
Brunch Cruise
Enjoy a delectable and brunch experience on board the Odyssey as it cruises on Lake Michigan for two hours. Once your belly is full, you can relax on the observation deck and take in the captivating views of Chicago’s main attractions and skyline.
A great option for families who want to tick off two activities at once, the brunch cruise requires a slightly more formal dress code.
- Two-hour cruise
- Buffet brunch
- Coffee, tea and iced tea
- Local taxes and fees
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and dropoff
- Alcohol beverages (available for purchase)
Dinner Cruise
The three-hour dinner cruise is the perfect night out for couples. Enjoy a magical evening under the stars and indulge in a three-course buffet dinner before dancing the night away to the sounds of local Chicago DJs.
Savor one of Chicago’s finest culinary experiences while taking in the beautiful city views by night. As the dinner cruise is a very special tour, a smart-casual dress code is required.
- Three-hour cruise
- Buffet dinner
- Coffee, tea and iced tea
- Local taxes and fees
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and dropoff
- Alcohol beverages (available for purchase)
Specification: Classic Lake Tour Chicago (Cruise, Brunch or Dinner) 2024
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Photos: Classic Lake Tour Chicago (Cruise, Brunch or Dinner) 2024
Jhane – United States –
A night to remember We had a great time! It was my birthday and me and my partner spent the night here! about 3.5-4ish hours on the boat! Everyone was friendly and made you feel like family no matter what culture your from we all came together as one and had a amazing time!
Kim – United States –
The Odessy is wonderful! The staff, superb and the food, excellent. It was a great time!!
Ryan – United States –
One of the most picturesque views of Chicago shoreline We took the last cruise at twilight and view of the shoreline as the lights come on in buildings presents Chicago in all its glory – should not be missed. The boats are easy to get on and comfortable even for seniors and the ride is very pleasurable. It may get a little chilly after sundown depending on weather conditions. Check-in with printed tickets was a breeze with no wait. Weekends are busy and it was a good idea to have tickets in advance.
Linda – United States –
Great tour!!! We came to Chicago for the weekend with only a few things planned. We asked our cab driver what he would recommend and he suggested a boat tour. We we lucky enough to get a ticket for the same afternoon. Beautiful day. Boat was very clean. Staff was polite and helpful both before getting on the boat and on the boat. Enjoyed the narrative of the sights we were seeing. So glad we did this. Would recommend to anyone.