Chicago Line Cruises celebrates 40 years on the water

Chicago’s river is waking up for the season, and one of its most beloved traditions is marking a milestone year. Chicago Line Cruises, home of the original Chicago Architecture Cruises, has officially launched its 2026 season, celebrating 40 years of sailing from the historic Ogden Slip, a tucked-away stretch of water that has long served as the company’s home base.

Since its founding, Chicago Line Cruises has helped define how locals and visitors experience the city: not from the sidewalk, but from the river itself. This year’s season, which began March 12 and runs through late fall (weather permitting), brings back its signature offerings along with a lineup of crowd-pleasing specialty cruises.

At the heart of it all is the company’s 90-minute architecture river tour, a journey through the main, north and south branches of the Chicago River. Led by knowledgeable docents, the experience blends storytelling with sweeping skyline views, offering insight into the design, engineering and history behind some of Chicago’s most iconic buildings. It’s a perspective that continues to resonate four decades after the tour’s earliest iteration debuted during the NeoCon in 1983.

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“For us, this season is about more than just a milestone,” said co-founder Terry Johnson. “It’s a celebration of the generations of guests who’ve joined us on the river, and an invitation to new passengers to discover Chicago in a way that’s both intimate and unforgettable.”

In addition to its classic architecture tour, Chicago Line Cruises will once again roll out a series of themed excursions running from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Among them: a Wednesday evening Fireworks Tour that culminates with the dazzling display at Navy Pier, viewed from the water, and Thursday night Wine and Whiskey Tasting Cruises featuring curated pours and specialty cocktails.

The company’s fleet—ranging from the 200-passenger Ft. Dearborn to the intimate 20-passenger Tender No. 1—allows for a variety of experiences, whether you’re entertaining out-of-town guests or rediscovering the city yourself.

Forty years in, Chicago Line Cruises remains a family-run operation with a singular mission: to showcase Chicago’s architectural legacy from its most defining vantage point. And as the boats return to the river this spring, that legacy feels as vibrant—and as relevant—as ever.

Tickets for all cruises are available at ChicagoLine.com.