Downtown Chicago street closures due to the Chicago Marathon extend through 6 pm Sunday 10/13. Please allow extra travel time.
St. Patrick's Day Clover Cruise
Join us on Saturday, March 15th, 2025, for our annual St. Patrick's Day Clover Cruise and celebrate St. Patrick's Day weekend in spectacular fashion! Don your best green attire and get ready to shake your shamrocks for a whale of a good time as you eat, drink and be merry from the comfort of our luxurious vessels.
Please note: This is a 21+ event.
Your experience includes:
2-hour river cruise experience with incredible city views
Climate-controlled interior salon and open-air upper deck for spectacular views
Festive decor to get you in the St. Patrick's Day spirit
So join your favorite leprechauns for the ultimate St. Patrick's Day Chicago celebration as you raise a glass to the Irish (and everyone who pretends to be for the day!) Sláinte!
Access via Columbus Drive stairs at Upper or Middle Wacker Drive
Cruise Details & Tips
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Date Saturday, March 15, 2025
Times 10:00am, 10:30am, 11:00am, 1:00pm, 1:30pm, 2:00pm *Departure times subject to change pending final river dyeing schedule from the City of Chicago
Cruise Duration 2 hours
This is a 21+ event
Advance Reservations Strongly recommended! This cruise is anticipated to sell out!
Arrival Time It is busy downtown for St Patrick's Day weekend - please plan to arrive 30 minutes prior to cruise departure time
Boarding 15 minutes before departure time
Cruises depart rain or shine
Dress in your green best Costume contest with prizes for best dressed!
Tour Route The cruise will travel all three branches of the Chicago River. Tour route subject to change without notice
Parking Nearest lot is 111 E. Wacker Drive. Use the SpotHero app to find the best rates
Amenities & Accessibility
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Full-service Bar Two (2) drink tickets included in ticket purchase with option for specialty Irish-themed beverages; cash bar also available
Corned Beef Factory boxed sandwich and chips included with your ticket; snack bar also available for purchase
Indoor and Outdoor Seating Each vessel features an open-air upper deck and a climate-controlled interior salon for guest comfort
Selfie Photobooth with props
Irish-themed music during cruise
Well-Appointed Restrooms Well-appointed restrooms are available on each vessel
Limited Mobility Services Available See our Location page for river-level drop-off directions for guests with accessibility needs. Early boarding available for those with limited mobility.
Photo Gallery
FAQ
Where is my order confirmation?
Order confirmations often end up in Spam or Junk Mail folders. Please be sure to check these places before reaching out.
How long is the cruise experience?
2 hours of green river revelry and bliss.
Is this a 21+ event?
Yes. This is a 21+ event. IDs will be checked.
Is there food and drink aboard?
Yes, your cruise ticket includes a boxed lunch from Corned Beef Factory (corned beef sandwich, chips and pickle) and 2 drink tickets to our onboard bar. Cash bar also available.
Is there commentary during the cruise?
No, there is not as the main event is the emerald green river! If you are interested in taking a docent-led tour, consider setting sail with the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady - tours kick off Friday, March 16th.
Will the boat wait for me if I am running late?
The boat departs promptly at its scheduled time. Do not miss it! We recommend arriving 30 minutes early to make sure you do not miss the boat especially with increased St. Patrick’s Day traffic. Boarding begins 15 minutes before departure.
Does the cruise go on the lake?
No, the cruise is only on the Chicago River and will travel all three branches of the Chicago River, with added emphasis traveling the main branch where the river is dyed green.
Are there restrooms aboard?
Yes, all the boats have restrooms on board. Please note: the restrooms close 15 minutes before the end of the tour for your safety.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Yes. Advance reservations are required and tickets will not be on sale at our dock the day of the event. Make sure you reserve your spot - don't miss the boat!
Do I have to print my tickets?
You will need to show your order confirmation to gain access to the riverwalk area, so make sure you have this printed or available to show on your mobile device. If you have purchased tickets for a group, make sure your party is together. This is a 21+ event and ID will be required, so be sure to have this as well!
Can I trade my ticket for a different date or time?
No, per company policy, all tickets are nonrefundable and nonexchangeable.
What if it rains?
We cruise rain or shine! The boat has two levels – the top deck is open-air, and the lower deck is an enclosed, climate-controlled salon. The salon is surrounded by large windows so you can stay comfortable while still taking in the magnificent views and green river.
Can I bring luggage onboard?
Due to security reasons, luggage cannot be brought onboard. There is not an area to store your luggage dockside either. We recommend having your hotel hold your luggage.
How can I get to your dock without using stairs?
With the exception of our dock area, Chicago's Riverwalk will be closed on the day of our event. As such, there will be just one way to reach our dock without using stairs. This is the vehicle drop-off area on Lower Lower Wacker Drive. See "Accessibility Drop-Off" information on our location page.
Please note that the ramp located on Upper Wacker Drive at State Street will be closed the day of our event.
Are the boats wheelchair accessible?
Chicago's Emerald Lady (10am, 1pm) and Chicago’s Classic Lady (10:30am, 1:30am) are wheelchair-accessible. When boarding, guests cross two ramps and enter through a 36-inch-wide opening (doorway). Crew members will assist in guiding the wheelchair across the gangway.
Guests unable to climb stairs to the upper deck may choose to sit in the open-air bow or the enclosed, climate-controlled salon with large windows. For safety reasons, motorized scooters and electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. Guests who are able to transfer may use the company's manual wheelchair based on availability.
Chicago's Fair Lady (11am, 2pm) does not have an open-air bow and is therefore not recommended for guests using a wheelchair.
Full accessibility details can be found here. We welcome guests with accessibility needs to notify us in advance so we can anticipate your needs for a seamless experience. 847-358-1330
If not everyone in my party can make it, can I get their drink tickets?
No, only 2 drink tickets per person will be given at check-in.
Order confirmations often end up in Spam or Junk Mail folders. Please be sure to check these places before reaching out.
2 hours of green river revelry and bliss.
Yes. This is a 21+ event. IDs will be checked.
Yes, your cruise ticket includes a boxed lunch from Corned Beef Factory (corned beef sandwich, chips and pickle) and 2 drink tickets to our onboard bar. Cash bar also available.
No, there is not as the main event is the emerald green river! If you are interested in taking a docent-led tour, consider setting sail with the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady - tours kick off Friday, March 16th.
The boat departs promptly at its scheduled time. Do not miss it! We recommend arriving 30 minutes early to make sure you do not miss the boat especially with increased St. Patrick’s Day traffic. Boarding begins 15 minutes before departure.
No, the cruise is only on the Chicago River and will travel all three branches of the Chicago River, with added emphasis traveling the main branch where the river is dyed green.
Yes, all the boats have restrooms on board. Please note: the restrooms close 15 minutes before the end of the tour for your safety.
Yes. Advance reservations are required and tickets will not be on sale at our dock the day of the event. Make sure you reserve your spot - don't miss the boat!
You will need to show your order confirmation to gain access to the riverwalk area, so make sure you have this printed or available to show on your mobile device. If you have purchased tickets for a group, make sure your party is together. This is a 21+ event and ID will be required, so be sure to have this as well!
No, per company policy, all tickets are nonrefundable and nonexchangeable.
We cruise rain or shine! The boat has two levels – the top deck is open-air, and the lower deck is an enclosed, climate-controlled salon. The salon is surrounded by large windows so you can stay comfortable while still taking in the magnificent views and green river.
Due to security reasons, luggage cannot be brought onboard. There is not an area to store your luggage dockside either. We recommend having your hotel hold your luggage.
With the exception of our dock area, Chicago's Riverwalk will be closed on the day of our event. As such, there will be just one way to reach our dock without using stairs. This is the vehicle drop-off area on Lower Lower Wacker Drive. See "Accessibility Drop-Off" information on our location page.
Please note that the ramp located on Upper Wacker Drive at State Street will be closed the day of our event.
Chicago's Emerald Lady (10am, 1pm) and Chicago’s Classic Lady (10:30am, 1:30am) are wheelchair-accessible. When boarding, guests cross two ramps and enter through a 36-inch-wide opening (doorway). Crew members will assist in guiding the wheelchair across the gangway.
Guests unable to climb stairs to the upper deck may choose to sit in the open-air bow or the enclosed, climate-controlled salon with large windows. For safety reasons, motorized scooters and electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. Guests who are able to transfer may use the company's manual wheelchair based on availability.
Chicago's Fair Lady (11am, 2pm) does not have an open-air bow and is therefore not recommended for guests using a wheelchair.
Full accessibility details can be found here. We welcome guests with accessibility needs to notify us in advance so we can anticipate your needs for a seamless experience. 847-358-1330
No, only 2 drink tickets per person will be given at check-in.
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