THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Step aboard a decommissioned Navy RIB for a 90-minute journey across Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. Discover Chicago’s landmarks and waterways from a fast, seaworthy vantage with Blackhawk Boat Tours.
Step aboard a decommissioned Navy RIB for a 90-minute journey across Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. Discover Chicago’s landmarks and waterways from a fast, seaworthy vantage with Blackhawk Boat Tours.
Book with Blackhawk Boat Tours
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Blackhawk Boat Tours · Chicago, Illinois
Chicago’s dynamic skyline and iconic waterways invite a fresh kind of adventure with Blackhawk Boat Tours’ Public Adventure Lake and River Tour. Departing from Chicago’s bustling riverfront, this 90-minute trip offers an uncommon vantage point aboard a decommissioned U.S. Navy rigid inflatable boat (RIB). These boats are built for speed and seaworthiness, providing a thrilling yet stable ride across Lake Michigan and through the Chicago River’s twisting channel.
The tour cuts through the heart of Chicago’s rich urban landscape, tracing a route past architectural staples such as the soaring Willis Tower and the historic Merchandise Mart. Floating beneath steel bridges and skirting the shorelines, guests witness a layered narrative—cityscape meeting waterway. The Captain, a Coast Guard-licensed expert, narrates with insight that extends beyond landmarks into Chicago’s industrial and cultural evolution. As the boat slips through the Chicago River Locks, the pace slows, granting panoramic photo ops of the Wrigley Building, Navy Pier’s lively scene, and the striking Centennial Fountain’s water arcs.
What sets this experience apart is the seamless blend of history, architecture, and natural elements—all viewed from an active watercraft designed for adventure. Unlike standard tour boats, this RIB enables a closer connection to the water, feeling the lake breezes and the river’s flow up close. Blackhawk Boat Tours stands out in Chicago’s outdoor recreation scene by pairing high-energy boat travel with educational commentary, making it ideal for families, photographers, and urban adventurers alike.
Whether you’re a Curious Chicago visitor or a local looking to shift perspective, the Public Adventure Lake and River Tour redefines how you experience Chicago outdoors. It’s not just sightseeing—it’s coursing through the city’s waterways, uncovering stories washed in waves and set against a skyline that never quits.
easy.
1.5 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required
Yes, the tour is family-friendly and safe for children under supervision.
Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted, but check with Blackhawk Boat Tours for any exceptions.
Tours may be canceled or rescheduled in unsafe weather conditions for passenger safety.
Due to the design of the RIB boats, accessibility is limited; contact Blackhawk Boat Tours to discuss options.
The tour departs and returns to the Chicago riverfront near downtown; exact location details are provided upon booking.
Dress in layers with wind and water-resistant clothing; bring sunscreen and sunglasses during warmer months.
The Chicago River has been central to the city’s industrial rise and architectural boom, with locks constructed in the early 20th century to manage water levels between the river and Lake Michigan.
Efforts to improve water quality and restore native plant species along Chicago’s waterways have increased, helping protect aquatic habitats amid urban development.
Blackhawk Boat Tours operates high-energy sightseeing experiences in Chicago using decommissioned U.S. Navy RIB (rigid-inflatable) boats. The company offers a range of departures including private charters and public small-group runs, with focused itineraries on Lake Michigan and through the Chicago River. Captains provide narrated commentary during 90-minute Lake and River tours and 45-minute Lake Michigan outings, pointing out major landmarks such as Willis Tower and Navy Pier while maintaining safety and a comfortable pace for photography. Blackhawk Boat Tours emphasizes clear, guided sightseeing paired with the distinctive ride profile of Navy-built RIBs—stable hulls with inflatable collars suited to lakefront conditions. The small-group format on public departures delivers a lively, social atmosphere, while private Adventure Lake and River Tours allow custom pacing and photo stops. All trips depart from Chicago and showcase the city skyline from the water, offering perspectives not available from land-based viewpoints. Information on vessel type, trip length, and narrated routes is transparent in the tour descriptions. Prospective guests can choose between a shorter 45-minute thrill on Lake Michigan or a longer 90-minute combined lake-and-river exploration. Blackhawk Boat Tours presents factual trip details to help visitors select the best option for views, photography, and group size.
Book with Blackhawk Boat Tours