About Our Dock-Site Location
Our boats board at a Chicago River dock located down a two-level staircase, at the south-east corner of the Michigan Avenue bridge at Wacker Drive. Look for our blue awning. For guests who are unable to use stairs, there is a dock-level drop-off-only area below Lower Wacker Drive, adjacent to the Chicago River. Our crew is happy to help when you arrive
About The Mobility Access Drop-Off Area, also perfectly suited for Vendor Deliveries
This area is on the same ground-level as our dock, at the Riverside Gardens Promenade. Although there is a wheelchair accessible drop-off area, there is no dedicated parking other than the Systems Parking Garage, also accessible on the lower level. You will pass the garage on your way to the opening in the wrought iron fence and promenade path. If you are coming via Taxi-Cab it is essential for you to arrange with your driver to meet you there following your cruise, as there are NO taxis looking for new customers at the lower level.
Directions to the Mobility Access Drop-Off Area
From Illinois Street or Grand Avenue, proceed southbound on Lower Michigan Avenue. Travel across the Lower Michigan Avenue Bridge. Go straight through the Lower Wacker Drive traffic light and when you reach the next traffic light, which is also a dead-end, turn left (east). You will then come to a 4-way Stop Sign. At that Stop Sign, turn left (north) and go straight until you see an opening in a black wrought iron fence, (daylight) and the River's edge. You will have passed the entrance to the Systems Parking Garage on your left as you look for the opening in the fence, once your passenger has been safely delivered onto the promenade area, backtrack with your vehicle to the Systems Parking Garage (a blue sign) , it will now be on your right side as you go back away from the fence. Park your vehicle and remember to have your parking ticket validated at our ticket office or by the bartender to receive a discounted rate if parked 4 hours or less.
What to Expect On-Board
Under Federal law, and due to special marine safety construction guidelines, USCG-regulated small vessels, are not subject to land-based architectural configuration requirements, although we do our best to accommodate the disabled consistent with our vessel capabilities, staffing and the docking space which is publicly owned and controlled. We can do a better job with advance notice.
We always offer early boarding for our passengers with limited mobility. Please identify yourself to any uniformed employee upon arrival, and let us know how we can assist. Our watertight threshold configuration and limited turning areas make us unable to accommodate motorized scooters. We offer a standard wheelchair for use on a complimentary basis. Although not necessary, we recommend a caregiver accompany any guest with mobility restrictions to facilitate movement during the cruise, for the boat may rock unexpectedly, or to assist in the unlikely case of an emergency. A qualified caregiver may qualify for complimentary passage.
Accessible Restrooms
Our newest vessels, Chicago's Little Lady & Chicago's Fair Lady, have two wheelchair accessible restrooms. Our other vessels do not. If you anticipate needing an accessible restroom, please call us to identify which cruises sail upon these vessels.