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Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady

5 (1820)
Chicago, US
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Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady

5 (1820)
Chicago, US
Share
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Experience the best of Chicago's architecture with the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady. This 90-minute tour takes you on a journey through the city's historic and modern architectural styles, led by highly trained expert docents. Learn fascinating stories about the people behind Chicago's iconic buildings and immerse yourself in the rich architectural heritage of the city. As a certified nonprofit, your ticket purchase directly supports education efforts and community engagement projects. Don't settle for anything less than the gold standard in Chicago tour experiences. Book your ticket now and make your visit to Chicago truly unforgettable.

About this experience

  • Non Refundable There is no return, refund or cancellation possible with this product
  • 1 hours 30 minutes
  • Suitable for 1-10 Participants
  • Private Tour, Small Group Tour
  • & Audio GuidedGuided Experience
  • Gold standard Chicago tour experience
  • Led by highly trained expert docents
  • Overview of historic and modern architecture
  • Supports education efforts and community engagement
  • No visit to Chicago is complete without it
  • Restroom on board
  • Local guide (docents)
  • Live commentary on board
  • River sightseeing cruise
  • Climate controlled lower level
  • WiFi on board
  • Drinks & light snacks (available to purchase)
  • Storage for luggage

Popular Hotels Closeby

More about this experience

Introduction

Experience the best of Chicago's architectural wonders with the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady. This tour is not just your average boat ride, as it is led by highly trained expert docents who bring the city's history and iconic buildings to life. Setting a new standard for Chicago tour experiences, this 90-minute cruise takes you on a captivating journey through the city's rich architectural landscape.

What to expect?

During this tour, you can expect to gain a deep understanding of Chicago's architectural heritage and witness stunning historic and modern architectural styles. As you cruise along the Chicago River, you will be mesmerized by the stories behind each building and the visionaries who designed them. The tour provides a comprehensive overview of the city's most famous landmarks, offering insights into their significance and the impact they have had on the development of Chicago's skyline.

Who is this for?

The Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise is suited for anyone with an interest in architecture, history, or urban development. Whether you're a seasoned architectural aficionado or simply curious about the city's buildings, this tour guarantees an enriching experience. Visitors from all walks of life, including families, couples, and individuals, will find immense value in this journey through Chicago's architectural wonders.

Why book this?

Embark on this extraordinary river cruise and discover why it is the gold standard among all Chicago tour experiences. Unlike other tours, this one is led by expert docents who share their extensive knowledge and passion for the city's architecture. As a certified nonprofit, the Chicago Architecture Center ensures that ticket purchases directly support education efforts and community engagement projects. By booking this tour, not only will you be enriching your own understanding, but you will also contribute to the preservation of Chicago's architectural heritage.

Good to know

With the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise, you'll enjoy a 90-minute journey starting at Chicago's Riverwalk on Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive. The tour covers iconic landmarks such as Navy Pier, Marina City, Trump International Hotel & Tower, and many more. Remember to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking views of the city's skyline from the river. Before or after the tour, make sure to visit the Chicago Architecture Center, located just across Wacker Drive, where you can enjoy discounted admission by showing your river cruise ticket.

Reviews

Travelers who have experienced the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise rave about the captivating storytelling of the expert docents. Many mention that the tour opened their eyes to the remarkable architectural history of Chicago, making them appreciate the city's skyline in a whole new way. Visitors appreciate the organization's commitment to education and community engagement, knowing that their ticket purchase contributes to these important initiatives. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this tour is guaranteed to leave you with a profound appreciation for Chicago's architectural masterpiece.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Your Itinerary

Chicago River

The story of the Chicago River is one that continues to unfold. Through periods of industry, transportation, revitalization and recreation, it has grown and changed like the city itself.

Chicago Architecture Center

(Pass by)

The Chicago Architecture Center is directly across Wacker Drive from the Chicago's First Lady docks. Discounted admission of $5 per person is available if you show your river cruise ticket.

Navy Pier

(Pass by)

From naval base and university campus to shipping hub and entertainment destination, Navy Pier is Chicago’s hallmark of adaptive reuse.

Marina City

(Pass by)

When architect Bertrand Goldberg envisioned Marina City, it was an urban experiment designed to draw middle-class Chicagoans back to the city after more than a decade of suburban migration.

330 N Wabash Ave

(Pass by)

One of the last American projects designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, this powerful Modernist structure occupies a prominent place on the Chicago River.

150 N Riverside Plaza

(Pass by)

Gravity-defying 150 North Riverside has already taken its rightful place among Chicago’s architectural and engineering wonders.

Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower

(Pass by)

For nearly 25 years after its completion, the Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, held the title of tallest building in the world.

Merchandise Mart

(Pass by)

Size has always mattered in the Midwest. Upon its completion in 1930, it was the largest building in the world and served as Marshall Field’s wholesale warehouse, where retailers could buy stock.

Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME)

(Pass by)

View the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Building, located at 20 S Wacker Drive.

Chicago Tribune Freedom Center

(Pass by)

Chicago Tribune Freedom Center.

Reviews

(1820)

5 (1820)

Dreamer19785192553

Incredibly informative and beautiful tour of the history and architecture of the city. I walked away with a new appreciation of design

nat819

You pay a little more for this cruise but it is well worth it. The guide was very knowledgeable and it was 1.5hr of interesting facts and stories of Chicago and its architecture.

Travelqueen0891

This was a great boat tour. Mark the tour guide was great. He was very informative about the architectural structure of the Chicago buildings. The boat takes you to each end of the river, so you get a pretty good view of the beautiful city. I will definitely do this again but in the summer sometime. Thanks again for great experience.

Passport788459

The tour is great. Our guid Mark was amazing: impressive in his knowledge, entertaining and engaging. We learned so much.

111bobbyd

Was looking for something to do after going to a couple ball games. Reached out to my brother and asked if he had done the cruise and said yes it was great but do the one run by the architecture organization. It was a smooth ride and we had an amazing guide, Liz. Her knowledge and delivery were so enjoyable. She made architecture not only beautiful and historically significant, but fun!! If you are going to Chicago I highly recommend the architect River cruise. I guarantee you won't regret the decision.

Meander52869782252

Very informative. Amazing views and great opportunities to take unique beautiful pictures. Ability to ask questions after tour.

laurenp822

Great tour guide, Sara. Super informative and entertaining. Lots to see and learn. Amazing views of the city. Would recommend!

Q9506QZjanicer

Amazing! You have to do this when visiting Chicago. Our docent Cynthia was exactly who we hoped for. Knowledgeable with the perfect amount of history and humour.

Debbie_H

The old and the new building histories and how they have come together. Tour guide was great! Sorry so cold this day

deannacH6171EA

This was fantastically informative and picturesque. I was shocked with how much I learned from Tim (our guide). I'm so glad that I did this on day 1 of my stay in Chicago because it really anchored my visit. Highly recommend!
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-04-26 09:24