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We are the only tour that partners with the Chicago Architecture Center to offer the official Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady. All of our tours are given by experienced, volunteer docents who receive hundreds of hours of training from the Chicago Architecture Center before guiding the river cruise tour. You’ll see why visitors and locals alike consistently name our tour the best way to see Chicago.
About The Tours
Learn the history behind the famous "L" system and hear how it has shaped the development of buildings within the Loop. We’re proud to partner with Chicago’s First Lady Cruises, operator of Chicago’s finest fleet of cruising vessels. Its boats hold up to 250 passengers and feature open-air upper decks, full-service bars, climate-controlled lower cabins and upscale marble and granite restrooms. Being onboard is sure to be an experience you'll never forget. The Field Museum is a trove of natural history, offering visitors a journey through time and across continents. Stand face-to-face with SUE, the most complete T-Rex fossil ever discovered, or step into a three-story recreation of an ancient Egyptian tomb.
Highlights of this Tour
Admission is normally $15, but with the river cruise bundle, you get access for only $5! Chicago's Leading Lady, Chicago’s Classic Lady, and Chicago's Emerald Lady are wheelchair-accessible. These vessels cruise at the 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 5pm departure times.
Find Your Chicago Architecture Tour
This massive structure has kept up with the times and is now recognized as a key Chicago hub for technological innovation. Completed in 1895, the Marquette Building brings Chicago’s early history to life in an artistic and elegant setting. Examine the innovative exterior and get an up-close view of the beautiful interior. Experience the Lake Forest Cemetery's park-like setting overlooking Lake Michigan in one of Chicago's most beautiful premier suburbs.
Lake Michigan Navy Pier Fireworks Cruises (w/ Architecture Tour)
Start your tour down the Chicago River at our Navy Pier dock, which sits at the entrance to the iconic Navy Pier boardwalk. Steps off of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, our Michigan Avenue dock starts your tour in the heart of the Chicago River. Our tours do often sell out and we always recommend customers buy their tickets online and in advance. Tickets range from $51, for a daytime river cruise to $55 for an evening cruise. Once the largest building in the world, the Merchandise Mart remains a center for commercial and residential design.
Experience more of Chicago by boat than on any other architectural cruise. Be entertained by the expert and friendly tour guides as they explain the 130 year-long history behind the skyline, while bartenders and staff keep you comfortable with refreshments. Choose between the fresh air of the open-air decks or enjoy the comfort of the climate-controlled interiors during your cruise. The tour starts at the Michigan Avenue (DuSable) bridge and goes up the main branch of the Chicago River past Wolf Point.
If you have limited mobility, see these directions for an alternative way to reach the dock. Shedd Aquarium invites you to explore the wonders of underwater life from across the globe. From colorful fish in Caribbean reefs to the majestic beauty of beluga whales, the aquarium offers an immersive experience that educates and inspires.
Find a Tour
90-Minute Lake & River Architecture Tour 04/04/2024 - Choose Chicago
90-Minute Lake & River Architecture Tour 04/04/2024.
Posted: Fri, 05 Apr 2024 10:17:50 GMT [source]
All boats have a full service bar and small snacks onboard. Art lovers will be drawn to the Art Institute of Chicago (one of the country's oldest art museums), renowned for its impressive collection spanning thousands of years. From ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces, the museum showcases works by artists from around the world. Highlights include the extensive Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, contemporary art installations, and the Thorne Miniature Rooms. There is no storage area on our dock, but guests may bring their luggage aboard keeping in mind it is subject to inspection. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as an assortment of snacks, are available for purchase.
Don’t forget to take a selfie at the Grand Staircase at the front of the boat or pose for photos at the picturesque stern or bow of this classic vessel. To truly appreciate Chicago's architectural splendor, embark on a Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour. This guided tour navigates through the city's heart along the Chicago River, offering insights into the history and design of Chicago's most famous buildings.
The only Chicago River cruise partnered with the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC), Chicago’s First Lady Cruises offers visitors the city’s most engaging 90-minute architectural tour experience. Experience Chicago's legendary architecture and the exceptional architects who created this ever-changing legacy for all to admire. This family-friendly introduction to the Windy City's rich history and architectural heritage features highlights from Wendella's full-length architecture tours. Want a quick introduction to Chicago’s magnificent architecture? This 90-minute tour takes a comprehensive look at the city’s architectural history by viewing buildings in chronological order, from early skyscrapers to new supertall high rises.
A 40-minute tour on Lake Michigan featuring views from landmarks such as the Willis Tower, 875 N. Michigan (the former John Hancock Building), Aqua Tower, the St. Regis Chicago and more. Here's a roundup of different Chicago boat tours to take this summer, a favorite thing to do in the city among tourists and locals alike. Explore Chicago’s amazing architecture from the unique perspective of elevated trains and station platforms.
Views of the city's world-famous architecture and the Chicago skyline are captured when cruising either the Chicago River or Lake Michigan, with many tours providing unique insights into the city's culture and history. Walks along Chicago's lakefront are memorable, and rooftop bars provide plenty of picturesque views — but one of the best ways in the summer to see the city is from the deck of a boat. There is enough seating for all guests to sit on our open air upper decks safely and with proper distancing measures in place. While seat numbers are printed on the tickets, you can ignore these as they are not valid.
Its expansive green spaces, walking paths, and gardens make it a perfect spot for leisure and relaxation. Lincoln Park Zoo offers a natural retreat in the heart of the city. This free-admission zoo is one of the oldest in the country and houses a wide variety of animals worldwide. It's a delightful place for visitors of all ages to learn about wildlife conservation and observe animals in well-crafted habitats. Planning a weekend in Chicago allows you to tap into the essence of a city that thrives on creativity, community, and innovation. With a carefully curated itinerary featuring the city's must-visit attractions, you're guaranteed an enriching and exhilarating weekend.
River cruises like this one offer a captivating way to learn about the city's architectural heritage while enjoying stunning views of the Chicago Riverwalk. Experience the city’s legendary architecture from the best seat in the house—the river. Our experienced tour guides detail the 130 year long history behind the skyline, while our bartenders and staff keep you comfortable and entertained. This comprehensive tour navigates through the heart of the city on all three branches of the Chicago River.
There are enough seats for all guests to have a seat outside, so you won’t have to sit inside unless you want to. Indoor seating is available for those who wish to stay out of the sun or adverse weather conditions. All boats have a full bar available onboard, as well as local, Chicago-area snacks available for purchase. Departs from northeast corner of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive, at 112 E. Our sister company, Mercury, offers the popular Canine Cruise on summer weekends. If you’d like to take a lake tour, please check out our sister cruise line Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline.
The museum's vast collection spans billions of years, showcasing everything from dazzling gems to ancient artifacts, making it a must-visit for curious minds of all ages. Chicago CityPASS® tickets save 48% on premier admission to Chicago’s top 5 attractions, including the Architecture River Tour. Visit the attractions at your own pace, in any order, over a 9-day period. One easy purchase and mobile ticket delivery saves you time and money. Our Architecture River Tour takes you up and down the three branches of the Chicago River, providing breathtaking views of Chicago’s famous skyscrapers and landmarks at every turn. There’s nothing quite like seeing Chicago’s world-famous architecture from all three branches of the Chicago River.
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