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This Chicago River Cruise Is the Best Way to Learn About the City’s Incredible Architecture

I n Chicago, you can find a wide variety of cuisines , world-class museums , numerous green spaces, lots of hiking near the city , and a colorful mosaic of neighborhoods. The city especially comes to life at the slightest hint of warmth after the long winter months. And one thing that definitely needs to be on your list of Chicago outdoor activities? An architecture cruise along the Chicago River.

The Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise on the ships owned by river cruise company Chicago’s First Lady (CFL) is a sought-after attraction. The cruise is the only one narrated by certified volunteer docents from the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC).

The experience is like boating through an open-air museum during an architecture lesson about the skyscrapers, historic structures, and vibrant riverwalk that border the sides of the Chicago River. By the time you leave, you’ll be well-versed in Art Deco, mid-century modern, and postmodern styles thanks to firsthand examples all around.

What the Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise is like

Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise

The route covers all three branches of the Chicago River, namely the main stem, north branch, and south branch, punctuated by bascule bridges. It runs up to the mouth of the river in the east and Goose Island in the north.

The tour showcases thoughtful design and engineering nuances of more than 50 buildings, including the flying buttresses near the top of Tribune Tower, the river’s reflection on the curve of the Kohn Pederson Fox building, and the expansive exterior of theMart that once had its own zip code.

Volunteer docents bring the cruise alive with their passion and knowledge of the city. Why does the river flow in reverse? Where did the name Chicago come from? How is that skyscraper standing with such a narrow base? What happened in the Great Fire of 1871? Docents like television host and producer Geoffrey Baer and author Ellen Shubart answer these questions through stories about the events and people that shaped Chicago and its river.

It takes almost 100 hours of training to become a docent, and there’s a good chance that they’ll have an answer to any Chicago architecture question that you could think of.

“I love to be able to talk about all these different facets (Native Americans, railroads, wind, engineering, and architecture),” Judith Kaufman, a CAC docent of the class of 2010, says. “Everybody hears what they’re most interested in.”

Once you’re back at the dock, walk over to the architecture center or Millennium Park to continue your daytime excursions. After dark, head to the Riverwalk opposite theMart and watch the world’s largest permanent digital art projection called Art on theMart to top off another beautiful day in Chicago.

Onboard amenities

Once aboard, head upstairs to the open-air deck for a panoramic view of the river, lake, and architectural landmarks. The seating is not assigned, so try and arrive 20-to-30 minutes early to find a good spot along the periphery. The upper deck is where most of the action happens, so you’ll want to come equipped with caps, sunglasses, and sunscreen plus appropriate outerwear in the cooler months.

Every now and then, you can take a break from the sunny deck to relax in the climate-controlled salon on the main level. Head to the full-service bar for snacks and beverages, including local offerings. There’s beer on tap, cocktails, and wine alongside coffee and hot chocolate. A handful of sweet and savory snacks like cookies and trail mix are also on offer.

There’s no fear of missing out on the engaging commentary and views inside, as the cabin has large windows on three sides and a PA system to keep you in the loop. Environmentally conscious travelers will appreciate CFL’s sustainability initiatives like the low-flush toilets located on this level and the use of biodiesel fuel on its vessels.

The Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise: options, prices, and schedules

This year’s first cruise embarked on April 1st and will run until Indigenous Peoples’ Day in September or Veterans Day in November, weather permitting. Two-to-three cruises leave every hour starting at 9:00 AM with the final departure at 8:00 PM every night.

Tickets for the regular daytime cruise start at $51.96, while evening cruises start at $55.74 for adults or children aged four and above. Infants three years and under cruise for $23.62 at all times. Golden hour cruises are worth the extra bucks for stunning visuals of the river and its reflective surroundings in the soft, waning light.

A special 9:00 AM Saturday departure is catered to the needs of photographers for the usual daytime price. This cruise allows a freer movement of passengers and stops three times for added photo opportunities.

Visitors with accessibility needs can choose from specific times on vessels with wheelchair accessibility on the open-air bow deck, salon, and restrooms.

For an extra $5, you can add an entry to the Chicago Architecture Center right across the street, regularly priced at $14 for adults. It houses a striking 3D model of the city featuring more than 4,200 buildings with interactive audio-visual elements, among other changing exhibits.

Cruise tickets can be purchased online , at the dock, or at CAC. Online ticket purchase ensures a guaranteed departure and no line for ticket purchase but comes with additional fees of up to $14.41 per ticket (depending on the number and type of tickets). A portion of all ticket sales goes towards the architecture center’s STEM educational programs for children and teens.

Where the Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise is located

There’s no better way to get around the heart of Chicago than boarding a bus or L train. The dock is down a flight of stairs on the southeast corner of DuSable Bridge at 112 E. Wacker Dr. Bus stops along Michigan Avenue or Wacker Dr. and train stations at State/Lake or Millenium Station are just a short walk away. Taxis and rideshare services will also drop you off at the upper level by the bridge.

From there, take the stairs with a blue CFL awning to arrive at the Riverwalk where ticket windows and docks are located.

If you prefer to drive, the nearest public parking is at LAZ Parking Service Garage (111 E. Wacker Dr.) right next to the Architecture Center. Parking validation at the CFL ticket office or with a bartender will get you a discounted rate of $14 for up to three hours and $15 for up to four hours.

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Chicago’s Best 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour

Upper and Lower Decks with 360° Views

Guided Tour With Expert Commentary

Discover the History Behind the Architecture

Behold the architecture that makes the city of Chicago famous! On our 90-minute boat charter, your tour guide will teach you about the monuments that have survived the years. Get to know the Windy City from the water and admire the extraordinary vistas as we cruise gently along.

Discover the unique story of Chicago by learning about the architectural marvels that line its shores.

Listen to in-depth commentary from your tour guide about the different artistic styles used throughout the decades.

Get a first-hand glimpse at the buildings mentioned from the ship’s open-air upper deck or its enclosed, air-conditioned main deck.

Admire incredible city panoramas from all sides with the ship’s 360° viewing capabilities.

The only tour that goes all the way to the locks on the main branch, Chinatown on the south branch, & Goose Island on the north branch. You’ll see the most on this tour.

Capture amazing skyline photos from your unique onboard position.

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Trip details.

• Good To Know

Key Information

Price per person.

Seniors (ages 55+), Military, Veterans, COVID-19 Healthcare Workers, and First Responders: $25.00 Students (ages 4 to 17): $25.00 Children (ages 3 and under): Free, but needs a registered ticket

Groups of 10 or more adults: Please see our group cruises and tours page to learn more about discounts.

Departure time

Exact departure times can be found on our ticket page . Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

Ticketed passengers must be boarded 10 minutes before departure time , as standby boarding starts 10 minutes before scheduled departure. Ticketed passengers who arrive late will be placed at the end of the standby line. There are no refunds for those who arrive late.

Meeting point

“Summer of George” docked at River City Marina 900 S Wells St, Chicago, IL 60607 Upon Arrival, follow these directions .

We typically operate from May to October. However, please check our calendar for exact availability.

Discover Chicago’s Architecture From A New Angle

Chicago river tour.

Our 90-minute boat tour on the Chicago River is our most popular choice! This tour goes in depth into the history of the Windy City’s architecture. We’ll pass by well-known structures like the Wrigley Building —a terra-cotta building inspired by the Seville Cathedral’s bell tower —as well as modern additions like Trump Tower. Even if you’re not an architecture buff, you’ll enjoy learning about how Chicago’s construction goes hand in hand with its history. Enjoy commentary by our expert guides and discover the buildings that make up the famous skyline . We’re excited to take you on a journey through Chicago’s past.

Enjoy our 90-minute architecture boat ride that will start at our docking location and take you to all 3 parts of the river. We begin at the “Summer of George” docks, travel the main branch up to the river locks, via the north branch to Goose Island, and down the south branch to Chinatown before returning to the starting point.

Other Important Information

• All guests including children and babies need a ticket to board.
• All tickets are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled.
• All event tickets are general admission, and there is no assigned seating .
• Please arrive early if you’d like to be seated with your group.
• Our tours operate rain or shine so please do not contact us to inquire if the tour will be canceled. Unless you receive a cancellation email from us, please assume the tour will go on as scheduled. In the event of rain, you may bring a poncho or an umbrella. There is also an interior deck on the boat.
• Due to unforeseen circumstances, a tour may get canceled. In the event of a cancellation, we will provide you with a credit for a future tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our dock is located at the River City Marina at 900 S Wells St, Chicago, IL 60607 . To get here, guests need to head south on Wells Street and enter through the parking lot behind the River City condominium building. The parking lot is located across from the soccer field on 9th Street and Wells. Please note that you do NOT need to go into the building to find us. Once you arrive, we will complete your registration in the parking lot before embarking. Please note that the cruise starts and finishes at this location.

One of the perks of booking an architecture boat cruise with Tours & Boats is that parking is relatively easy to find! There is a parking lot located at the marina , and it costs around $10 . For more information, please see our detailed guide here . However, please note that it is possible for the parking lot to fill up early, and we are not responsible in the event that you are unable to find a spot . For this reason, we recommend arriving early so that you can find alternate parking, should the need arise.

If the date you want is not listed on the calendar, this means our boat is reserved for a private event. However, we do sometimes add new cruise dates or times if an opening becomes available, so please check back often.

Yes. Even though children age 3 and under are free, you need to register them for a ticket. This is because the Coast Guard counts all human passengers on the boat.

Please see our other FAQs for more information.

See what our guests are saying.

We had a great time on this tour. The captain had a great sense of humor and the tour guide was very knowledgeable. She not only talked about the architecture of the building style but had some great history and facts about them as well. We were even able to enjoy this with our toddler along for the ride! Would highly recommend for adults and families of all ages!

We had a great informational time on the tour. So many buildings, so little time! Even at 90 minutes the tour seemed to fly by. Our guide, Sean, did a great job keeping the same pace as the boat describing each building in great detail, builders, architects, year, styles, and revisions.

If you only have time for 1 thing to do while you are in Chicago, the architectural boat tour is it! So educational, pleasant and interesting. I really enjoyed it. The guide was incredible with the amount of knowledge he had of the buildings and the city and he weaved it into really engaging stories.

Tours & Attractions , Architectural/Cultural Tours , Boat Tours , Special Interest Tours

Chicago’s first lady cruises.

Located in Loop

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112 E. Wacker Dr. on Chicago’s Riverwalk, Chicago IL 60601

Get directions

• www.cruisechicago.com
• (847) 358-1330

Welcome to the Official Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady – recognized two years in a row as one of the best boat tours in North America (USA Today Readers’ Choice 2022 Awards).

Lauded as a “must-do” activity by locals and tourists alike, the 90-minute CAC River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady glides down all three branches of the Chicago River, providing guests with an unobstructed, open-air, 360-degree view of the city’s wide variety of architectural styles, including art deco, neoclassicism, mid-century modernism and postmodernism. CAC-certified volunteer docents share the fascinating stories of more than 50 buildings and 13 bascule bridges along the river, and the backstories of some of the iconic figures responsible for them.

To further enhance accessibility for guests, the CAC River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady will provide complimentary language translation services for the first time—making it the only Chicago architecture River Cruise to offer this service. Guests will have the opportunity to listen to a pre-recorded tour narration on their smartphone in four different languages, including Spanish, French, Japanese and Korean. The translation service is accessible by downloading a free app that connects directly to a special Wi-Fi network onboard. The narration is triggered based on the location of the vessel at that time in the tour’s route, which will help ensure those who use the technology have the same experience as others listening to live narration.

Since 1993, more than 100 CAC-certified volunteer veteran docents have lent their expertise and unique perspectives to guests on the popular CAC River Cruise. They undergo nearly 100 hours to become certified, plus an additional 12 weeks of study about Chicago’s architecture. Docents hail from across the city with a variety of personal and professional backgrounds. Some notable docents have included Geoffrey Baer and Dr. Allison Arwady.

A portion of proceeds from each CAC River Cruise ticket supports the CAC’s nonprofit educational mission. In pursuit of the CAC’s mission to inspire people to discover why design matters, the CAC produces programs for children, students, teens and families. Teen Saturday Studio and Girls Build! programs proactively advance diversity, inclusion and representation in STEM fields and ACED careers, while field trips, award-winning publications and online tools expand the CAC’s reach into communities across and beyond Chicagoland.

As a fourth-generation family-owned and operated company, Chicago’s First Lady Cruises celebrates other local businesses by offering guests the opportunity to purchase locally-based food and drinks aboard its tours, from Revolution Brewing, Silverland Bakery and Open Water.

Boarding and Ticket Information

The CAC River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady departs from the Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive on Chicago’s Riverwalk just three blocks north of Millennium Park. Daily tours of the CAC River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady begin Friday, March 31.

Tickets start at $53.85 and can be purchased online or in-person at the ticket booth located on the Riverwalk. Passengers can take advantage of visiting the award-winning Chicago Architecture Center for an additional $5 and have seven days to visit the Center after their cruise date.

Priority boarding tickets are also available and include an exclusive early boarding period, the option to skip the queue during general boarding, and CAC admission.

For additional information on the 2023 season, tickets, boarding location, parking and other details, please visit CruiseChicago.com.

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CDC Recommended Cleaning Procedures

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Mobile Payments Accepted

Social Distancing Guidelines Enforced

No Contact Services

Wheelchair Accessible

Student Tours

Technical Tours

Incentive Programs

Step On Guides

Group Charter/Sightseeing

Complimentary Policy Please inquire

Motorcoach Parking On-site

Group Policy

Average Visit/Tour Length varies

Group Capacity 250

Minimum Group Number 2

Maximum Group Number 250

Group Discounts Available

Minimum Size for Group Admission Rate 20

Miles from O'Hare Airport 17.0

Miles from Midway Airport 12.0

Miles from Navy Pier

Miles from McCormick Place 2.0

American Express

Student Group Friendly

Special Interest Tours Offered

Reservations Accepted

Concierge Service

ADA Compliant

Food On-site OTHER

Airport(s) Served ORD & MDW

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Family-friendly

Buy-out Max Capacity 250

Preferred Catering Providers

Number of Meeting Rooms 5

Largest Room, Theater Capacity 250

Largest Room, Reception Capacity (Standing) 250

Largest Room, Classroom Capacity 250

Largest Room, Banquet Capacity (Seated) 125

Largest Room, Max Capacity 250

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Complete Buy-out Available

Max Capacity, Theater Style 250

Max Capacity, Reception Style (Standing) 250

Max Capacity, Classroom Style 125

Max Capacity, Banquet Style (Seated) 125

Max Venue Capacity 850

Private Meeting Space Available

Max Restaurant Capacity 250

Private Dining Available

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Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours

Chicago River Tours | Fireworks Tours | Jazz/Cocktail Tours

River Boat Tours

Book your tour now, book by phone: (708) 488-6343, about the tours, chicago river boat architecture tours .

Welcome to Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours!  We’re proud to present you with an in-depth, expert architectural-based river boat tour that delves into one of the most remarkable American cities today. Known for unique, daring, and historical architectural pursuits, it’s hard to cover all of the design and building treasures that make up the Windy City today. If you’re ready to learning more about the designs, people, and innovations behind these creations, throw on your captains hat and get ready to cruise along the Chicago River and see what architects from around the world travel to see in Chicago.

About The Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours

Chicago is known around the world for its architectural feats, both inside and outside of the buildings. From the 100-year-old Art Deco, Neo-Classical, and Gothic Towers, to some of the tallest modern-day skyscrapers, Chicago is where old meets futuristic architectural endeavors. It has something for everyone in a way that no other city replicates today.

Why Tour Chicago’s Architecture with Us?

We are born-and-raised Chicagoans ourselves, passionate about the community that we know and love. That passion and desire spills into all of our tours, drawing on personal experiences for curating a tour that just can’t be duplicated by a book or a movie. We want you to experience everything firsthand. Why tour with us?

• Expertise: All of our tour guides are either architects, architecture students, or architecture historians, making for an in-depth and personally rooted kind of touring experience that covers all of the discreet details.
• Variety: We offer a variety of uniquely different tours that cover everyone’s individual taste. We offer the Chicago River Boat Architecture Tour that takes you down the famous Chicago River; there are several different options such as Architecture, History, Cocktail Cruises and Firework Viewing Tours
• Flexibility : We want you to enjoy your Chicago River Boat touring experience, which is why we’re happy to talk with you and learn more about how our tours can accommodate you, your party, or your corporate outing. Our tours run daily, with availability always posted on our website here.

Our Tours  

• Chicago River Boat Architecture Tour : When in Chicago, cruising down the Chicago River is  a must. Except with us, you’ll be taking in the architecture of the buildings that line the beautiful river. We provide detailed explanations of the construction and history of over 50 significant buildings, wrapping up at the end of the river.
• Chicago River Boat Cocktail Tour : Join us for this great Architecture Tour while sipping craft cocktails, beer or wine available for purchase at our bar on board!
• Lake Michigan Navy Pier Fireworks Cruise :  Fireworks, one of the Four Great Inventions of ancient China were invented in the 12th century. Chicago approved City-Wide Use of Fireworks on the 4th of July 1893,. Mayor of Chicago Patrick Eugene Prendergast issued a proclamation approving the use of fireworks to celebrate the World’s Colombian Exposition and to celebrate the nation’s 117th Independence Day. This fascination with fireworks, noise, and color continues today. The City of Chicago offers a fireworks show at Navy Pier on Saturday nights at 10:15 p.m. The Fireworks Cruise sails on both the Chicago River and Lake Michigan each Saturday at 8:30 pm.

Our Commitment to Your Touring Experience

We believe that tours should be entertaining, enlightening, informational, and perfectly organized, every single time. A tour shouldn’t feel laborious in any way; you should feel an effortless inclination to learn more about what we present at your fingertips. With our Chicago architectural tours, that’s exactly what we strive to provide, basing each tour from the perspective of an expert with the real-life example in the background.

If you’re thinking about booking a tour with us, know that our commitment to flexibility and accessible makes our Chicago Architecture Tours easy and convenient:

• 3 pm *Not Available Friday thru Sunday Summer Months*
• 6:30 pm (Jazz Band, Cocktail w/bar) *Sunday Only*
• 8 pm (Wednesdays)
• 8:30 pm (Saturdays)
• Seniors $48
• Youths $30 (7-12 years old)
• Children 6 and under Free

BOOK YOUR TOUR TODAY

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Chicago river boat cocktail tour.

Join us in the evening to sip cocktails while cruising the historic Chicago River! Get the same tour just with a cocktail in your hand! Premium bar on board with craft cocktails, wine and beer available for purchase. Drinks may be purchased individually with a credit card on the boat. Tour Information Pricing Adults $49… Continue reading Chicago River Boat Cocktail Tour

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Chicago river boat architectural tour.

Forming a length of 156 miles when combined, the Chicago River is a system of rivers and canals the characterize the infamous skyline of Chicago today. The river, running through the city, including the city center Chicago Loop, is evident of man made design and infrastructure when completed craftily. In 1887, the river was reversed… Continue reading Chicago River Boat Architectural Tour

Lake Michigan Navy Pier Fireworks Cruises (w/ Architecture Tour)

Enjoy your favorite drink while gazing Chicago’s magnificent architecture and finish your cruise with fabulous light show, at Navy Pier. Fireworks, one of the Four Great Inventions of ancient China were invented in the 12th century. Chicago approved City-Wide Use of Fireworks on the 4th of July 1893,. Mayor of Chicago Patrick Eugene Prendergast issued… Continue reading Lake Michigan Navy Pier Fireworks Cruises (w/ Architecture Tour)

Chicago River Architecture Tour

Chicago's Original Architecture Tour®

Departing from Michigan Avenue

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.

Schedule & Tickets

• Adult: $28.00
• Child (4 -12): $13.00
• Under 4: Free (ticket required)

TICKETS ARE NON REFUNDABLE BUT ARE TRANSFERABLE.

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• COVID-19 Safety
• Mich Ave Location; 400 N Michigan Avenue Chicago, Il 60611
• Boarding begins 15-30 minutes prior to scheduled departure time.
• All bags are subject to inspection.
• Prohibited Items: Outside Alcohol, Weapons of any kind (Firearms, Knives, etc.), Flammables, Explosives.

YOUR BOAT INCLUDES:

Drinks & Snacks

Full-service bar with wine, local beer, and craft cocktails, as well as an assortment of snacks, all for purchase. Pinkies up!

Expert Tour Guide

Never boring, always entertaining.

No need to hold it. We have changing tables for the little ones who don’t know what holding it is.

All Aboard the #1 Boat Tour in North America

Want to take a Chicago River cruise? The Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady is the #1 boat tour in North America. Learn why.

Full disclosure: I was invited aboard as media to experience the tour for myself. All opinions are mine and were totally influenced by my love of Chicago history and the skill of our docent, Joan.

Being a docent for the Chicago Architecture Center isn’t easy. It requires months of education and an intense passion for architecture, Chicago, and history.

Dedicated volunteers learn the details of more than a hundred buildings. They have to learn these buildings so well that when they’re leading a tour offered by the center, whether it’s a bicycle, walking, or boat tour, they can do so without sounding like they’re following a script.

Each building is unique and each docent is unique, and that means that every tour, whether it’s a walking tour or on a boat, is unique.

That’s why USA Today’s 10 Best named the Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady the number one boat tour in North America.

Want to take the tour for yourself? Book tickets here . (affiliate link)

Not the city. Not the state. Not even the Midwest or the country.

The number one boat tour in North America.

Related: Find things to do in Chicago

If you take one of these tours it’s easy to see why. Yes, it’s educational, but it’s much more than a floating classroom with incredible views. It’s more like Sesame Street for adults. You’ll learn stuff without even realizing you’re learning stuff. And you can even have an adult beverage while you’re at it.

(It’s also like Sesame Street for kids – without the adult beverage, of course.)

The greatest benefit of this architectural river tour is not the view. It’s the appreciation for the city it fosters. Chicago’s past is fascinating and its engineering marvels are legion.

The skyscraper was invented here, but before that, way before the Chicago Fire of 1871, they lifted entire city blocks out of the mud and filth.

They reversed the river to stop that filth from being dumped into Lake Michigan, where it would be piped right back into the city’s plumbing.

Before the cruise I had an opportunity to ask Joan, our docent, a few questions and I asked her for her favorite story. Without hesitation, she said the reversal of the river. During the tour she described how the offal went into the river which went into the lake which went into the city’s plumbing, essentially creating one giant circular sewer.

You could almost hear the collective “Ewwww.”

Captain Julie Nerburn piloted us smoothly through the skyscraper canyon on the river’s now clean water (thanks to the EPA, one of the many factoids Joan detailed).

It’s so clean wildlife has returned, and you’ll often see people catching smallmouth bass and other fish in the early mornings. The Chicago Riverwalk is a perfect spot to throw in a line.

Or you can sit and watch yachts and barges glide by, or rent a kayak, or an electric boat.

On Chicago’s First Lady, and the other boats in the CAFC River Cruise fleet, you’ll learn about the 1.2 mile path that’s lined with restaurants, gardens, a Vietnam veterans memorial, and a museum.

As the tour nears the turning point on the south branch of the river, you’ll see another river walk, although this one is more reminiscent of what Chicago looked like before de Sable and Fort Dearborn.

You’ll learn about the movable bridges and why they’re another innovation bred from necessity.

The CAFC river cruise is a Cliffs Notes version of Chicago’s past, highlighting the tragedies and triumphs that shaped a city. Why was this spot, this swampy spot that smelled like garlic, worth all the effort?

Building with granite and iron on shifting, sinking land seems like a fool’s errand, but they did it. And they did it beautifully.

You’ll learn about those early years, and how a city rebuilt after it was reduced to its foundations. You’ll learn about the White City, and how it influenced Chicago’s architecture through the roaring twenties.

The passion for classical architecture was more than just a byproduct of the city beautiful movement exemplified by the 1893 World’s Fair. As Joan put it, Chicago’s buildings were like a four-year old donning a prom dress: classical architecture made the young city look older. 

I won’t tell you all of Joan’s tidbits. That’s for the tour. Is the city really that windy, and did Mrs. O’Leary’s cow burn the town? The mysteries and the myths are unveiled.

Before we took the CAFC River Cruise I knew I’d learn something.

Even though I’d taken their boat tour many years before, even though I had been immersed in Chicago’s past for a year and a half researching Living Landmarks of Chicago , even though I’d read reports from the 1840s and legal documents and newspapers dating back to before the town became a town, I knew I’d learn something.

I’d probably learn a few things.

No matter how well you know Chicago, I bet you will, too. And if you don’t know it at all? Fasten your seat belts, because you’re going to be blown away by how much you’ll discover.

Everyone who takes this cruise will have an enhanced appreciation for this city that works, because once you understand the making of Chicago, you’ll never look at it the same again.

Take a tour aboard the Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise

The Chicago Architecture Center is a non-profit organization whose goals include preserving and sharing Chicago’s architectural past. As such, their tours are led by volunteer docents who undergo a strict and intensive training program.

The result is tour guides who not only love the city’s buildings and history, but also are equipped with countless stories about how Chicago was shaped.

What Will You Learn on a CAFC River Cruise?

Your docent will talk about several of the individual buildings you’ll pass during your Chicago River cruise. You’ll learn which architects designed each building as well as its style. The tour guide will also give some background on the Chicago River itself, the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, and various engineering feats.

TLTip: Chicago’s First Lady yachts offer climate-controlled lower cabins so that you can cool off or warm up. There’s also a bar complete with cocktails, beer, wine, and most importantly on those hot summer days, water.

That Sounds Like School. Will You Be Bored?

A boat tour with the Chicago Architecture Foundation is anything but boring. Not only are the docents well versed in their subject matter, they also are very entertaining. You’ll hear stories about the city’s founders. You’ll even find out if Mrs. O’Leary’s cow really did start that fire back in 1871.

How Long is a Boat Tour with the Chicago Architecture Foundation Center?

The architectural tour lasts ninety minutes. You’ll want to arrive at the dock early so you have plenty of time to board. Each tour leaves on time, so you don’t want to miss the boat.

How Much Does a Tour Cost?

Architectural river cruise tickets start at $48.18 per person. If you’re a Chicago Architecture Center member you can get 2-for-1 tickets one time throughout the year.

You can buy Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise tickets online at cruisechicago.com . Add $5 to your ticket price for admission to the Chicago Architecture Center.

Taking a boat tour with the Chicago Architecture Foundation is an excellent way to learn about Chicago’s past. It’s a relaxing and entertaining experience that will have you loving the Windy City even more.

Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady enters its 30th season

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Posted  12 months ago   in   Trending , River Cruises , Chicago Architecture

5 MIN READ –  This year marks the 30th anniversary of the tour, operated in partnership by Chicago's First Lady Cruises and the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC). The CAC River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady is the only cruise narrated by CAC-certified volunteer docents who thrill guests with their wealth of knowledge about Chicago's "canyon of architecture", and has been recognized two years in a row as one of the best boat tours in North America ( USA Today Readers' Choice 2022 Awards ).

Lauded as a "must-do" activity by locals and tourists alike, the 90-minute CAC River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady glides down all three branches of the Chicago River, providing guests with an unobstructed, open-air, 360-degree view of the city's wide variety of architectural styles, including art deco, neoclassicism, mid-century modernism and postmodernism. CAC-certified volunteer docents share the fascinating stories of more than 50 buildings and 13 bascule bridges along the river, and backstories of some the iconic figures responsible for them.

"For 30 years, we have been committed to providing an innovative experience for Chicagoland residents and tourists alike," said Chicago's First Lady Cruises President and Chief Marketing Officer Bob Agra, Ill. 'The decision to bring together two major cultural and tourism powerhouses 30 years ago enabled us to expand Chicago's cultural footprint further than we could have imagined. The Chicago Architecture Center trains and certifies their volunteer docents to the same high standard we apply to every aspect of Chicago's First Lady's vessels and operations, the result being a truly remarkable and unique experience that is unmatched by any other river cruise in the city. Simply put, there is no better way to hear the stories of the people who designed and built our city and no better venue to enjoy those stories." Since 1993, more than 100 CAC-certified volunteer veteran docents have lent their expertise and unique perspectives to guests on the popular CAC River Cruise. They undergo nearly 100 hours to become certified, plus an additional 12 weeks of study about Chicago's architecture. Docents hail from across the city with a variety of personal and professional backgrounds. Some notable docents have included Geoffrey Baer and Dr. Allison Arwady.

Boarding and Ticket Information

The CAC River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady departs from the Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive on Chicago's Riverwalk just three blocks north of Millennium Park . Daily tours of the CAC River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady are now available. Tickets start at $53.85 and can be purchased online or in-person at the ticket booth located on the Riverwalk. Passengers can take advantage of visiting the award-winning Chicago Architecture Center for an additional $5 and have seven days to visit the Center after their cruise date. Priority boarding tickets are also available and include an exclusive early boarding period, the option to skip the queue during general boarding, and CAC admission.

For additional information on the 2023 season, tickets, boarding location, parking and other details, please visit CruiseChicago.com .

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Chicago is known around the world for its architecture. Whether you choose to explore our fabled downtown or one of the city’s many distinct and charming neighborhoods, our expert docents will guide you by boat, bus, train or on foot and share the stories behind the buildings. Visit iconic skyscrapers, elegant hotels or the legendary houses of Frank Lloyd Wright. With dozens of tours to choose from, we won't blame you if you can't pick just one.

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