90 Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour

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How to Prepare for Your Chicago Architecture Cruise

The architectural lunch voyage by City Cruises showcases a range of Chicago’s iconic buildings including the DuSable bridge, Merchandise Mart, Willis Tower, and the vintage Chicago Post Office. According to Urban Matter, their influence helped define the Chicago skyline, and their work often expanded to other cities too. For example, Wright—who is hailed for the Robie House and the Rookery Building—also designed the acclaimed Guggenheim Museum in New York City. What’s unique about Chicago’s skyline is that it’s one of the tallest in the world. Gang actually bested herself with this structure, having first achieved that title with the Aqua Tower.

Grant Park Secrets

Chicago architecture cruises will always strive to highlight the city’s iconic sites and landmarks because isn’t that why you booked a boat? That often includes everything from the Museum Campus, Magnificent Mile, and Grant Park to the Tribune Tower, Wrigley Building, and the Wilco Building. Of course, the diversity of architectural styles in Chicago is what often inspires awe for enthusiasts, experts, and amateurs alike. Additionally, Bungalows, Two-Flats, and Graystones are also signature styles found throughout the city. Examples can be found on Logan Boulevard and Lawndale Avenue. Can I learn about Chicago’s history on the architecture cruise?

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If you’re a couple, a couple of friends, or an entire family, it’s also important to take the number of people in your group into consideration before you board any boat—especially if you want to be guaranteed seats together. That may incur an additional cost to reserve, but it’s well worth it if that’s how you prefer to travel. As for accessibility and mobility considerations, cruise operators always do their best to be accommodating, so just make sure you are always clear about your limitations before booking and boarding. Explore Chicago’s iconic architecture aboard TripAdvisor’s #1 rated boat tour of the city. 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. Why is City Cruises the best option for experiencing Chicago’s architecture?

Led by the Chicago Architecture Center's expertly trained docent volunteers, this 90-minute cruise reveals fascinating stories behind Chicago's majestic buildings in a way no other tour can. For more than 25 years, the CAC's expertly trained docent volunteers have led the CAC River Cruise, sharing fascinating stories behind more than 50 buildings along the Chicago River. Hear how Chicago grew from a small settlement into one of the world's largest cities in less than 100 years. In just 90 minutes, you'll get the best overview of Chicago’s architecture and its history. 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.

Can you consume beverages on the Chicago speed boat architecture tour? Absolutely, you are allowed to bring your own beverages (no glass containers, please) onboard during the Chicago architecture tour. We also have a range of drinks and snacks offered by our concessions partner, Harry Caray’s. You can pre-order these online or purchase on the day of your cruise. Experience why the CAC's boat cruise is rated the best year after year.

Your cruise will be departing from Navy Pier, located at 600 East Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL. What is the length of the architectural brunch cruise in Chicago? Our Chicago Architectural Brunch Cruise spans over two hours. Speaking of walking, architecture walking tours are available as well, and there are several museums and galleries that focus on that subject too (like the previously mentioned Chicago Architecture Center above). We’d be remiss not to tell you about a few of the special events and festivals related to architecture that take place in the city throughout the year.

Art Deco Skyscrapers: The Loop

Walk Kenilworth's leafy streets, learn the history of the village, view its earliest houses and see other fine examples of residential architecture that were designed between 1891 and the mid-1920s by distinguished Chicago architects. Have a magical experience as you cruise the Chicago River in the evening. You'll delight in breathtaking views as you discover the stories behind our glorious buildings. Chicago is the perfect destination for those seeking a memorable weekend getaway. The city's allure goes beyond its architectural marvels, offering an array of experiences that cater to art aficionados, history buffs, nature lovers, and culinary enthusiasts alike.

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. 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. It’s a pairing just as synonymous as peanut butter and jelly—and for good reason.

Chicago Architecture Center docents lead you on an entertaining and engaging 90-minute experience. Learn about the architects who created our city's magnificent buildings—and the stories behind them. This lively overview of Chicago architecture explores iconic buildings from the 1890s to present.

Departs from northeast corner of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive, at 112 E. Wacker Drive into your GPS.Located at the northeast corner of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive, a black awning marks the boat dock entrance stairs that lead down to the river. If you have limited mobility, see these directions for an alternative way to reach the dock. If you’d like to take a lake tour, please check out our sister cruise line Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline. We are happy to offer free foreign language audio guides in Spanish, French, Japanese and Korean. Or, treat yourself to a Priority Boarding Ticket, which includes exclusive early boarding period, skip-the-queue during general boarding, and CAC admission.

We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow ample time for boarding. While some of our cruises, like the lunch and brunch cruises, include food, others might have snacks and drinks available for purchase. Parking facilities are available at Navy Pier or its vicinity.

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. It’s the one thing everyone tells you to do in Chicago, done right. Serene and bathed in softer light, the city's architecture takes on a whole new life in the setting sun.