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Michigan (the former John Hancock Building), Aqua Tower, the St. Regis Chicago and more. 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. For the first time, the cruise will offer free language translation services. Guests can listen to a pre-recorded tour in Spanish, French, Japanese and Korean.
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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. 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). Explore more Chicago architecture tours by foot, bus, train, and boat. More than 100 significant buildings open their doors for the public to explore. Sites range from soaring skyscrapers to opulent mansions and exclusive private clubs, many of which are rarely open to the public.
North Wabash / AMA Plaza (IBM Plaza)
Marvel at the original marble, mahogany doors and decorative wrought iron found throughout the two lobbies and uppermost floors of this 1895 building, designed by John Wellborn Root and Charles Atwood. Experience the glamour, intrigue and excitement of the bygone "Grand Hotel" era at the Palmer House. See recently restored public spaces and renovated guest rooms while learning about the history of Chicago’s oldest continually operating hotel. Tour the world’s tallest commercial building with load-bearing masonry walls and learn how the transition from masonry to steel frame skyscrapers transformed the workplace. Discover the history and architecture of Fort Sheridan, a former military base listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
Marina City
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. “Whether he designs private houses or public infrastructure, schools or fire stations, city halls or museums, the common and convivial dimension is always present. His constant, careful and substantial attention to community has generated public interworking space systems that incentivize people to convene in different ways,” states the 2024 Jury Citation, in part.
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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. Led by the Chicago Architecture Center's knowledgeable and expertly trained docent volunteers abroad the city's most luxurious fleet, the cruise reveals fascinating stories behind Chicago's majestic buildings in a way no other tour can. 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.
Your guide to Chicago’s iconic architecture

Whether it's affordable escapes or luxurious retreats, we've got you covered. Come along as we uncover the beauty of destinations, indulge in delectable cuisines, and dive into the heart of various cultures. Your wedding is the start of your lifelong journey together, so begin that journey in a truly memorable way - a wedding cruise down the Chicago River. Check out more art and architecture events in Chicago throughout the year.
If you’re looking to dive into Chicago architecture, explore our must-see sites and packed list of architecture events, tours, and cruises where you can learn the fascinating stories behind the buildings. 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. 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.
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady - WGN TV Chicago
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady.
Posted: Sun, 21 Apr 2024 06:36:09 GMT [source]
This lively overview of Chicago architecture explores iconic buildings from the 1890s to present. We'll compare and contrast a wide range of buildings with varying architectural styles and see how older structures connect to new skyline additions. This classic tour is a must for out-of-town visitors and Chicagoans alike. 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. The 90-minute tour on the Chicago River includes indoor and outdoor seating, a full-service bar and snack bar, and detailed storytelling of Chicago's many architectural styles and stories.
Chicago Urban Adventure River and Lake Cruise
Visit several of these sites, including "the tallest church in the world"—a skyscraper with offices, designed for worship and work. Once the largest building in the world, the Merchandise Mart remains a center for commercial and residential design. 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. Michigan Ave (John Hancock Center) dominates the northern end of Chicago’s skyline.
A 30-minute speed boat tour of Chicago along Lake Michigan, including views of the city skyline and several landmarks along the way. 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. Chicago’s stunning cityscape has been shaped by some of the biggest names in architecture — Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, Mies van der Rohe, Jeanne Gang, Daniel Burnham, and beyond.
On this tour, you'll learn how the building forever changed the character of North Michigan Avenue. See beautifully preserved examples of domestic architecture of the early 1900s in this delightful walk along three blocks of Dearborn Street in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast. Learn about The 606/Bloomingdale Trail and how it came to be during this 90-minute, one-mile walking tour along the beautifully restored Bloomingdale railroad viaduct on Chicago’s northwest side. Oak Park is home to the world’s largest collection of buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Explore Chicago’s green spaces and learn why well-designed parks and outdoor recreational areas are essential to the city.
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. Other architectural styles represented in Chicago include Deconstructivism (Pritzker Pavilion), Gothic Revival (Tribune Tower, Chicago Water Tower), Spanish Colonial Revival (Wrigley Building), and more. Experience the Lake Forest Cemetery's park-like setting overlooking Lake Michigan in one of Chicago's most beautiful premier suburbs. Hear stories of Lake Forest's founding and those who made their mark from Civil War to modern times. As the first skyscraper built within the Loop after World War II, the Inland Steel Building became an instant symbol of Chicago’s prominence as a modern American city in the 20th century.
You’ll see why visitors and locals alike consistently name our tour the best way to see Chicago. 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. A 90-minute history tour on the Chicago River from the comfort of an open-deck boat with views of the Civic Opera House, Wrigley Building, Willis Tower and more.
Guests who are able to transfer may use the company's manual wheelchair based on availability.Visit our accessibility page for more information. 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. A visit to the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) includes access to two floors of extraordinary exhibits. Admission is normally $15, but with the river cruise bundle, you get access for only $5!
Discover the exciting diversity of Chicago’s world famous architecture as we trace its development from the early days up to the present. In addition to being the site of the 1893 World’s Fair, Hyde Park is also home to the University of Chicago and many significant buildings, including Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece, Robie House. Select a tour of architectural treasures throughout Chicago and its suburbs, brought to life as only a CAC docent can. 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.
Nonprofit organization with tours, exhibitions,programs and events for all ages. 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.
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