Table Of Content

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. Two examples example are the Chicago Architecture Biennial beginning in September and Open House Chicago, which takes place in mid-October. Explore Chicago’s amazing architecture from the unique perspective of elevated trains and station platforms. Learn the history behind the famous "L" system and hear how it has shaped the development of buildings within the Loop.
About The Tours

In fact, US News and World Report lists the Seadog as a top Chicago River experience. Travel from the lakefront, through the Chicago Harbor Lock, and all along the Chicago River straight to the illustrious Willis Tower from either the boat’s climate-controlled interior or the open-air outdoor deck. The excursion also includes a short speedboat ride on Lake Michigan afterward, to provide guests with the opportunity to experience the best of both worlds, providing fun memorable times for family and friends.

Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady
90-Minute Lake & River Architecture Tour 02/24/2024 - Choose Chicago
90-Minute Lake & River Architecture Tour 02/24/2024.
Posted: Sat, 24 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Are there any photography tips for capturing Chicago’s architecture from the cruise? Yes, to capture the best shots of Chicago’s architecture from the cruise, consider using a polarizing filter to reduce reflections on the water and enhance the sky’s blue. Aim for the golden hours (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) for softer lighting. Additionally, a wide-angle lens can help capture the full height and breadth of the skyscrapers from the unique vantage point of the river.
Devil in the White City
Dine in style as you take in the skyline from the boat’s climate-controlled interior or the open-air outdoor deck. 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.
Guests who are able to transfer may use the company's manual wheelchair based on availability.Visit our accessibility page for more information. 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!
The aftermath of World War II saw a global tilt towards Modernism. Prioritizing function and simplicity, this movement produced stark, minimalist landmarks in Chicago, with Mies van der Rohe’s 860–880 Lake Shore Drive Apartments standing as a testament. The late 20th century, however, yearned for a return to ornamentation and color.
What’s the duration of the architectural lunch cruise offered by City Cruises in Chicago? The Chicago Architecture Lunch Cruise by City Cruises extends over a period of two hours. The following discounts apply; 50% off on Tuesdays for College Students with a valid Student ID from an accredited College or University. Military personnel and their spouses with a valid ID. $10 off Monday-Thursday for U.S.
Diverse Architecture Styles
90-Minute Lake & River Architecture Tour 02/26/2024 - Choose Chicago
90-Minute Lake & River Architecture Tour 02/26/2024.
Posted: Mon, 26 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
As with any major city, free parking is available in some areas (although it might be tricky…) and parking garage prices will vary. So public transportation can often be an easier way to navigate the area, and the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) offers both bus and train service in and around Chicago. How long does the speed boat architectural boat tour in Chicago last? The Speed Boat Architectural Boat Tour in Chicago lasts for a thrilling 75 minutes, offering detailed narration about the city’s distinctive architecture and iconic landmarks. Next up is the Premier Plus Architecture Lunch Cruise on the Chicago River.
This walk through Evanston's Lakeshore Historic District explores a variety of churches and residences in the town that became Daniel Burnham's "country retreat" and which is still considered one of Chicago's most desirable suburbs. Select a tour of architectural treasures throughout Chicago and its suburbs, brought to life as only a CAC docent can. This was one tour that I can honestly say was worth doing & probably should be a must do/ see on your visit to Chicago. Take in the world-renowned architecture as our expert guides tell the story of 130 years of architectural innovation. Please contact our group sales team at Private rentals are available. We are happy to offer free foreign language audio guides in Spanish, French, Japanese and Korean.
You can find out more information by visiting cruisechicago.com/private-events. Revolutionary for its time, Marina City dared to be different. Looking at this engineering marvel from any angle affords stunning views of its various geometric shapes playing off one another.
This style, championed by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright, embraced horizontal lines and indigenous materials, with the Robie House as its crown jewel. AMA Plaza Parking Garage may be accessed off Wabash Avenue, opposite Trump Tower or on State Street near the Hertz sign. Wendella guests can receive a $5.00 off parking chaser coupon from our ticket office. Parking may be reserved in advance by visiting StateWabashParking.com ($5.00 off parking chaser coupon cannot be applied to parking reservations made in advance). Experience why the CAC's boat cruise is rated the best year after year. 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.
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. 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.
Is bottomless mimosa available on the City Cruises architecture brunch cruise? Indeed, our Chicago Architectural Brunch Cruises serve unlimited mimosas to our guests aged 21 and above. 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).
How you prefer to cruise is up to you but take duration into consideration before you book. 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. 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.
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. Chicago's Leading Lady, Chicago’s Classic Lady, and Chicago's Emerald Lady are wheelchair-accessible.
It has something for everyone in a way that no other city replicates today. 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. Complete your architecture experience with a visit to the Chicago Architecture Center, just $5 with a General Boarding Ticket and valid for up to 7 days after your cruise.