While Chicago hasn’t been my home for over 30 years, Chicago architecture still fascinates me. Considered the birthplace of the American skyscraper, Chicago’s eclectic architecture can best be enjoyed from the river. We chose a Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises.
Even before we pulled away from the dock, our CAF trained volunteer docent guide highlighted some of the interesting buildings, including my personal favourite corner that is home to the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower.
The commentary throughout our 90-minute cruise included architectural information as well as some of the city’s fascinating and colourful history. The majority of the city was built after the great Chicago Fire of 1871. Our guide kept it light and entertaining as she pointed out examples of historic revival, art deco, mid 20th century modern, post modern and contemporary design within Chicago architecture.
Here are a few of our favourites:
Practical Information and Tips:
- Arrive early for the best seats, which I think are on the small deck at the front of the boat. We sat on the large upper deck. If here, I would recommend sitting to port (left), as more features were highlighted on this side.
- Most people stayed in their seats for the entire tour, however, to get better photos, I moved about the boat.
- The dock for Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises is located on the Riverwalk at the Michigan Avenue Bridge and Wacker Drive.
- The cruising season typically runs from April through mid-November.
- Tickets can be purchased in advance (online www.ticketmaster.com/rivercruise or via phone 800-982-2787), at the dock, or at the CAF Shop & Tour Center (224 S. Michigan Ave.).
- The tours are hourly from 10 am with additional sailings on weekends.
- See the official webpage: (CAF) River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises.
- The CAF River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises is ranked amongst the top ten tours in the USA by Trip Advisor (2015).
Do you love Chicago architecture? Have you enjoyed a CAF River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady?
If you enjoyed this article, please share it on social media including Pinterest:
Disclaimer: I was provided with a complimentary tour, however, the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Sarah’s Snapshots: Argentinian Life
Cascia Talbert
I live in the Chicago suburbs, but we don’t go downtown that often. The lake is beautiful and the tall building sure are stunning. You took some beautiful photos.
Rhonda Albom
I try to get downtown at least once every time I visit Chicago.
Trekking with Becky
Whoa! Marina City is particularly impressive!
Rhonda Albom
I like the rounded buildings as well.
claire
Oh wow, you got some great pictures. I would love to visit here!!
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Claire.
indah nuria savitri
I love them. A lot to see along the river bank and I guess we need to visit Chicago again..
Rhonda Albom
I used to live in Chicago and a river cruise really is the best way to see the architecture.
Rhonda Albom
There is just so much architecture to see in Chicago.
Rhonda Albom
Thanks. It was fun to take pictures of the buildings from the river.
Joyce Lansky
I wish visiting you was still only 600 miles away.
Rhonda Albom
If you travelled, we might even be closer than 600 miles at some point.
Suzy Godfrey
Great shots of Chicago!!
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Suzy.
Alissa Apel
I loved it when we went there. All except for the wind. That I could do without.
Rhonda Albom
I was lucky and the day was perfect. Good temperature, no wind, and sunny.
Sharon
This tour was a highlight of my trip to Chicago a few years ago. I love all the buildings, and gliding along in the boat and learning about the history of Chicago is so fun. Thanks for sharing!
Rhonda Albom
I did a similar tour a number of years ago and the commentary was quite different (and still interesting).
Driller's Place
Very nice photo set of one of the most architecturally rich environments in the U.S. There is an apartment building (University Club Tower) in my hometown, Tulsa, OK, that was built in 1967 and obviously got it’s inspiration from the “Marina City” project. Thanks for sharing some very nice images.
Rhonda Albom
Perhaps the same architect was involved in the building in your hometown?
Patrick Weseman
I have never been to Chicago. I so want to go. Thanks for the tour.
Rhonda Albom
It is a great place to visit.
PARENT CLUB
I did a river cruise of Chicago last year — it was so great to hear the historical stories of the buildings.
Rhonda Albom
I agree. And each docent has different stories to tell.
stevebethere
I really enjoyed the photos Rhonda I have seen pics of Chicago before but these are much better clearer too 🙂
Have a tanfastic day
PS: I will add you to mine
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Steve. Seeing the buildings from the river gives more distance for the camera to get the whole picture (without other buildings being in the way).
Mary Burris
Chicago has some very fascinating architecture. I love skylines and these certainly lend themselves to a great skyline.
Mary
Rhonda Albom
The eclectic variety standing side by side is what makes it so interesting to me.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
I couldn’t stop laughing honda. oops Rhonda on the ( T ) Rump Building What a photo to keep especially if Trump was to win the presidency , the President of the United States, Mr. Rump. ha,ha,ha.
I believe that you must be really enjoying your trip. Great. See ya my friend.
Cruisin Paul
Rhonda Albom
LOL – Paul, I think the photo is priceless regardless of the outcome.
Comedy Plus
Being on the water is where I would want to be too. It’s always far more enjoyable.
Have a terrific day. ☺
Rhonda Albom
Well of course you would!
Alex J. Cavanaugh
Rump Hotel – priceless!
Those are some cool looking condos.
Riverboat cruises are the best way to see a city.
Rhonda Albom
I have to admit, I laughed pretty hard when I saw that shadow. And yes, the boat tour is the best way to see the city.
Lexa Cain
I’ve visited Chicago, but I’ve never been on a boat tour. The buildings are amazing. I especially like the Marina City one and the one near the water with the Willis Tower in the background. When I was young I watched the Bob Newhart Show where he was a psychologist in Chicago, and I always dreamed to have his life, be a psychologist and live in a colorful apartment in a high-rise. Funny that I transferred from Psychology to Film in college and am now living in a desert in a 3rd floor apartment … LOL!
Rhonda Albom
Next time you visit Chicago, head out to the river, it really is the best way to enjoy the architecture and nurse your fantasy a bit.
Amy
wow those are some seriously tall buildings, I have to say architecture and some of the old buildings within Auckland City are what I love, just the history more than anything is awesome.
Rhonda Albom
Keep an eye out for art week, last year they offered a free architectural tour of Auckland during the week. It was pretty amazing.
Hilary
Hi Rhonda – what wonderful photos and architecture … love the clock tower, but particularly the Bertrand Goldberg buildings – beautiful … A place I’d love to visit one day … cheers Hilary
Rhonda Albom
It is a pretty amazing city.
stefanie
You were really able to get some great photos from this tour – I see why you enjoyed it so much! I think I like the reflection of the city in the curved tower on Wacker best – but “Rump” tower does make a statement!
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Stefanie. I thought you would like that one.