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All 636 Chicago Attractions »

Architecture River Cruise

Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL
312.922.3432
Ranked #17 of 84 tours in Chicago
5.0 of 5 stars 138 Reviews
Type: Tours
Owner description: The Architecture River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady Cruises was created by the Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) and is Chicago's #1... more » Owner description: The Architecture River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady Cruises was created by the Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) and is Chicago's #1 architecture tour.In addition to the River Cruise, CAF offers more than 85 different tours of the city year round. If you happen to be visiting Chicago during the cruise's off season, check out our many other tour options on our website.Also be sure to view the Chicago Architecture Foundation Trip Advisor page to see more reviews. « less
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138 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
Melbourne
Top Contributor
59 reviews 59 reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
33 helpful votes 33 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 May 2012 NEW

Whether you are interested in architecture or not, this cruise is definitely worth doing - it gives you a completely different view and apprecistion of the city and was most enjoyable - our guide was very interesting and entertaining. A hint - rug up!

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See 2 more reviews by katstrov for Chicago
Ontario
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 May 2012 NEW

The architecture river cruise was so interesting and informative. The volunteer "docent" was brimming with information about architecture plus how Chicago developed over the. A wonderful view of the city and and a relaxing and enjoyable meander on the waterways. Don't miss this tour -very much worth the time and money.

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See 5 more reviews by Ility for Chicago
Vaughan
Senior Contributor
40 reviews 40 reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
27 helpful votes 27 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 May 2012 NEW

Great information about the downtown buildings. The tour guide was very knowledgeable. A definate must for any architecture student. Was a great way to see a different perspective of the buildings.

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See 10 more reviews by MapleRes for Chicago
Orlando, Florida
Senior Contributor
40 reviews 40 reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
62 helpful votes 62 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 May 2012 NEW

Not just a boat trip but a true tour and with knowledgeable docents to add details and offer explanations on what building or aspect of the surprisingly pretty Chicago River you are viewing. A decent bar, and friendly crew - who gave good advice and offered assistance. With a coffee and a brandy and a good seat it was a... More

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See 5 more reviews by JohnandJudyFlorida for Chicago
Pottsville, Australia
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
42 helpful votes 42 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 May 2012 NEW

This tour was great, giving history of Chicago, the lady who conducted the tour was very knowledgeable and gave a lot of background into the various buildings around the city. They don't take you through the lock into Lake Michigan but that was fine. If u sit outside, remember to take a hat.

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Edmonton
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 May 2012

You can't beat this attraction. Our hostess was well versed on the buildings and history of Chicago and the rest of the week we were able to pick out the buildings we saw from the boat. It was a great thing to do early in the trip so you had reference points for the rest of your visit. There were... More

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See 7 more reviews by Midge_50 for Chicago
Toronto, Canada
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2012

Our tour guide was great! She full of information about every building we passed. Chicago's architecture is fascinating! This tour is a must if you visit the city!!!

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See 3 more reviews by Jmon_10 for Chicago
Jennifer Lucente, Manager at Architecture River Cruise, responded to this review
23 May 2012

Thanks for the great review of our River Cruise! I'm so happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour. As you might remember, all of our tours are led by highly-trained volunteer docents and I'd love to pass along your review to the docent who led your tour. Do you remember the date and time you took the River Cruise?... More

Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2012

This cruise of the river through the downtown area was great! The docent was excellent, very knowledgable of the history and architecture of the city. It made me want to do other tours offered by this group. Highly recommended.

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See 3 more reviews by Palmblvd for Chicago
Jennifer Lucente, Manager at Architecture River Cruise, responded to this review
23 May 2012

Thank you for the great review of our River Cruise! I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour. As you mention, our tours are led by highly-trained volunteer docents. I'd love to pass along your compliments to the docent who led your tour. Do you remember the date and time of your River Cruise? That will help me figure... More

Ada, Michigan
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2012

This is a great way to learn about the Chicago skyline and some of the history of the city. We were all so much more conscious of architecture throughout our visit after this experience. The Inisfree is a beautiful boat, and our tourguide informative and humorous. We had not visited the Riverwalk area before, but would like to explore it... More

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See 9 more reviews by paminthegarden for Chicago
Jennifer Lucente, Manager at Architecture River Cruise, responded to this review
23 May 2012

Thank you for the great review, however, I don't think you took the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise. We partner with Chicago's First Lady cruises and the boat that you mention is with another company. But I am happy to hear that you enjoyed your time in Chicago. Next time you visit, be sure to check out the Chicago Architecture... More

North Carolina Mountains, North Carolina
Top Contributor
69 reviews 69 reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 May 2012

Fun to hear the skinny on some of those buildings and the history of the Chicago River, locks and all. The spin out to Lake Michigan offers a great view of the spectacular Chicago skyline. I will take this trip again for the sheer relaxation and to hear the funny tour guide. Make sure you leave him a tip!

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See 8 more reviews by NOSTRANO for Chicago
Jennifer Lucente, Manager at Architecture River Cruise, responded to this review
23 May 2012

Thank you for the review, however, I don't think you took the Chicago Architecture Foundation river cruise. Our tour does not venture out into the Lake and our guides do not accept personal tips. But, we are happy to know that you enjoyed your time in Chicago. Next time you visit be sure to check out the Chicago Architecture Foundation... More

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