Architecture River Cruise

Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL

312.922.3432

Website

23 visitor photos

Ranked #17 of 84 tours in Chicago

135 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.

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135 reviews from our community

JohnandJudyFlorida

Orlando, Florida

Senior Contributor

40 reviews

Reviews in 22 cities

62 helpful votes

“More than you might expect”

Reviewed May 25, 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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Tangles

Pottsville, Australia

Senior Reviewer

9 reviews

Reviews in 5 cities

41 helpful votes

“No idea what to expect”

Reviewed May 24, 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. More

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Midge_50

Edmonton

Senior Contributor

28 reviews

Reviews in 12 cities

14 helpful votes

“Nice way to see the sights”

Reviewed May 24, 2012 NEW

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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Jmon_10

Toronto, Canada

Senior Reviewer

10 reviews

Reviews in 6 cities

6 helpful votes

“Didn't expect this to be as fantastic as it was!!!”

Reviewed May 21, 2012 NEW

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!!! More

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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

Palmblvd

Senior Reviewer

7 reviews

Reviews in 3 cities

2 helpful votes

“Kiss your architect”

Reviewed May 17, 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. More

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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

paminthegarden

Ada, Michigan

Contributor

11 reviews

Reviews in 2 cities

2 helpful votes

“Great even in the Rain”

Reviewed May 16, 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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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

NOSTRANO

North Carolina Mountains, North Carolina

Top Contributor

69 reviews

Reviews in 20 cities

18 helpful votes

“Relaxing and informative...”

Reviewed May 12, 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! More

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See 8 more reviews by NOSTRANO for Chicago

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

kt1979

swansea

Senior Contributor

27 reviews

Reviews in 7 cities

8 helpful votes

“Very interesting”

Reviewed May 10, 2012

person found this review helpful

My husband and I visited Chicago at the end of April 2012. We did not book the tour until the day we wanted to do it because we wanted to make sure the weather was good. I did expect the cruise to include going out on to Lake Michigan and going along the length of the city. However, it goes... More

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See 9 more reviews by kt1979 for Chicago

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

Cindy K

Ithaca, New York

Senior Contributor

29 reviews

Reviews in 2 cities

10 helpful votes

“Don't miss this!”

Reviewed May 8, 2012

person found this review helpful

This is a wonderful and very informative river tour of downtown Chicago. They give you the background on literally every skyscraper you pass. Even if you aren't interested in architecture, you will appreciate this cruise. More

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See 12 more reviews by Cindy K for Chicago

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

dr-lucifer

alexandria egypt

Senior Reviewer

6 reviews

Reviews in 4 cities

1 helpful vote

“If you only have 2 hours, that's the best”

Reviewed May 6, 2012

Marvelous architecture.. Amazing ship with nice Starbucks coffee and biscuits.. Amazing crew with a very interesting tour guide.. Didn't have an idea it would be very entertaining and you get to know all Chicago's history More

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Thank you for the great review of the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise! I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour. We definitely agree that the CAF River Cruise is the best way to spend time in Chicago. Since you enjoyed our River Cruise you may be interested in some of our other tours the next time you visit... More