Chicago’s River Cruises Offer a Picturesque Way to See the City’s Architecture and History This Fall

One of the best ways to see Chicago’s famed architecture is by cruising the Chicago River aboard one of the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s river boats that wind past some of the city’s most impressive architectural designs, including the Merchandise Mart and the Wrigley Building.

Each cruise, which last 90 minutes,  is narrated by a volunteer docent who is an expert on both Chicago’s architectural landmarks and its history. Architectural highlights you will see along the cruise include the Trump Tower, Merchandise Mart, the Wrigley Building, the Tribune Tower, Marina City, and the Sears Tower (now called the Willis Tower).

According to the Chicago Architecture Foundation, the architecture river cruise is offered aboard Chicago’s “First Lady Cruises cruising yachts, with open-air decks, as well as interior seating.”

Cruises are running through November 22, and given Chicago’s unpredictable weather, you just might found some warm days in November to enjoy the cruise on its outdoor deck.

All cruises depart from the Michigan Avenue Bridge and Wacker Drive, just north of Millennium Park. The staircase to the ticket window and dock is marked by a blue awning.

Advance tickets can be purchased through TicketMaster. Tickets are also available at the Chicago’s First Lady ticket window at the dock, or at the Chicago Architecture Foundation Shop, 224 S. Michigan Avenue.

Tickets are $28/person (Monday thru Friday); $32/person (Saturday, Sunday, and holidays).

For more information, call the Chicago Architecture Foundation at 312-322 1131 or visit their Web site.

Photo credit: SXC