Chicago’s boat tours offer the perfect opportunity to appreciate this remarkable urban space’s architectural charms.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Chicago has one of America’s most celebrated skylines. Landmark-packed The Loop is home to the 19th-century Monadnock Building and the 110-story Willis Tower, alongside cultural landmarks such as The Art Institute of Chicago. And because The Loop borders the waters of mighty Lake Michigan, a boat cruise is the best way to enjoy the lake while appreciating the city. Meanwhile architecture tours on the Chicago River get you up close and personal with the city’s architectural gems of the last century and a half. These top five boat tours include insightful commentary, helping you differentiate your Daniel Burnham from your Louis Sullivan buildings.
Chicago Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise
For visitors short on time, this 40-minute Lake Michigan cruise is a great, budget-friendly way to head out onto the open water to drink in Chicago’s skyline. A prerecorded commentary is coupled with a set tour route that explores the best-known landmarks of Chicago, such as Lake Point Tower. Buying tickets in advance means you can skip the queue at the ticket office on the day. There are around seven departures daily from Sept-May, while multiple tours depart during the summer months from Mon-Sat. From $38 per person.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Chicago River Guided Architecture Cruise
The best way to experience the Chicago cityscape is from further back on Lake Michigan. Head out onto open water as part of this 90-minute architecture tour to see whole stretches of city shoreline, of which Chicago enjoys approximately 26 miles. The on-board commentary will help you to pick out the most notable buildings from the bunch. This tour also takes in the landmarks best seen from the city’s rivers, including Willis Tower and the NBC Tower. Multiple tours daily. From $44 per person.
Chicago River Boat Architecture Tour
This boat tour gets up close and personal with the city’s urban ingenuity. The itinerary keeps mostly to the Chicago River, exploring the myriad landmarks that line the banks of both South and North branches. However, it also dips a toe into Lake Michigan, passing by the historic Navy Pier and contemporary inclusion of the Cloud Gate, aka The Bean. Highly regarded local guides accompany guests on the cruise, providing details about the people and innovations behind the buildings themselves. From $49 per person.
(Photo: Viator.com)
Chicago Architectural River Cruise
A good architecture tour is not just about pointing out the sights, but explores each one’s relevance as well. Chicago’s architecture has often been noted for its daring and inventiveness. Neoclassical facades, Art Deco structures and Neogothic sculpture are all common features amid the steel and concrete of Chicago’s Downtown. This boat tour is dedicated to exploring the idiosyncrasies and easily missed landmarks of the great city of Chicago, thanks to the live commentary. The tour lasts 90 minutes, is wheelchair accessible, and complementary coffee and lemonade are provided. From $50 per person.
Architecture Cruise of Chicago
This tour’s enduring popularity stems from its excellent, informative guides. And perhaps also partly from the alcohol sold on board. Cruise down the Chicago River and immerse yourself in all things architecture, as the monoliths rising up around you are given context and relevance through the live narration. This tour lasts just over an hour and there can often be up to 11 daily departures (although fewer tours run in the summer months). From $54 per person.