About this experience
Take in the views on this award-winning 90-minute Architectural Tour, a jaw-dropping excursion through a city that defies all expectations!
Please Note: We have three different vessels in our fleet. The boat you will be on is determined by the date and time you're choosing to sail. If you're interested in being on a specific boat please reach out to us directly at [email protected] and we can assist you.
At a glance
- Duration: 1 hr 30 min
What is included
- Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. Coffee. Lemonade. Coke products.
- Live commentary on board
Not included
- Beer, wine, and cocktails (available for purchase)
Itinerary and highlights
Throughout our signature cruise one of our award-winning Docents will present more than 50 skyscrapers, bascule bridges, and historic sites.
On your Architectural Tour, you will learn how the Great Chicago Fire jumped a river and allowed for visionaries of structural steel and plate glass, such as John Wellborn Root, William Le Baron Jenney, Louis Sullivan (Wright’s mentor) and Daniel Burnham, in less than ten years, lift Chicago from the ashes of the fire to new heights. Chicago’s ascent continued into the 20th century with titanic figures such as Bertrand Goldberg, Fazlur Khan and Mies van der Rohe – (higher/taller) buildings, sleeker – and it has soared in the 21st century with audacious new steeples such as The Trump Tower and Aqua designed by Jeanne Gang, an internationally known artist of architectural design.
Meeting and pickup information
- Address is 465 N. McClurg Court (on a hidden branch of the Chicago River called the "Ogden Slip") behind Pinstripes Cafe Please note we are not located at Navy Pier. There is street parking on Illinois. The ticket office is no more than 300 feet from the vessels.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Chicago Line Cruises
Accessibility and practical details
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Minimum drinking age is 21 years
- Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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