Chicago Architecture Foundation River Tour in Brief:
The Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise offers a unique perspective of some of Chicago's architecturally significant sites.
The length of the tour is approximately 90 minutes.
Address: The dock is located at the southeast corner of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive. There is a blue awning over the staircase that leads from the Michigan Avenue bridge down to the river dock.
Phone: 312-922-3432
Getting to the Chicago Architecture Tour by Public Transportation: Take either the #146, #147, or #151 bus to the Upper Michigan/Upper Wacker stop.
Architecture Tour Tickets:
Ticket Prices
Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays: $28
Monday - Friday $26
Purchase Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise tickets online (additional Ticketmaster charges apply)
Architecture Tour Times: Launch time frequencies change seasonally, but tours generally start every 30 - 60 minutes between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., and 10:00 a.m - 5:30 p.m. on weekends between June and September.
River Tour Security Notes: Because the cruise goes past some of Chicago's major landmarks and buildings, all passengers boarding vessels for the Chicago Architecture Foundation's river tour (and their carry-on items) are subject to inspection pursuant to U.S. Coast Guard/Department of Homeland Security regulations.
About the Chicago Architecture Tour: The Chicago Architecture Foundation's River Tour is a great and unique way to take a look at more than 50 architecturally significant sites as you cruise along the Chicago River canyon created by the Windy City's tall towers. Many of the buildings that line the river were designed with the river in mind, and have a different perspective than when viewing them from the street side. For instance, you'll see the "seat" of the Civic Opera House -- also known as "Insull's Throne" -- rumored to be designed as a giant armchair with its back facing New York City, supposedly because the city had a disdain for Samuel Insull, the man who financed the Opera House's construction. This is a guided, narrated cruise and the vessels feature both open-air seating and indoor climate controlled seating to accommodate various tolerances for Chicago's sometimes brutally hot summers. Food and drinks are also available for purchase on every boat.
