BOAT TOURS
TOUR WITH THE BEST
The Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady is a “must” for out-of-towners and Chicagoans alike. CAF certified volunteer tour guides—called docents—interpret more than 50 buildings along the Chicago River, revealing how the city grew from a small back-country outpost into one of the world’s most important crossroads in less than 100 years.
NEW FOR 2013 - STARTING IN JUNE
Capture Chicago Photography Cruise
Saturdays & Sundays only at 9am
Attention photographers! Capture Chicago's beautiful buildings during an exclusive River Cruise designed with the photographer in mind. Move freely around the boat and have access to all angles while a highly-trained docent points out architectural highlights along the way. The tour will pause three times giving you the prime opportunity to capture the city's architecture. This tour is only offered by the Chicago Architecture Foundation and Chicago's First Lady. Space is limited -- so book your tickets today!
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Twilight River Cruise
Fridays only at 7:30pm
The city's most popular tour is now offered at twilight. Serene and bathed in softer light, the city's architecture takes on a whole new life in the setting sun. Wind-down from the work-week by enjoying a cocktail with friends and family and experience Chicago's skyline on our luxury boats.
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SCHEDULE
EARLY SPRING: April 13 - May 3, 2013
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MONDAY - FRIDAY
10am, 12pm, 2pm |
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm |
SPRING: May 4 - May 31, 2013
(including Memorial Day)
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MONDAY & FRIDAY
10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm |
TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY
11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm |
SATURDAY, SUNDAY, MEMORIAL DAY (5/27)
10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm |
SUMMER: June 1 - September 29, 2013
(including Independence Day and Labor Day)
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MONDAY - WEDNESDAY
10am, 10:30am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 1:30pm, 2pm, 3pm, 3:30pm |
THURSDAY & FRIDAY
10am, 10:30am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 1:30pm, 2pm, 3pm, 3:30pm, 5:30pm
Fridays only: 7:30pm |
SATURDAY, SUNDAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY (7/4), AND LABOR DAY (9/2)
9:30am, 10am, 11am, 11:30am, 12pm, 1pm, 1:30pm, 2pm, 3pm, 3:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, 5:30pm
Capture Chicago Photography Cruise: 9am (not available on holidays) |
FALL: September 30 - October 27, 2013
(including Columbus Day)
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MONDAY & FRIDAY
10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm |
TUESDAY-THURSDAY
11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm |
SATURDAY, SUNDAY, & COLUMBUS DAY (10/7)
9:30am, 10am, 11am, 11:30am, 12pm, 1pm, 1:30pm, 2pm, 3pm, 3:30pm, 5pm |
LATE FALL: October 28 - November 17, 2013
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MONDAY - FRIDAY
10am, 12pm, 2pm |
SATURDAY, SUNDAY, HOLIDAYS
10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm |
Find The Dock
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Located just an 8 block walk north of CAF's Shop & Tour Center and 3 blocks from Millennium Park, the dock is conveniently located near most downtown hotels.
Link to Google Maps
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Parking
AUTO PARKING
Architecture River Cruise: Discounted parking is available at 111 E. Wacker Drive (just east of Michigan Ave.) Be sure to bring your parking ticket to the Chicago’s First Lady dock ticket window for validation. Discount applies to stays in the garage under 4 hours only.
MOTORCOACH/LIMO DROP OFF
Lower Wacker Drive/Lower Michigan Drive
When arriving by Limo or Motorcoach, ask your driver to access Westbound Lower Wacker Drive from either Lower Lakeshore Drive or Columbus Drive. As the driver approaches Lower Wacker Dr. and Lower Michigan Ave. intersection, he/she will see a large sidewalk on the right hand side. We are located 1/2 stairway down at the South East Corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge.
UNABLE TO NAVIGATE THE STAIRS?
To avoid the stairs to the dock consider these 2 options:
Option #1
Use Wabash Avenue pedestrian ramp: located at Wabash & Wacker Drive, the ramps end at dock/river level. Walk 2 blocks east to the Chicago's First Lady dock.
Option #2
Guests can be dropped off at dock/river level. For detailed instructions, visit http://cruisechicago.com/location/accessible_drop_off_area/
PRICING & DURATION
$37.85 per person plus tax
2-for-1 discount for CAF Members
The tour is 90 minutes long.
Or purchase tickets via phone:
1-800-982-2787
QUESTIONS?
GROUPS
OUR BOAT PARTNER
CAF is proud to partner with Chicago First Lady Cruises, proprietors of Chicago’s finest fleet of yachts. Their vessels hold from 120 to 200 passengers and are all equipped with full-service bars, climate-controlled lower cabins, and upscale marble and granite restrooms. A cruise on one of their boats is sure to please. Visit cruisechicago.com to learn more about private rentals.
U.S. News & World Report Travel rated Chicago Architecture Foundation #1 on the list of "Best Things to do in Chicago." Read the review!