boat tours (CHICAGO Architecture FOUNDATION River Cruise)

Cruises depart rain or shine.
Tickets non-exchangable, non-refundable 

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.

Our tour provides an overview of historic and modern architectural styles, plus many stories about the people who designed and built our city. The Chicago Architecture Foundation has literally written the book about the Chicago River, so accept no substitutes!

Special pricing for is also available for school groups and groups of 20 or more. Call 312.322.1131 or email grouptours@architecture.org

RIVER CRUISE TOUR SCHEDULE

Spring Season: April 28–June 1, 2012 (incl. Memorial Day)

Monday and Friday: 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm
Tuesday through Thursday: 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm
Saturday, Sunday, Holidays: 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 5pm

Summer Season: June 2–October 8, 2012 (incl. 4th of July, Labor Day)

Monday through Wednesday: 10am, 11am, 11:30am, 12pm, 1pm, 1:30pm, 2pm, 3pm, 3:30pm
Thursday and Friday: 10am, 11am, 11:30am, 12pm, 1pm, 1:30pm, 2pm, 3pm, 3:30pm, 5:30pm
Saturday, Sunday, Holidays: 9am, 9:30am, 10am, 11am, 11:30am, 12pm,1pm, 1:30pm, 2pm, 3pm, 3:30pm, 5pm, 5:30pm

Fall Season: October 9–October 28, 2012 (incl. Columbus Day)

Monday and Friday: 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm
Tuesday through Thursday: 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm
Saturday, Sunday, Holidays: 9:30am, 10am, 11am, 11:30am, 12pm, 1pm, 1:30pm, 2pm, 3pm, 3:30pm, 5pm

Late Fall Season: October 28–November 18, 2012

Monday through Friday: 10am, 12pm, 2pm
Saturday, Sunday, Holidays: 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm

Get Full Year Schedule

PRICE  $35 per person for advance sales tickets

             $38 per person for tickets purchased on same day of cruise

TOUR DURATION  90 minutes

CAF is proud to partner with Chicago First Lady Cruises proprietor’s 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.

“I took the Chicago Architecture Foundation river cruise today. I could not believe the docent’s enthusiasm, humor, and scholarly knowledge. My guests were thrilled and upon returning home to Maryland said it was the highlight of their trip to Chicago.” –Bill M.

“I've been on the architecture river tour at least seven times and learn something new each time…friends from out of town enjoy it, but those who've grown up here will love it too. I've tried other less expensive river tours and none compares to the Chicago Architecture Foundation.” –Vivian C.

“I absolutely LOVE these architecture tours. Every time I have a visitor in town this is a MUST DO. It is the best way to see the beautiful buildings and architecture that makes Chicago such a wonderful city."–Robert T.

What I love most about these tours is that every time I have taken it, I have learned something new. While the docents mention some of the same major themes, every docent really personalizes their own tour and adds little tidbits of information that you probably have never heard before.”–Kristin R.

Like the Architecture River Cruise?  Try our walking and bus tours.

Get into the city

While the River Cruise provides an overview of our amazing skyline, walking tours give you the opportunity to see buildings and structures up close.

Off the beaten path

Chicago is a city of neighborhoods. After you've seen downtown, explore the diversity of architectural styles, cultures, and communities found throughout Chicago on our bus tours. We take you places that other tours simply don't go.