Best Chicago River Architects Tour

Question

Which river Architects tour would you recommend ?

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Answer

If you're interested in an architectural tour of the Chicago River, there are several highly recommended tours that will provide a great overview of Chicago's famous architecture. Each tour offers something unique, so it depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Here are some of the best options:

Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise (offered by Chicago Architecture Center): This is one of the most popular and well-reviewed river architecture tours in the city. It offers a 90-minute guided tour that covers Chicago's architectural history, highlighting iconic buildings along the Chicago River. The knowledgeable guides give an in-depth explanation of the history and significance of the buildings, making this an educational and visually stunning experience. It's considered the gold standard for architecture tours and is highly recommended for first-time visitors.
Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture Tour: Shoreline Sightseeing offers a variety of boat tours, but their Architecture Tour is a top choice for architecture enthusiasts. The tour lasts around 75 minutes and offers an intimate, narrated look at over 40 buildings along the river. The small boats make it easier to get a closer look at the buildings and enjoy a more personalized experience. Shoreline is also known for its exceptional customer service and knowledgeable guides.
Wendella Boats Architecture Tour: Wendella is one of Chicago's oldest boat tour companies and offers an excellent architectural river tour. The 75-minute tour includes details on the city’s history, development, and its world-famous skyline. Their tours also cover notable bridges, buildings, and landmarks along the river, making it a great option for both tourists and architecture lovers.
Urban Kayaks Architecture Tour: For a more active and unique way to experience the river, Urban Kayaks offers a guided kayaking tour focusing on Chicago’s architecture. The tours are around 90 minutes long and allow you to get up close and personal with the buildings while paddling along the river. This is a great choice if you want to mix sightseeing with a bit of physical activity, but keep in mind that kayaking may not be ideal for everyone.

For the most comprehensive and educational experience, the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise is generally considered the best option. However, if you prefer a more intimate or unique experience, the Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture Tour and Wendella Boats are also excellent choices. The Urban Kayaks Architecture Tour provides a more adventurous option if you're looking for something out of the ordinary.

Whichever you choose, make sure to book your tour in advance, especially during the busy summer months, as these tours can fill up quickly.