For additional information on the 2023 season, tickets, boarding location, parking and other details, please visit CruiseChicago.com. (There are other, similar tours but this one has the imprimatur of the Chicago Architectural Center). The Architectural Tour will take you down the Chicago River. Interested in a tour for a group of 20 or more? Since 1993, more than 100 CAC-certified volunteer veteran docents have lent their expertise and unique perspectives to guests on the popular CAC River Cruise. For more than 25 years, the CAC's expertly trained docent volunteers have led the river cruise, sharing fascinating stories behind more than 50 buildings along the Chicago River. Wendella also offers specialty cruises, featuring events like firework shows and wine tasting. Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady Learn More. Thank you! SeaDog Cruises gives you the chance to speed across Lake Michigan. Full-service bar aboard each vessel. Alternatively, enjoy an evening cruise on the lake. Odyssey also offers fireworks dinner cruises during the summer. 2-hour cruise minimum, does not include food and beverage. Buy a combo ticket for the river cruise AND visit the Chicago Architecture Centeryou'll save $9! When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site. You actually get to go kayaking for this one. www.cruisechicago.com. Best real Chicago tour for tourist and residents! Thanks! Theres also the Sunset Brew Cruise on Thursdays between May and September at sunset. See dozens of landmark buildings that line the Chicago River on the only architecture cruise lead by expert docents from. Dock AddressChicago's First Lady Cruises112 E. Wacker DriveChicago, IL 60601Tel: 847-358-1330, Please note: No US Mail delivery received at the dock, Mailing AddressChicago's First Lady Cruises303 E. Wacker Drive, Suite 1550Chicago, IL 60601Tel: 847-358-1330. We're proud to partner with Chicago's First Lady Cruises, operator of Chicago's finest fleet of cruising vessels. Chicago's First Lady Cruises, Chicago: "Can anyone recommend a parking garage near the." | Check out 6 answers, plus see 5,758 reviews, articles, and 2,706 photos of Chicago's First Lady Cruises, ranked No.781 on Tripadvisor among 2,717 attractions in Chicago. Contact. All departments Corporate Office Department Maintenance. In pursuit of the CACs mission to inspire people to discover why design matters, the CAC produces programs for children, students, teens and families. I think this may have been the best one! Admission is valid up to 7 days before or after your cruise. After more than 80 years providing memorable cruises of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan for millions of guests, we are proud to say we have a perfect safety record. What did you like about this post? Looking for the ultimate Chicago architecture experience? Chicagos First Lady Cruises is deeply committed to bettering the city we love. All rights reserved.Privacy policy | Terms of use | Sitemap. Daily tours of the CAC River Cruise aboard Chicagos First Lady begin Friday, March 31. Were proud to partner with Chicagos First Lady Cruises, operator ofChicagos finest fleet of cruising vessels. Related Reading: Want to be sure you have everything you need for these outdoor experiences in Chicago? Youll learn from the fun historical narration of the city as you look at the majestic buildings. Chicago's First Lady. 112 E. Wacker Dr. on Chicagos Riverwalk, Chicago IL 60601, var preloaded = { 'listing': {"id":39368,"title":"Chicago’s First Lady Cruises","excerpt":"Chicago’s First Lady Cruises is the ultimate choice for private, upscale river and lakefront dining for your group outing. Were one of the most unique Chicago private party locations for special events, outdoor wedding ceremonies and receptions, networking events, private corporate events, birthday party cruises, chartered Chicago boat tours and much more. Alice was terrific - very knowledgeable and thorough. Take in the citys magnificent architecture bathed in golden light as it begins its transition from day to night. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. 112 E. Wacker Dr. on Chicago's Riverwalk, Chicago IL 60601. It's one thing to gaze at Chicago's famed skyline, and another altogether to view it on Chicago, Illinois' popular architecture tour, the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady Cruises, named by TripAdvisor reviewers as one of the Top 10 Tours in the USA. The safety of our guests and crew is our number one priority. It will show you more than 40 of Chicagos most famous buildings while cruising down the three branches of the river. We usually recommend arriving at our dock 30 minutes in advance of your scheduled departure time. There are all sorts of fun twists and turns, splashes, and crazy speeds. Chicago's First Lady. Chicago's First Lady Cruises and Mercury, Chicago's Skyline Cruiseline recently announced the transition to the fourth generation of family leadership during its 87th year of operation on Chicago's waterways.. Robert (Bob) Agra III, who has been with Chicago's First Lady Cruises for 20 years, will now serve as president and chief marketing officer of the company. Part-time, full-time and seasonal positions are added as they become available. Some notable docents have included Geoffrey Baer and Dr. Allison Arwady. We're one of the most unique Chicago private party locations for special events, outdoor wedding ceremonies and receptions, networking events, private corporate events, birthday party cruises, chartered Chicago boat tours and much more. Chicagos First Lady Cruises: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go, Marriott Autograph Collection Hotels in Chicago, Prairie Avenue Historic District (Prairie District) Accommodation, Hotels near Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower, Hotels near Museum of Science and Industry, Hotels near Harold Washington Library State/Van Buren, Hotels near Soma Massage School Chicago, IL, Hotels near The Institute for Clinical Social Work, Hotels near Illinois School of Health Careers, Hotels near Pacific College - Chicago, IL, Things to do near Chicagos First Lady Cruises, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Gage Park, The McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum, The Art Institute of Chicago: Tickets & Tours, Museum of Science and Industry: Tickets & Tours, 360 Chicago Observation Deck: Tickets & Tours, Chicago Cultural Center: Tickets & Tours, Richard H. Driehaus Museum: Tickets & Tours, Garfield Park Conservatory: Tickets & Tours, Old Mary Kathleen Uranium Mine Interpretive Tour (4 hrs approx), PREMIUM SNORKELING to Explore the healthiest Coral Reef-MAX 8 PAX, Formentera Day Trip from Ibiza on Private Luxury Catamaran, Gruyres Tour from Geneva With Panorama Train Ride, Chocolate and Cheese Tasting, Private Tandem Paraglide Adventure in Queenstown, Uluru and Kata Tjuta Experience with BBQ Dinner, Askja & Holuhraun, Super Jeep Day Tour from Lake Myvatn, Glacier Express Panoramic Train Round Trip from Zrich With Private Guide, Review of: Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady. Click here to learn more about our enhanced protocols. Take in the narration about surrounding Chicago landmarks. Your wedding is the start of your lifelong journey together, so begin that journey in a truly memorable way - a wedding cruise down the Chicago River. Once you start, you can go at your own pace. Because we are committed to continuing education, we provide extra training every day to our crew. A portion of proceeds from each CAC River Cruise ticket supports the CACs nonprofit educational mission. To further enhance accessibility for guests, the CAC River Cruise aboard Chicagos First Lady will provide complimentary language translation services for the first timemaking it the only Chicago architecture River Cruise to offer this service. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Do you have tours during this time of the year? Only the Chicago Architecture Center and Chicago's First Lady Cruises can showcase Chicago's world renowned city architecture with style, class and comfort on the official Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady. What time does the cruise run at in April? Join over a million of the worlds best travelers. Be sure to check out our list of the best Chicago restaurants before you go! TripAdvisor users rank the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady as the city's #1 boat tour. Chicago's First Lady Cruises, Chicago: "Is this a rain or shine type of cruise/tour?" | Check out 7 answers, plus see 5,758 reviews, articles, and 2,706 photos of Chicago's First Lady Cruises, ranked No.781 on Tripadvisor among 2,717 attractions in Chicago. In just 90 minutes, you'll get the best overview of Chicagos architecture and its history. Our captains and deckhands go through an extensive training and drilling program that goes above and beyond the standards set by the USCG. $57.00. A chance to paddle your way through the landmarks of Chicago. Chicago Holiday Cruises. These include the Michigan Avenue Bridge, the Chicago Riverwalk, and the twin corn cobs of Marina City in River North. We hope to cruise with you soon! If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Learn More. Amazing tour!! On hot days or cool nights, retreat to a fully enclosed, temperature-controlled carpeted main salon, elegantly appointed in mahogany and brass tones and featuring round tables with cushioned chairs, as well as spectacular views through large windows. *Wednesdays are spring and fall only. Open-air and air-conditioned seating is available. Add to favorites. Available for private party rentals from April November, yachts range in size to accommodate groups of 2-250. It's a destination celebrated for its idyllic location on Lake Michigan that offers amazing views of the landscape, famous local attractions, iconic architecture, and spectacular sunsets. Choose from creative and delectable menu offerings customized for your event from any one of our five professional caterers. from. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Our cruises depart from theChicago Riverwalk at the southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive. Only the Chicago Architecture Center and Chicago's First Lady Cruises can showcase Chicago's world renowned city architecture with style, class and comfort on the official Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady. Docents hail from across the city with a variety of personal and professional backgrounds. This gives you the unique experience of a simultaneous tour and island party. We have a group of 5 coming to Chicago October 10th. Welcome to the Official Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise aboard Chicagos First Lady recognized two years in a row as one of the best boat tours in North America (USA Today Readers Choice 2022 Awards). As a Chicago local of over 5 years, I cant recommend a Chicago River tour enough. They put a unique spin on the experience as you learn facts about landmarks from your tour guide. Nilani Thiyagarajah is a freelance writer and editor in Chicago, Illinois. CAC-certified volunteer docents share the fascinating stories of more than 50 buildings and 13 bascule bridges along the river, and the backstories of some of the iconic figures responsible for them. The 45-minute Chicago River Architecture Tour starts at the Magnificent Mile. Arrive 30 minutes prior to your cruise departure time. Level Up Your Travel Skills With Our Newsletter. Tours and Tickets by Chicagos First Lady Cruises, Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. Choose from seven perfectly sized ships for your private event. Also the tour volunteer loved architecture and she gave us a full 90 minutes worth of what makes the Chicago . Required fields are marked *. As a fourth-generation family-owned and operated company, Chicagos First Lady Cruises celebrates other local businesses by offering guests the opportunity to purchase locally-based food and drinks aboard its tours, from Revolution Brewing, Silverland Bakery and Open Water. Serene and bathed in softer light, the city's architecture takes on a whole new life in the setting sun. I would think it would be cool in Chicago in October. Get directions. Each person must have a ticket, including infants and children. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or a fun trip with the family, Chicago River sunset cruises, Make your Chicago outdoor wedding dreams a reality by making a customized Chicago River cruise part of. CAC Members please call 312.922.8687 or come to the CAC Box Office at 111 E. Wacker Dr. to redeem your 2-for-1 benefit. The Best Chicago Sunset Locations and Cruises. Private rentals are available. My teen son and I loved the Chicago Architecture Center tour. Don your best green attire and get ready to shake your shamrocks for a whale of a good time as you eat, drink and be merry from the comfort of our luxurious vessels. Holds up to 150 guests (wedding max 100) $1300 - $1540/hour; Oh, and you will totally enjoy the view! Your visit must occur within 7 days before or after your tour. Click here for more information. Recalling the handsome elegance of 20th century luxury yachts, our vessels are sure to make an impression. It begins at the Michigan Avenue Dock and gives you views of iconic architecture on the river and lake. View job. For an extra special experience, consider including a private docent from the Chicago Architecture Foundation to provide architectural commentary for the river portion of your event. Learn about the architecture and design of over 50 buildings as described by CAC-certified volunteer docents/guides on this 90-minute tour that showcases all three branches of the Chicago River. Look for our blue awning. Subscribe to the Daily Wander newsletter. This is a retired fireboat, specifically the Fred A. Busse, Engine 41. Cruises dont start up till March 15th. Chicago's First Lady Cruises: Give it a try! If you have any questions on our safety training protocols or additional concerns, please contact us at [emailprotected]. Board the luxury yacht at Navy Pier, and dine with breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline. Free cancellation is an option for up to 24 hours before most tours. A highlight of our trip to Chicago! There are plenty of interesting attractions to see in Chicago. Will call tickets for the CAC River Cruise can be picked up from the will call window at Chicago's First Lady boat dock on the day of your tour. Chicago's First Lady Cruises, Chicago: "How long is the tour? Welcome to the Official Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady- Chicago's #1 tour based on TripAdvisor reviews, and the ultimate way to see Chicago from the . The Chicago's First Lady Architecture tour takes you on the river into the city, you go up the north leg and down the south leg and return back to the dock. Home of The Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise Aboat Chicago's First Lady and the most unique private events for groups of 2 - 250. Cruise guests board 15 minutes before departure time. Great tour and Judith was a knowledgeable and fun docent. It was around 62 degrees, so a long sleeve shirt was perfect. Thank you for your interest in the CAC. more. Highly recommend Chicago Architecture Center tours whether you are from Chicago or visiting our beautiful city. Chicago's First Lady Cruises offers Chicago's finest fleet of cruising vessels, accommodating groups ranging from 2 to 250. - See 5,464 traveller reviews, 2,689 candid photos, and great deals for Chicago, IL, at Tripadvisor. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. Rent a kayak at Monroe Harbor (to paddle in the lake) or the Chicago Riverwalk (for the river). I learned so much from our tour guide Corky Alison. Chicago's Finest Fleet. Chicagos First Lady is affiliated with multiple caterers who can make your event memorable. Late Spring April 28 - May 25. It made me appreciate Chicagos history and beauty even more. Theres a small museum on the interior with photos of this boat while it was in service, in addition to all sorts of cool firefighting artifacts. TripAdvisor users rank the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady as the city's #1 boat tour. AFAR participates in affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a commission if you purchase an item featured on our site. 2023 AFAR Media. Security Chicago Maintenance. . Passengers can take advantage of visiting the award-winning Chicago Architecture Center for an additional $5 and have seven days to visit the Center after their cruise date. You can either paddle the lake or river independently or take part in a guided tour. A chance to enjoy Chicago cruising in a variety of family-friendly ways. The translation service is accessible by downloading a free app that connects directly to a special Wi-Fi network onboard. Or how can we improve it to help you travel better? Find more information, including available parking, in our. The weather was beautiful when we visited. Be sure to make online reservations in advance, as you wont be able to rent a kayak without them. Our custom-designed namesake cruise vessel, Chicago's First Lady, offers a spacious open-air upper deck where you can admire gorgeous skyline views and inhale the fresh lake breezes. Tickets start at $51.96 for daytime river cruiseTickets start at $55.74 for evening cruiseVISIT THE CAC FOR JUST $5 EXTRA!Please note, prices are subject to change. Odyssey Dining Cruises offer excellent Chicago lake and river boat tours for those who want a meal with their sightseeing. It served the city between 1937 and 1981. All rights reserved.Privacy policy | Terms of use | Sitemap. In my opinion, younger children will not be able to appreciate the information shared on the cruise as it mostly talks about the architecture of the different buildings on the way. A thrill ride with fun facts about Chicago thrown in! We all gained a lot of knowledge and really enjoyed ourselves. Hopefully youll be fortunate to get Alison as your guide! The Chicago River and Lake Michigan are two of the city's greatest assets, and there's no better way to experience both than with an architectural boat tour. Mon 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm. Perfect for weddings, corporate and family events, or daytime breakfast and lunch cruises. Chicago's First Lady Cruises: First Lady Cruises - See 5,394 traveller reviews, 2,694 candid photos, and great deals for Chicago, IL, at Tripadvisor. Leave the hassle of prep work to us as you enjoy the day with the people you love. See the city's iconic structures from the . Hope this helps! Enjoy a three-course meal with complimentary tea and coffee, or purchase a cocktail. Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard. The Skyline Lake Tour gives you a relaxing cruise on the waters of the lake. It travels on 3 branches of the Chicago River, as far as the turning basin st the lake Michigan shipping locks. Chicago's First Lady Cruises. They undergo nearly 100 hours to become certified, plus an additional 12 weeks of study about Chicagos architecture. Our newest vessel to join the fleet, Chicago's Emerald Lady, is a triplet, sister ship to Chicago's Leading Lady & Chicago's Classic Lady. COVID-19 Statement: We are committed to taking the proper precautions to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our guests and team including ensuring that our boats are cleaned and sanitized throughout the day and service. JoinChicago's First Lady Cruises on Saturday, March 11, 2023 for our annual St. Patrick's Day Clover Cruiseand witness the dyeing of the Chicago River in spectacular fashion! *Continue your exploration with a visit to the CAC! Hi there, The CAC River Cruise is the #1 rated boat tour in the Windy City. Tickets start at $53.85 and can be purchased online or in-person at the ticket booth located on the Riverwalk. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. These boat tours are unique in that they involve contact with an actual piece of Chicagos heritage. Evening River Cruise. While there are plenty of reliable options around, go with First Lady Cruises, which calls upon expert docents provided by the Chicago Architecture Foundation to reveal extensive history, culture, and style insights (for example, how . This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. Chicago Scene aboard Chicago's First Lady on the Chicago River. These include Grant Park, the Museum Campus, and Buckingham Fountain. Contact our Charter Sales department at 847-358-1330 or chartersales@cruisechicago.com to inquire about your next event! Add to favorites. Its boats hold up to 250 passengers and feature open-air upper decks, full-service bars, climate-controlled lower cabins and upscale marble and granite restrooms. TripAdvisor users rank the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady as the city's #1 boat tour. Among these are the Civic Opera House and Merchandise Mart. Chicago's First Lady Cruises: Great Cruise - See 5,394 traveller reviews, 2,694 candid photos, and great deals for Chicago, IL, at Tripadvisor. As youre sailing, your guide will tell you about the Great Chicago Fire that necessitated a reconstruction of much of the city. The Chicago River and Lake Michigan are two of the citys greatest assets, and theres no better way to experience both than with an architectural boat tour. Learn how your comment data is processed. Its boats hold up to 250 passengers and feature open-air upper decks, full-service bars, climate-controlled lower cabins and upscale marble and granite restrooms. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form. You will be seated at the top of the ship. Thank you for reading my guide to the best Chicago boat tours! Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise Aboard Chicagos First Lady. Here, youll learn cool facts about buildings in Chicago in addition to historical gems about the boat. Thank you and we hope you enjoy your cruise! There were also no kids on our boat when we took the cruise. We continue to follow the recommendations of public health officials and are monitoring the evolving situation. Wind-down from the work-week by enjoying a cocktail with friends and family and experience Chicago's skyline on our luxury boats. All experience levels are welcome, as you do get a training session before you start paddling. Hi all! Teen Saturday Studio and Girls Build! (Featured Image Credit: C.K. Strolling along Chicagos beautiful Riverwalk, its hard to imagine just how much things have changed, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) was founded in 1936 by Louis Skidmore and Nathaniel Owings. I highly recommend it. Being onboard is sure to be an experience you'll never forget. 112 E. 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