Chicago Architecture Tour

Summer turns to fall, the weather moderates, and quick get-aways for families or delightful girls’ days out are on the schedule. One of my favorites is the Chicago Architecture Foundation river tour.

Chicago River Walk

The boats are not lush; they are what you’d expect. The seats are molded plastic lawn chairs, and after the two hour cruise, your fanny is flatter. There is no shade, so bring a big hat, sunscreen, water, and a camera. Choose a moderate day, and you’ll be fine.

Docent steps up on the River Tour

The sound quality is excellent - you will hear every word from anywhere on the boat. Every seat has a perfect view. Once the docent (tour guide) steps up and the crew shoves off, worries about comfort disappear. The trip is mesmerizing.

The star of the show is, of course, Chicago’s architecture. The real prize in choosing the Architecture Foundation’s cruise, as opposed to some of the others in the City, is that the docents are thoroughly trained and personally involved in architecture.

Chicago reflected in architectural glass

I was astonished, for some reason, at how much the buildings - their style, look, and constructions techniques - have changed over the years. The tour made me realize that no city is static.

Chicago's Marina City

In our gorgeous city, everyone from Wright and van der Rohe to The Donald have had a hand in sculpting the skyline. There are new residential hideaways hidden away along the river. This is a soothing way to soak up culture and get to know a great city. You can follow up with other tours on foot, via trolley, or by car.

The Chicago Architecture Foundation boat tour runs daily and on some holidays. $28 to $32. Break out this fall and take a day trip to Chicago for the Architectural Boat Tour. Well worth your time.

Dock is at the southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue bridge at Wacker Dr. A blue awning marks the stairway entrance - be warned, there are a lot of stairs to and from the boat.