I recently covered the viral hot tub boats that are available for rent on the Chicago River—which made me think…
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What other types of river tours in Chicago should visitors know about? While the city has a long and famous list of architecture, and is renowned for its boutique hotels and high-rise rentals, there’s also that famous Chicago River that cuts through the city.
While it gets the most attention when it’s dyed green each St. Patrick’s Day and busy with booze cruises, you can strike out on the water almost any time of year. When I covered the top tours in the city a while back, I mentioned that river tours are one of the best ways to see the city’s famous architecture.
But there’s a lot more at play, as it turns out. Keep an eye on these river tours in Chicago during your next visit. I’ve also included some of the best Lake Michigan options, too.
Best river tours in Chicago that focus on architecture
The no-frills architecture tour: Chicago Architecture River Cruise from Shoreline Sightseeing.
This classic architecture tour takes you to multiple branches of the Chicago River to point out some of the city’s most iconic buildings. It’s also pet-friendly, in case your pup wants a skyline view of the Hancock Building.
The architecture tour for nerding out: River Cruise aboard the First Lady from the Chicago Architecture Center
If you want to dive deep into the Windy City’s most famous architecture, book this tour that was designed and led by the Chicago Architecture Center. It takes place on the beloved First Lady vessel and is led by an actual docent who has academic-level knowledge of Chicago’s top sites and landmarks.
The short version: 45-minute Architecture Cruise Down Magnificent Mile from Wendella Tours & Cruises
If you’re sort of, maybe interested in Chicago’s architecture but don’t want to commit to a two-hour tour, stick to this simple 45-minute cruise. You can choose from multiple start times, including night tours.
The historic architecture tour: Architecture & History Tour on a Fireboat from Chicago Fireboat Tours
The Fireboat is a historical vessel that floated around Chicago from 1937 to 1981, assisting the Fire Department as needed. This tour includes unique opportunities to learn about the Fireboat, Chicago’s history, and how its most famous architecture intersects with its past.
The foodie-friendly architecture tour: River Architectural Lunch Cruise from City Cruises Chicago
Dine on a three-course lunch as you slowly cruise down the Chicago River. While you eat, you get to listen to onboard narration that explains what you’re seeing out your window. For foodies, for multi-taskers, for anyone who isn’t fully sold on a standalone architecture tour.
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