by Staff Writer (2007 Season)
A scenic boat tour is a great way to see Chicago. A favorite of tourists and locals alike is the architectural-themed Chicago River cruise offered by Shoreline Sightseeing. This cruise offers the perfect blend of Chicago’s history and its unique architecture. It is a perfect choice for a sunny summer day in Chicago.
As your cruise travels along the Chicago River, your tour guide will point out many of Chicago’s most famous buildings. The mix of very old architecture alongside the newest of new is part of what gives Chicago its unique personality. It’s simply breathtaking when you see an historic building reflecting off the mirrored windows of a nearby contemporary building. You will find your tour guide to be very knowledgeable and quite willing to answer your questions. ,/p>
Chicago River Tour
Some of the historical facts you'll learn about include:
- The interesting circumstances that
caused Chicago to actually reverse the eastern flow of the Chicago River
into Lake Michigan to a western flow headed to the Mississippi River.
- The devastation of the Great Chicago
Fire in 1871, after which only the Chicago Water Tower remained
standing.
- Facts about the World's Fair held in
Chicago in 1893, including the expansive building that took place in
preparation for this 6-month event.
Your tour guide will point out many
Chicago buildings and landmarks and describe their architecture and
significance, such as:
- Chicago's oldest and most beloved
buildings, including the Wrigley Building (1919), the Tribune Tower
(1920's), the Civic Opera House (1929) and the Merchandise Mart (1931).
- Unique residential buildings,
including Marina City, which provides boat docks for its residents
(1959) and Lake Point Towers, which overlooks Navy Pier (1968).
- Past, current and future
record-holding buildings, specifically, the Hancock (in 1969, it was the
tallest building in the world outside New York), the Sears Tower (in
1973, it was the tallest building in the world and currently holds at
#3), and Chicago's newest residential skyscraper, the Spire (currently
under construction and expected to be the newly-crowned tallest building
in North America, second tallest in the world, when it opens in 2011).
River Architecture Tours Chicago
Shoreline Sightseeing offers the 60-minute
Architectural River Cruise on a daily basis from approximately April
through November, with several departure times each day. The schedule
changes slightly based on season, so be sure to check their website for
the current timetable. The boat is docked at Ogden Slip, near the entrance
to Navy Pier. You can purchase tickets at that location, at a Shoreline
ticket booth on Navy Pier or online (you'll save about a dollar per person
if you order in advance online). Note that Refreshments are available for
purchase and the boats have restroom facilities.
Shoreline Sightseeing also offers a Skyline Lake Tour, featuring Chicago's
famous skyline viewed from Lake Michigan. In the summer, they also offer
water taxis with accesses at Navy Pier, Museum Campus, 200 S. Wacker
(Sears Tower/Union Station) and 401 N. Michigan Avenue.
Visit Shoreline's official web site for more information.
Shoreline Sightseeing Kicks Off Season with St. Patrick's Day Cruises March 12
On March 12th, Shoreline's 2011 season begins with our
5th Annual St. Patrick's Day Cruises at 10:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
Enjoy traditional Irish lunch buffet, background music and presentation by a Shoreline guide on the role of the Irish community in shaping modern Chicago. Buy Tickets
Shoreline's regular season of Architecture Cruises and Skyline Boat
Tours begin April 1 - or as soon as weather permits! Check the
Shoreline website or call 312-222-9328 for daily cruise
information.
