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.

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).

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 Celebrates Its 70th Season!

Join Shoreline's professional & entertaining docents on a Chicago River Architecture Cruise viewing more than 40 famous landmarks, or choose a narrated Skyline Tour featuring the panorama of Chicago’s famous lakefront & skyline.  ● River Architecture Cruises depart Ogden Slip at Navy Pier: five cruises from 11:30 am Mon-Fri & nine cruises from 10 am Sat-Sun.  Learn More.  ● Skyline Tours depart Navy Pier hourly from 1 pm Mon-Fri & 11 am Sat-Sun. Learn More.