A 75 minute guided river cruise, featuring the birthplace of skyscrapers, is an excellent way to gain a whole new outlook on the roots and varieties of Chicago architecture. Over the course of your journey along the Chicago River, you will hear commentary with a front row seat to more than 40 of the city’s most famed buildings located along the Chicago River.
The Finest River Cruise in one of the Greatest Cities
Shoreline Sightseeing began showcasing the Chicago skyline with just one vessel in 1939. Shoreline’s fleet now consists of 11 major touring vessels and eight water taxis! All four of the vessels used for Shoreline’s Architectural Chicago River Cruise are open-deck boats that promise to provide breathtaking views.
Over 40 Architectural Wonders and Landmarks along the Chicago River
The cruise departs from the historic Navy Pier and voyages along all three branches of the Chicago River. An expert guide highlights more than 40 of Chicago’s most renowned land marks and sky scrapers along the riverside for an inside glimpse of Chicago’s rich architectural heritage. Mixing in historical moments, like the memory of the Chicago fire and lives lost during, passengers are given a larger than life opportunity to see and learn of architectural wonders, residential and commercial, like the Sears Tower, John Hancock Center, Old post office, New post office, Tribune Tower, Wrigley Building, Trump Tower, Marina City, and many more.
The Tribune Tower
The neo-gothic building is the result of an international design competition hosted by the Chicago Tribune in 1922. Looking to build “the most beautiful and distinctive office building in the world,” the competition was a brilliant publicity stunt, and entries received exposed a unique turning point in American Architectural History.
Wrigley Building
The design of the Wrigley building is a fusion of French Renaissance and Spanish Revival with an American twist. The clock tower, recently named The Wrigley building as one of the world’s most beautiful clock tower, was inspired by a famous bell tower in the Cathedral of Seville in Seville, Spain.
Marina City
Occupying an entire city block on a raised platform next to the Chicago River, the residential and commercial complex consists of two 65 story towers directly above a small marina. The unique towers resemble a corn-cob design and have notable quick five story elevators in each. Today, the complex is home to the House of Blues concert hall, Hotel Chicago, large restaurants, and more.
- Most boats used for the architectural cruise are single-level, open-deck boats that are fully wheelchair accessible. On double-deck boats, the upper decks of the boat are wheelchair accessible, however, the restrooms are located on the lower level and there are no elevators on board.
- Photography is encouraged!
- Bring sunscreen and a hat for sunny days and a jacket for the windy days - the boats are open-deck for panormic views.