Chicago From the Water: The Best Chicago Architecture Tour
Over the years, Chicago has become one of my favorite cities in the U.S. With great public transportation, amazing pizza, fantastic entertainment options like improv and blues, and a picturesque location on Lake Michigan, Chicago wins a lot of points in my book.
Another thing the Windy City has going for it? Interesting architecture.
Architecture in Chicago
Chicago's skyline truly does represent the marriage of old and new. Buildings like the 1920s Tribune Tower sit next to the 1960s-era “corncobs” of Marina City and the sleek and shiny Trump Tower of the new millennium.
A stroll along any street in downtown Chicago will reveal a melding of architecture styles, from neo-gothic to modern and everything in between.
And Chicago is known for this architectural mish-mash. Since most of the city burned down in the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, the city was rebuilt with originality in mind. Chicago was where the first modern skyscrapers were built in the 1880s, and the city has gone on to influence architecture ever since.
Chicago architecture boat tour
And while you can see Chicago's architecture from many vantage points — on foot, by bike, or even from above inside the Willis and Hancock towers — the best way to admire it is definitely from the water.
If you're headed to Chicago this spring or summer, be sure to book a ticket on one of the city's popular architecture cruises on the Chicago River. Popularized by the Chicago Architecture Foundation, these tours are the absolute BEST way to really get to know Chicago's unique architecture.
There are several ways to learn more about architecture and design in Chicago, including tours on foot, on bike, and even on segway. But my favorite option is definitely their boat tour.
A couple different companies offer architecture boat tours on the Chicago River. The Chicago Architecture Foundation began these tours decades ago, and offer up 90-minute tours that are led by volunteer tour guides known as docents.
Most tours will cover all three branches of the Chicago River, sailing you past 40+ of the city's most iconic buildings, from the Wrigley Building to the John Hancock Building to Willis Tower. Onboard guides narrate the tour, covering not just architectural styles but also how Chicago as a whole has transformed over the past 100 years.
Even if you're not an architecture nerd like me, a Chicago River tour is a must-do.
What you'll see on a Chicago architecture river cruise
If you can hit a sunny, warm day in Chicago, here's a look at what you can expect to see along your architecture cruise:
Many cruises will end with a short sail out onto Lake Michigan, which really helps you appreciate Chicago's unique skyline.
Book your own Chicago architecture cruise here!
Needless to say, this is one of my very favorite things to do in Chicago. Whether it's your first or fifth time in the Windy City, go on one of these cruises if you haven't already — I guarantee you'll learn something!
RELATED: A Couples Weekend Getaway to Chicago
The best Chicago architecture tours
If you love architecture as much as I do, you might also want to check out these other architecture tours in Chicago:
- Chicago Architecture River Cruise
- Chicago Walking Tour: Interior Architecture of the Loop and Pedway Tour
- Chicago Walking Tour: Art Deco Skyscrapers
- Chicago Walking Tour: Modern Architecture
- Chicago Segway Art and Architectural Tour
Where to stay in Chicago
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