Everything You Need to Know About the 45-Minute Family-Friendly Architecture River Cruise in Chicago

Did you know that Chicago is one of the most important cities in the world for architecture? The city has so many impressive buildings and monuments, that it’s no surprise why people often flock to the Windy City to take advantage of the beautiful buildings, bridges, and monuments. It’s also why many people flock to the Chicago River to take part in a 45-minute family-friendly architectural boat tour
If you’re looking to add something unique and educational to your next trip to Chicago, taking a 45-minute family-friendly architectural boat tour is a great way to get up close and personal with some of the city’s most impressive buildings and monuments. But what exactly are you in for when you book this cruise? Let’s find out

What to Expect

The 45-minute family-friendly architectural boat tour offers some of the best sightseeing on the Chicago River. The cruise starts from Michigan Avenue and works its way along the north branch of the Chicago River with views of skyscrapers, bridges, monuments, and other waterways. You can expect to learn about the history of different sites along the river, such as the Museum Campus, Lakeside Center, and Navy Pier

Highlights

The 45-minute family-friendly architecture river cruise offers some of the most spectacular views of the Chicago skyline. Throughout the tour, you’ll see some of the city’s most well known landmarks including:

• The John Hancock Center
• Millennium Park
• The Tribune Tower
• The Merchandise Mart
• The Willis Tower
• The Aon Center
• The Wrigley Building
• The Civic Opera Building
• The Rookery Building

You will also get to see some lesser-known historic sites from the water. These include landmarks such as:

• The DuSable Bridge
• The La Salle Street Bridge
• The Wabash Avenue Bridge
• The Clark Street Bridge

In addition to all of the spectacular views, your guide will inform you about how the city has grown over time, its history and culture, and all of the important architectural movements of the last century. You’ll hear stories about world renowned architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Mies van der Rohe, and Louis Sullivan and learn about their contributions to the city’s skyline.

Things to Keep In Mind

Although this is a family-friendly tour, please keep in mind that it lasts for just 45 minutes, so you may not have time to go into every detail. However, your guide will provide plenty of interesting and useful facts and anecdotes about the different sites along the way.

Make sure that you wear appropriate clothing for the weather conditions since the tour takes place outdoors and on a boat. It’s also recommended that you bring a pair of binoculars so that you can get a better look at all of the sites as you pass by them. Sunscreen and sunglasses are also recommended during summer months.

Booking Options

If you’re interested in taking part in this unique tour, there are several options available. There are several websites that offer tickets for this tour, but we highly recommend GetYourGuide. Not only do they offer competitive prices for their tickets, but they also provide an easy-to-use website with all of the information that you need for booking this boat tour. Plus, their customer service is top notch, so if there are ever any issues with your ticket purchase, they’ll be there to help you out.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an educational and entertaining way to spend an afternoon in Chicago, the 45-minute family-friendly architecture river cruise is perfect for you and your whole family. On this cruise, you’ll get to see some of the city’s most famous landmarks as well as some lesser-known architectural gems. Plus, you’ll get to learn about the city’s history, culture and people while being treated to stunning views along the way. So get your tickets today and see what all of the fuss is about when it comes to this amazing 45-minute cruise! Book your tickets now on GetYourGuide.

An Insider’s Guide to Chicago: Beyond the Tourist Trail

Chicago is one of the most vibrant and dynamic cities in the United States, with a rich history, cultural diversity, and a stunning architectural landscape that defines its character. There are plenty of common tourist spots that visitors flock to, such as the Willis Tower, Navy Pier, and the Magnificent Mile, but there is so much more to explore beyond these popular attractions. Let’s delve into the hidden gems, local cuisines, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions that make Chicago a city worth discovering.

Local Attractions: Insider Recommendations

While famous landmarks are undoubtedly worth seeing, there are numerous other local attractions worth exploring. Chicago has an extensive public art collection that is worth a visit, including murals featuring diverse artists through the West Town Mural Project. The Garfield Park Conservatory is another remarkable spot that offers an oasis of greenery amid the bustling city. For a unique shopping experience, check out the Maxwell Street Market, where locals have been gathering for over 100 years to sell everything from street food to vintage clothing.

Dining Spots: Savor the Flavors of Chicago

When it comes to dining in Chicago, there’s no shortage of delicious options. Be sure to try the iconic Chicago-style hot dog, deep-dish pizza, and the Italian beef sandwich. What’s lesser-known is that Chicago also has various Little Italy neighborhoods that provide excellent Italian cuisine options. A trip to Pilsen would not be complete without stopping by Carnitas Uruapan for authentic pork carnitas. For something sweet, head over to Margie’s Candies, which has been serving sweet treats since 1921.

Cultural Experiences: Embrace the City’s Traditions

Chicago has a vibrant arts and culture scene that is worth exploring. For music lovers, the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge is a historic Chicago jazz club with notable associations with Al Capone and Sinatra. Chicago is also famous for its stand-up comedy scene at Second City, Uptown Underground, and Zanies Comedy Club. For art fans, the Art Institute of Chicago is a must-visit spot, holding an impressive collection of over 300,000 artworks, including the iconic painting, American Gothic by Grant Wood.

Local History: Discover the Past

Chicago is a city with a rich history, from the infamous gangster era to the design revolution of the skyscraper. The Chicago History Museum gives insight into the city’s history, including its fire, the Columbian Exposition, and its role in the Civil Rights Movement. For architecture enthusiasts, the architecture boat tour showcases the city’s stunning buildings and the stories behind them. The Pullman Historic District is also worth a visit to learn about the Pullman Palace Car Company and the labor uprising that occurred there in 1894.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Create Memorable Moments

Make time for something different in Chicago, like a walk along the 606 Park, a rail trail with elevated tracks that connects four of Chicago’s neighborhoods. Chicago also has an expansive network of over 100 farmers’ markets, allowing visitors to explore the city while supporting local farmers and artisans. For a unique experience, check out a drag show at the iconic Berlin Nightclub or catch a movie at the historic Music Box Theatre.

In conclusion, Chicago is a city brimming with life, culture, and history, and there is so much more to explore than just the tourist spots. Whether it be discovering the hidden gems or the culinary delights of the city’s neighborhoods, learning about its rich, layered past or creating unique experiences, Chicago will capture your heart and leave you feeling like a true insider.