Cruising Chicago Architecture

Expect terrific views of Chicago’s Centennial Fountain and much more when you take a

Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises.

Chicago: Centennial Fountain ~  Photo © Allice Joyce

Santa Fe Building Atrium Photo © Alice Joyce

Ensconced in the landmark Sante Fe building designed by Daniel Burnham, the CAF headquarters is a great place to start the day. You can take in an exhibition, peruse intriguing, beautifully designed items in the CAF shop, or scan the upcoming programs and talks that might fit into your schedule. You can also select a tour and get ticketed, be it a walking, bus, or boat tour.

CAF River Cruise Photo © Alice Joyce

I’ve found the CAF river cruise to be the most enlightening, having once through my own error, taken one operated by another company. It’s an experience that opens one’s eyes to the construction history of iconic Chicago buildings and newly completed skyscrapers viewed from the river aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises. Passionate about the city’s architectural history, foundation volunteers share their knowledge and enthusiasm as tour guides.

Chicago’s First Lady – Riverwalk Photo: Bob Agra

Once ticketed, you’ll make your way to the Riverside Gardens Dock – look for the blue awnings – on the lower level of the Michigan Avenue bridge at Wacker Drive.

333 N Wacker Drive Building © Alice Joyce

The 333 North Wacker Drive building has always made my heart skip a beat – it’s that magnificent. I have to say, seeing it from the river is unforgettable.

Chicago River/DuSable Bridge © Alice Joyce

A great sense of the city’s growth and importance unfolds on the cruise. You witness a panoply of buildings, bridges and architectural styles. Quite spectacular even on a day with light rain like the one I encountered last week. As a group, we did happily soak up the sunshine that appeared by the end of the cruise.

Of course you can visit the Chicago Architecture Foundation web site before you arrive in town if you prefer to buy tickets online. You might want to add a terrific walking tour of Millennium Park, too. Anyone who revels in art, gardens, architecture or the landscape will find tours to turn a Chicago sojourn into an extra special trip. And the same applies to locals. I wonder why we so often fail to explore the riches in our own back yards.