Chicago from the Lake
With informative guides, this cruise line specializes in both architectural and historical tours of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.
(312) 239-6942
435 E Illinois St
(at Illinois Street)
Chicago,
IL
60611
41.891
-87.6163
Neighborhoods: Near North Side, Central
What People Are Saying About Chicago from the Lake
The Owner
Chicago from the Lake
Owner
From April to November, Chicago From The Lake offers public architectural and historical cruises by boat from their exclusive dock at historic North Pier/River East Plaza, a short walk from Navy Pier. A 90-minute narrated tour by a professional docent, complementary Starbucks coffee, Coke Cola products and cookies. The architectural cruise covers both the north and south branches of the Chicago River and the historical cruise travels out on Lake Michigan and on the Chicago River. Private charter opportunities are also available.
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
Features
Chicago From the Lake offers 90-minute tours May 1 through Oct. 31. Complimentary coffee, iced tea, lemonade, cookies and muffins are served on all tours; children six and younger ride free.
The Experience
The Architectural Cruise starts at River East Plaza and travels west on the river past the Merchandise Mart, then follows the North Branch of the river to Goose Island. It turns around and travels the South Branch beyond the site where the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 began, returning to River East Plaza. The Historical Cruise travels east through the Chicago Locks out onto Lake Michigan, then heads south to Buckingham Fountain and back through the Chicago Locks. The cruise then travels west on the Chicago River past the Wrigley Building and the Tribune Tower, then returns to River East Plaza.
User Reviews
rkz312
April 02, 2009
Every year for now 5 years I go on each major architectural river cruise to ensure that I have first hand knowledge to rely on when assisting guests at work trying to book these wildly popular- and for good reason - chicago tours. Certainly being on the river on a beautiful day in Chicago is a treat regardless and include starbucks and pastries I am even happier! They even have evening cruises with cocktails- Happy Hour(well hour and a half) And if you or if you have kids with you if they can hold it together for 90 minutes then by all means do not short yourself by taking the shorter tours of 30 or 60 min available elsewhere. you can't do the full river in less than 90 min. This tour always is my favorite as the tour guides are historians(this is the official tour of the Chicago History Museum) and no one tells a better more comprehensive and interesting story of the chicago skyline than the tour guides with Chicago Line cruises. The first lady from the Arch foundation is a close second but at times they are dry. Seadog and shoreline are a waste of money as clearly their tour guides are summer help and it shows with the often innaccurate information. As far as the condition of the tour boats Chicago Line has various vessels but I have always found them clean and safe and comfortable!! Must take this tour!!
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carlo_ablaza
July 03, 2003
Been to Chicago several times, but this was the first time I took the tour, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat! Not only was it relaxing, but our tour guide was terrific -- she was funny, friendly, and had great knowledge about the history of the city, architectural styles, and fun facts about Chicago. Definitely a highlight of my trip!
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mweinstein
September 03, 2002
This boat tour is the best of them all. It takes you to some of the coolest sights there is here in the city. The service is great, it is perfect for a day trip with the family, friends, significant others, or yourself. It is a great way to spend a sunny afternoon with resonable prices and a great tour.
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Call Ahead:
Chicago from the Lake highly recommends making advance reservations either over the phone or online for these popular cruises.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard
Outdoor Recreation Services:
Message from Chicago from the Lake
- Architectural River Cruise
- Historical Cruise
- Private Charters
From April to November, Chicago From The Lake offers public architectural and historical cruises by boat from their exclusive dock at historic North Pier/River East Plaza, a short walk from Navy Pier. A 90-minute narrated tour by a professional docent, complementary Starbucks coffee, Coke Cola products and cookies. The architectural cruise covers both the north and south branches of the Chicago River and the historical cruise travels out on Lake Michigan and on the Chicago River. Private charter opportunities are also available.
