Chicago from the Lake

04/02/09

Unquestionably The best Architectural River Boat tour a

by rkz312 at Citysearch

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!!

• Pros: Amazing Tour guides and Starbucks and pastries included

09/20/06

With informative guides, this cruise line specializes in both architectural and historical tours of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.

by Contributor at 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.

07/03/03

Definitely a Must-Do!

by carlo_ablaza at Citysearch

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!

• Pros: Great staff, Nice boat & refrshmts, Good vantage points
• Cons: Dock not easy to find

09/03/02

Unique Tour !

by mweinstein at Citysearch

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.

08/08/02

Great Sunsets

by cathleen53 at Citysearch

There's no place better in Chicago for seeing sunsets than from a boat in Lake Michigan.

• Pros: Awesome views, Cooler on lake, Great sunsets
• Cons: Need a boat

08/03/02

Chi Town

by sharbeth at Citysearch

The best skyline in the world. Wonderful landmarks from the lake. It is something to experience one or many times.

07/01/02

great scenery

by DanB at Citysearch

Good way to see the city. Nice crew and always willing to go the extra mile. If you are in chicago make sure to make a point to get here. W