Architecture tour by boat

Question

My wife and I are visiting Chicago later next week. What is the best architecture river tour overall? We want to learn and have an informative tour but also want it to be entertaining and comfortable. Not looking for the best price, and cold weather does not bother us. Many thanks!

Answer

Chicago is known for its incredible architecture, and taking a river tour is one of the best ways to explore and learn about the city's iconic buildings while enjoying the beautiful views. Since you're looking for an informative, entertaining, and comfortable tour (and cold weather doesn't bother you), here are some of the top architecture boat tours in Chicago that I recommend:

Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise (CAF River Cruise) - This is widely considered the best and most informative architecture tour in Chicago. Operated by the Chicago Architecture Center, the CAF River Cruise offers a 90-minute guided tour where knowledgeable and passionate docents take you through the history, design, and significance of Chicago's architecture. The guides are well-trained and engage with the group in a way that balances education with entertainment. The tour covers the architectural evolution of the city, from its early days to the modern skyline. It's a comfortable and scenic ride on the Chicago River, and they run tours year-round, even in cooler weather, with indoor seating available if needed.
Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture Tour - Another great option, Shoreline Sightseeing offers a 75-minute architecture tour along the Chicago River. Their experienced guides provide a detailed and engaging commentary on the buildings and the architectural history of the city. The boats are modern and comfortable, and the open-air deck is perfect for taking in the views, though they also have covered seating if needed. The Shoreline tours are known for being very informative while also having a relaxed and enjoyable vibe. They operate throughout the year, so cold weather won't be an issue.
Wendella Tours & Cruises - Wendella is a well-known Chicago tour company that offers both architecture and combined architecture-and-lake tours. Their 75-minute architecture tour is a classic option with expert guides that focus on the city’s iconic structures. They also provide an open-air seating experience, but like others, there’s indoor seating available for colder days. Wendella’s tours are also very accessible and popular for tourists, with a great reputation for being both informative and fun.

All of these tours provide excellent commentary on the history and design of Chicago's architecture, but the CAF River Cruise stands out as the most comprehensive and highly regarded in terms of both educational value and overall experience. If you're especially interested in learning about the architectural legacy of Chicago in depth, this one is the most thorough.

Since you're not concerned about price and cold weather, I’d suggest looking at the schedule and booking a spot with your preferred tour provider in advance to ensure you get a good seat. Enjoy your visit to Chicago, and happy sailing through its architectural wonders!