Jim Bartholomew, 2008
My husband and I and another couple took the CAF River Cruise. The morning was unforgettable. Our docent’s name was Jim Bartholomew, a retired high school English teacher. Mr. Bartholomew quoted lines from major architects, poetry by Carl Sandburg and explained the stars on the Chicago flag. As each building came into view, he explained its significance and noted contextual references. I hope you and your staff let him know how truly special he made this cruise. I came away with a far greater appreciation for the buildings that make up Chicago’s skyline.
Cynthia Bates, 2016
Our docent, Cynthia Bates, was EXCELLENT! This was a group of 55 high-level women executives from all over the country and it’s often difficult capture their attention for any length of time and they were all absolutely enraptured by her presentation. I work with creating experiences all over the country – and even internationally, so I always like to take the opportunity to recognize someone who did such a good job. Please pass along our thanks.
John Burns, 2009
I took the CAF River Cruise and It’s a must do if you are visiting Chicago first time. The trip on the Chicago river takes you past many iconic and many new age modern buildings. Most of the guides on this cruise line are volunteers who do it for the love of architecture. Our guide John was full of trivia and knowledge about each and every facet of the building design. For the first time I looked at each of these buildings beyond the name and address. It’s 90 minutes well spent. – Rashmi
Kathleen Carpenter, 2006
The Midwestern Antiques Club thanks you for the informative and delightful presentation on the Chicago 1893 World Exposition and its connections to the book The Devil and the White City. It was so wonderful to hear history come alive! The antidotes of active women throughout history and parallels with today resonated with our group. The reaction was very positive. We wish you the best for the future: Enjoy! (Editor’s note: this was a private lecture, Devil in the White City.)
Hau Chyi, 2015
THIS is the one you want to take – Chicago First Lade Cruises with the Chicago Architecture Association. Our tour guide, Hau, was a superb speaker who released a geyser of information about the city and the history of the structures along the river. I was convinced he could have spoken at length about the contents of every desk drawer at every cubicle behind every window along the riverfront. If Hau is indicative of the quality of lecturers on these First Lady tours, then look no further. These folks are wizards.
Emily Clott
Emily, a volunteer docent, shared her vast knowledge about the historic buildings as well as historic leaders. We spent 90 minutes cruising the river. The main stem has a beautiful new Riverwalk, and we visited the north and south branches, too. Not to be missed! – Loretta R.
Susan Frost, 2015
Loved the tour and found so much of what the docent shared to be fascinating-
Georgia Goldberg, 2012
Georgia was wonderful on the Historic Treasures tour. She made the tour enjoyable especially incorporating interesting and cultural information with the history. She also welcomed questions.
Pat Grund, 2001
The CAF River Cruise was worth every penny – we will definitely do this again with our teenage daughter next time we are here. Patricia was our awesome docent. She was personable and knowledgeable- a perfect guide. – Judie H.
Doug Harrison, 2011
I don’t know a lot about architecture but i greatly enjoyed the River Cruise. It was interesting to hear about the history and buildings in the city. The tour guide Doug was very knowledgeable and friendly. I have included some of the beautiful sights from the cruise.
Wayne Johnson 2016
River Cruise – Very knowledgeable, super interesting, calm demeanor, professional and pleasant-Thank you!
Lori Kolb, 2009
The tour was very well organized from start to finish. Lori, our docent guide from the CAF, was amazing! Went on the 5:30pm River Cruise which enabled us to see the beauty and history of Chicago architecture in both day and evening! Would highly recommend this tour! – Linda R.
Peg Leonard, 2005
I had a small window of time today between business meetings and promised myself I would do something interesting here in the great city of Chicago. This is not my home, but I travel here a lot on business. I took the River Cruise and had the pleasure of Peg Leonard as docent. What a pro. She was so knowledgeable, well-paced and clear in her explanations. I wanted to give her a tip, but she said she could not accept one. Peg clearly loves what she does, and I am appreciative of the knowledge she shared. I’ll never look at the buildings here the same way. Mary Garrett
Bill Lipsman, 2009
I’m not normally a tour kind of person but someone told me the CAF River Cruise was amazing so we decided last minute to hop on board. Have to say, it way exceeded my expectations! My son loved it as well. Our guide, Bill, was very informative and we really learned a lot of cool things. The bar on board was a great touch to enjoy a cold cocktail while sailing the river. Highly recommend!
Alina McMahon, 2012
The River Cruise was excellent. Great way to see the Chicago skyline. Alina. our docent, was fantastic as she explained the architectural history of each building. She was very gracious and a pleasure to listen to.
Heather McWilliams, 2000
Just want to let you know that the University of Chicago tour went very well. Heather was a great guide and we all appreciated her enthusiastic sharing of her knowledge about the area. It was a perfect way to conclude our day at the University of Chicago.
Susan Osborne, 2003
We took a cruise at the Chicago River about five years ago, but with another company. This time, we took the First Lady, and we were very pleased. The best is the commentary by a volunteer from the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Our commentator was Susan, who if I understood well, is a piano teacher at Northwestern. She is VERY knowledgeable and fun at the same time. I learned a bunch of stuff about Chicago’s architecture, and it encouraged me to read more afterwards.
Angela Platt, 2013
The Art Deco Downtown tour was excellent. Our tour guide was efficient and well informed. The visit to the lobby of the Board of Trade was worth the price of admission! We took a tour last year during a previous Chicago visit, and will do so again in future trips. With sincere wishes for continued success. M. Sanchez
Corinne Rohr, 2010
Our docent Corinne did an excellent job on CAF river cruise today! Her tour was interesting, well-timed, very professional, and topped with enthusiasm for the city of Chicago! Her building and architectural descriptions were easy to follow so that you remember the details and stories. There was a nice flow to the tour such that Corinne tied everything together with Chicago’s history. Well done!
Ellen Shubart, 2006
Just wanted to compliment one of the CAF docents. I took the Food and Architecture of 1893 tour with Ellen Shubart. She was a dynamic and knowledgeable guide, answering questions, tying together all elements of 1893 and ending the tour on time. Truly a great docent!
David Smith, 2006
The River Cruise is very interesting and gives lots of information about the architectural development in Chicago. Our docent (David) was not born in the U.S., but I’m amazed by the details of the information he knows. Memorizing all the years, architect’s names, building names are not easy. Especially he is not doing that for a paid job, but as a volunteer. His enthusiasm makes you feel that he really enjoys doing it.
Rebecca Trumbull, 2011
This 90-minute River Cruise was wonderful! Our docent, Becky, was knowledgeable and passionate about architecture. It teaches you to view many of the buildings in a new way, and orients you to the downtown part of the city. Do not miss this tour.
Mitzi Walchak, 2003
One week ago last Sunday, we were on your River Cruise. We were fortunate to have Mitzi as a docent. She was amazing! She refused to take our tip so we would like to make a donation in her name. This trip was a highlight for our group of six high school friends from North Dakota, Class of 64! Thanks again!
Michael Weiland, 1984
The Chicago Architecture Foundation in conjunction with First Lady Cruises run 90-minute cruises along the Chicago River, weaving through the diverse and spectacular architecture that is downtown Chicago. The vistas are breathtaking. Each tour is accompanied by a volunteer who provides an informed commentary on the architecture styles, their history and antecedence. Our guide, Mike, was knowledgeable and entertaining. I came away with an enlightened perspective on this wonderful city.
Joan Winstein, 2012
We had a great time. Joan Winstein, our River Cruise guide, was very entertaining and also very informative. We saw some nice sights and learned a lot about architecture and Chicago’s history. I highly recommend this tour
Karen Winters, 2013
Had taken the afternoon River Cruise before, but the night cruise is so beautiful, we would do it again. The CAF does the best river tours in Chicago, and Karen, the volunteer narrator, was wonderful. Some of the best photos we’ve ever made were on this cruise. Thank you, CAF!
Amy Zimmerman, Education Guide, VEV
Amy: it’s rare that a student loves their tour guide so much that they write about them in their reflections, and just that has happened with you. The following came from Gladys, a 5th grader, on Tuesday: “I used to think that this was going to be about different countries. Now I think that it’s more than that, it’s culture, changing history. I really liked my tour guide. This was a fun trip!”