Kathy Baker, 2016
This River Cruise tour was highly rated, and I can now see why. We had an excellent docent (Kathy) and learned a lot. Even our Chicago native friend that went with us (and who is an art and architecture buff) learned a few things. Other friends of ours took a different tour, which they said that they chose because it was cheaper. We compared notes and I think that they saved a few bucks but lost out on the experience. – marc n
Cynthia Bates, 2016
I grew up on the south/southwest sides of Chicago. My father, a civil engineer, took me on my first river boat tour about 60 years ago (on Wendella) that inspired a lifelong love of architecture and design that drove my career as an architect and educator. With a few exceptions, I have taken a tour every year since I turned 18 and began my studies in Architecture at the U of I Urbana-Champaign. This morning my wife and I took a CAC River Cruise and the docent, Cynthia, was exceptional. In the past and much to my wife’s chagrin, I have often challenged docents on the veracity of their facts and the sometimes-absurd anecdotes, myths and legends they use for entertainment purposes. Cynthia’s presentation was thorough, carefully researched and interesting without hyperbole or absurdities. I give her an ‘A’. Kudos to the CAC and your docents for telling Chicago’s architecture stories! Sincerely, Michael J. Andrejasich, AIA Retired Emeritus Professor School of Architecture, Past Director School of Architecture, Past Associate Dean, College of Fine & Applied Arts University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Joni Hirsch Blackman. 2013
I couldn’t rave enough about this boat tour down the Chicago River. It’s an absolute MUST while on your stay in Chicago. We did the sunset tour and the views at night were absolutely beautiful. You get to learn a lot about the history and architecture of Chicago and it’s beautiful buildings. The views are just amazing. Our family of 8 enjoyed every second of this, even the young ones!! Please try this out before you depart the beautiful city of Chicago! Joanie (sic) was our tour guide and did an amazing job! Chloe M. Sweet Oaks, Germantown, TN
Barbara Breakstone, 2012
I was the guest of a member for a walking tour of Highland Park-sunny, humid, mid-upper 80s and we were very fortunate in being led by Barb-gracious, filled with information and infectiously enthusiastic! A wonderful ambassador. The 2 hours was fascinating and flew by. Thank you and CAC!
Tom Carmichael, 2007
We loved our experience on the First Lady – CAC River Cruise as we heard all about the history and architecture of Chicago. Our tour guide, Tom, was fantastic and very knowledgeable. We also appreciated that he was a volunteer and participated because he just loves Chicago and knows its history well. I would highly recommend! – pajblee san mateo
Kathleen Carpenter, 2006
I’m a native Chicagoan and I learned a lot about Chicago’s architecture on this River Cruise boat ride. Our decent, Kathleen, was great! (And they do not accept tips.) A boat tour is a great way to experience the city whether you are a native or visitor. The Architecture Center’s trip is wonderful and I personally loved that the boat was not huge. Great family activity! – Mamawezz Glen Ellyn IL
Emily Clott, 2012
Emily did a great job telling us the history and significance of Chicago’s gorgeous skyline on the CAC River Cruise. She is an excellent docent. – Matthew
Susan Frost, 2015
Susan was the docent River Cruise our guide. She was excellent! The weather was perfect. We went west, then north, made a u turn, went south, made a u turn, went back east. We got the $5 add on for the architecture center, also excellent. – Seamus48 Hopewell Junction, New York
Georgia Goldberg 2012
Georgia did a great job today during a River Cruise filled with Jeanne and about 70 of our colleagues today! – Gregg A. Garmisa, Principal and General Counsel, Studio Gang, Chicago, IL
Patricia Grund, 2001
I’ve been to Chicago so many times and finally had a chance to take this River Cruise. Of course, Chicago’s architecture is amazing but this is the best way to see it and learn about how the city keeps growing. Our docent Patricia was the best – so smart and funny – she really made the cruise! – McKizzle Saint Louis, Missouri
Mary Jo Hoag, 2007
We took the River Cruise tour with my son and daughter-in-law. It was a very pleasant experience. It’s 90 minutes and the tour guide, Mary Jo, was excellent she is so knowledgeable about all the iconic Chicago buildings. We learned a lot about Chicago architecture. It was a beautiful day and we sat on top for the best view. You won’t be sorry. – Lou F New Port Richey, Florida
Judith Kaufman, 2010
Our party of 8 all really enjoyed a great River Cruise this past Monday! Judy was a great docent, entertaining and knowledgeable! I recommend! Ann G
Jack Kremers, 2013
I’ve been to Chicago twice and been on the River Cruise tour twice. This time we had Jack as our tour guide. He was knowledgeable and able to answer our questions. If his microphone didn’t cut him off intermittently it would have been better, but he handled that like a pro too. I was really impressed. – Dana W. Fishers, IN
Amy Kunz, 2020
Jill Tanz, 2003
Bob Sutter, 2019
Just a quick note to commend those CAC folks who were so impressive to me as a new member this weekend. We met three docents- Jill on the Millennium Park tour, Bob on the 3:30 boat tour Friday, and Amy on the 1pm Walk through Time on Saturday. These folks were knowledgeable and personable- and a delight to listen to. Your folks are special. Thanks – Denise Morgan
Tom Lenz, 2020
On the Walk Through Time tour, taken 1:00pm on August 20, our docent Tom (Lenz?) gave VERY professional introductions, tie-ins and wrap ups as a great docent should. He was clear and understandable, used accurate architectural descriptions yet not anything inaccessible for the average person. Certainly one the top docents we have toured with. The tour itself was just great. We saw many different architectural styles and were able to understand how and why each developed in the location where they stand. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this tour. – Jay S, CAC member
Leslie Clark Lewis, 2009
Wonderful very informative River Cruise. The cruise covered all the notable buildings from the early 1900’s to the present. A must do activity if you are visiting Chicago for the first time. Special kudos to Leslie, our tour director. – Tony3214 Naples, Florida
Peg Romm, 2015
I did the boat tour with Peg, and this was amazing. She could talk for 1.5h non-stop and I had the feeling of getting a tour by a true specialist that loves what they are doing. This was almost an academic tour, and since I am inclined this way I really loved it. I also did one of their walking tours, which was also good. If you can only do one, do the boat tour with Peg. I was unsure whether I should do the boat tour initially, I thought it might be a tourist trap. I was very wrong and I would recommend such a tour to any Chicago visitor. They seem to be really proud of their architecture. – Josef P
Mitch Rosenfeld, 2016
Mitch led the Louis Sullivan Rediscovered tour today and did justice to Louis Sullivan. We ended the tour on the second floor of his masterpiece, the former Carson Scott Pirie department store (now Target), at the corner of Madison/State streets, admiring this magnificence, after uncovering other Sullivan’s marvels and his importance as an eminent, pioneering Chicago architect. Thanks, Mitch, we learned a lot. – Steve S Chicago, Illinois
Suzy Ruder, 2019
We attended the Historic Treasures tour on 8/22/2021. Guide Suzy was very knowledgeable and friendly! Thank you! Hope to meet you again. – Alexey E Moscow, Russia
Robin Simon, 1997
Robin was a wonderful and knowledgeable guide on the Art Deco Skyscraper – The Loop tour. I now know the elements of Art Deco to look for in buildings! Great tour. – Voyage270917
Lisa Tallman, 2015
Lisa T knew her stuff and made this River Cruise educational and fun! Highly recommend this cruise to learn more about Chicago history and its building and people. – Susan K
Rebecca Trumbull 2011
Becky was a wonderful guide. Really well prepared and great knowledge of architecture. Delightful trip over the Chicago river. – chachocayuela Mexico City, Mexico
Janet Volk, 2019
Yesterday we did an architecture tour of Uptown, an adjacent neighborhood to where we live. The area was once an entertainment and shopping center; then it fell on hard times; now it has begun to gentrify. It has lots of old buildings that have seen better days and which have been repurposed. They have a small street/alley that is full of murals and street art. All in all, a fun and informative tour. Lots of terra-cotta in Uptown.
Michael Weiland, 1984
Mike the Mapmaker was our guide for a great tour of the Chicago River and the architectural history. So excited to see the changes in Chicago over the last 30 years. Nice to see that the river is clean, full of life and recognized as the important asset it is. Love that the guides are all volunteers and more than willing to share their knowledge and passion. – Francine E Kfar Saba,Israel
Gary Wenzel, 2016
Wow, what a great way to spend an afternoon in Chicago! Gary was our docent on the River Cruise and his narration was absolutely the best. Gary incorporated humor, interesting facts and wove in stories that connected the buildings and made me want to learn more about Chicago architecture and history. Lorrie A. Chicago, IL
Brendan Wilson, 2019
The CAC River Cruise was well worth investment of time and money. Informative and well organized. Brendan was an engaging and informed docent. Learned so much while also being relaxing! – J C. Seattle, WA
Claudia Winkler, 2007
Our first trip to Chicago and we were so glad we took the River Cruise on the first day of our visit. It helped understand so much about the city. Our guide, Claudia, was excellent. As boarding was in progress and before we left the dock she walked around saying hello, asking where folks were visiting from and welcoming us aboard – really set the tone! She was exceptionally knowledgeable and passionate about the city and architecture. So much information was given that one could probably do this tour several times and come away with different pieces of info! – SBrooks72 Denver, Colorado