John Blackburn 2017 Hug 1999, Ivory 2023, or Slivka 2023
Historic Treasures of Chicago, December 2024
John was an amazing guide – very well informed and prepared. He made everyone feel very included. I learned so much during the tour. He picked beautiful places – I walked by them so many times and never thought to step in or look up. Chicago has so many treasures. Highly recommend it. Joanna O
Mark Campbell 2023, Mark Lenhart 2023, or Mark Purdome 2019
River Cruise, October 2024
Mark was an excellent guide! His passion for Chicago architecture really came through as shared the architectural and historical significance of so many amazing and diverse wonders. Highly recommend and glad my purchase supports the Chicago Architecture Center! Geuka Atlanta, GA
Mark Campbell 2023, Mark Lenhart 2023, or Mark Purdome 2019
River Cruise, October 2024
Mark’s CCC boat tour was amazing. It made me so proud to be a Chicagoan. He’s an amazing, knowledgeable guide. What a wonderful way to see Chicago’s architectural treasures. Denise M Glenview1
Mark Campbell 2023, Mark Lenhart 2023, or Mark Purdome 2019
River Cruise, October 2024
We timed it by looking up sunset time and got the cruise that started 1 hour before sunset. It was FABULOUS! And our guide Mark was the best. So knowledgeable about the architecture and history. He was funny, genuine, and inspiring. I learned so much. This wasn’t just an over to the left is the Wrigley building and to the right is the “whatever” building. It was about how Chicago has changed and developed and the people and architects who have engineered industry and buildings through the decades. I don’t know a lot about architecture, but my new favorite thing is contextualism. Star S
Tom Carmichael 2007 or Tom Stelmack 2017
River Cruise, October 2024
The views were awesome and our guide Tom was fabulous. The boat was clean and the staff organized and efficient. Great tour. Patti R
Tom Carmichael 2007 or Tom Stelmack 2017
River Cruise, October 2024
Guide Tom was super sweet and very knowledgeable. Went through several building history good stories and overall a great trip. Pathfinder661301
Steve Gersten 2003, Steve Haddad 2020, or Steve Redfield 2019
River Cruise, October 2024
We took the 9:30am tour on Fri 10/14 and Steve was our guide. During the 90 minutes boat ride, Steve kept us engaged and provided a generous amount of fascinating history and architectural tidbits. He delivered just the right amount of information as we passed each building without overwhelming the audience. I highly recommend this tour and our guide Steve. Wanderer494558 Oak Hill, VA6
Steve Gersten 2003, Steve Haddad 2020, or Steve Redfield 2019
River Cruise, October 2024
The best way to see the heart of Chicago. Our guide Steve really brought the architecture of Chicago to light in this fascinating tour. He weaves in the complex history of the city along with stories of the powerful people who shaped it. He also included some insight into the design and engineering breakthroughs that made possible the unique one of a kind skyline that is Chicago. This tour is operated by a non-profit so there is no tipping the volunteers and makes it more authentic than the commercial ones. We have done this twice and learned something new each time. Jeff E Salt Lake City, UT
Steve Gersten 2003, Steve Haddad 2020, or Steve Redfield 2019
River Cruise, October 2024
Super interesting and beautiful! The boat was comfortable and our guide, Steve, really took it to another level. He was knowledgeable and engaging. I could listen to him all day! Cathy Knoxville, TN
Bill Hayden 2020, Bill Lee 2005, or Bill Lipsman 2009
River Cruise, November 2024
This tour far exceeded my expectations. I was just excited to be on a boat and see the city from another point of view but Bill made the tour incredibly interesting and the knowledge he had of the buildings was mind-blowing. I would recommend this to everyone! Lauren O
Peg Leonard 2005 or Peg Romm 2015
River Cruise, October 2024
90 stimulating minutes taking in Chicago’s curvaceous skyline accentuated by Peg’s soothing yet confident commentary. Peg – we love you and look forward to reuniting next summer. Ruth David L
Bob Levy 2023, Bob Moreland 2023, Bob Pratt 2019, or Bob Sutter 2019
River Cruise, November 2024
We could not have enjoyed it more. Wonderful buildings, and a really interesting guide, Bob, who filled us with fascinating information. Thoroughly recommended. Tripper055 UK
Bob Levy 2023, Bob Moreland 2023, Bob Pratt 2019, or Bob Sutter 2019
River Cruise, November 2024
Absolutely fantastic tour! A must do in Chicago! Bob was our tour guide and his depth of knowledge and presentation was fantastic! Richard M Providence, RI
Bob Levy 2023, Bob Moreland 2023, Bob Pratt 2019, or Bob Sutter 2019
River Cruise. November 2024
I never would have thought an Architecture cruise would be something I would write a review about, but here we are. This was amazing. Admittedly, I was not expecting much, but I was blown away. Our guide, Bob, was not only knowledgeable, his presentation was effortless, funny, and patient. It was really fun to walk around the city afterwards, and look at the buildings in a different way. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Chicago. Julie M
Lori Nelson 2020 or Lori Yelvington 2015
Must-See Chicago, December 2024
Lori gave us a wonderful tour! She knows all the history and the technical details behind the sights, but more importantly, she also knows the fascinating human stories and tells them very well. What part did scouring soap play in Chicago’s history? How did a bunch of union steelworkers get a perfect gloss finish on a 110-ton assemblage of welded panels? How did Daley’s people convince Picasso to design a sculpture that Picasso wouldn’t even name? The CAC docents go through rigorous training and they know their stuff. They are volunteers and their passion shows. They love their city and want to share it with visitors. I have been on more than a dozen different tours in the past years and they have all been fabulous. Anita 414 Milwaukee, WI
John Paige 2009 or John Syvertsen 2016
A Walk Through Time, December 2024
John was an excellent tour guide. Not only covering the architecture and architectural history of the city of providing other interesting information along the way. Thank you.!!! Cara B Wailea, HI
Cynthia Bates 2016
River Cruise, October 2024
It was an exceptional cruise experience! I will do this every time I come back to Chicago. Captain Diamond provided clear instructions on what to expect during the cruise in an entertaining fashion and Cynthia provided a very impressive easy to listen to description and history of the impressive Chicago architecture. Overall very well run outfit. Passport31306532232
Phil Bierman 2023
River Cruise, October 2024
A wonderful tour of Chicago architecture as seen from the Chicago River. Our docent Phil did an exceptional job weaving together history and architecture with knowledge and a charming sense of humor. Highly recommended. Ambassador40304
Scott Booze 2024
River Cruise, October 2024
I’ve done a lot of these tours with other boat services, but this was hands down one of the best tours of the river. The boat guide, Scott, was wonderful—knowledgeable, charismatic, and passionate about Chicago. Chicago’s First Lady will be my go-to for future architecture tours.
Mark Campbell 2023
River Cruise, October 2024
My husband and I went on this tour at the recommendation of his daughter who had been on it with family previously. It was our first time to take an architectural river tour. Our docent, Mark C., was excellent. He was very knowledgeable and professional. He has the voice of a radio announcer so his stories were interesting and educational. We look forward to the next time we can do another tour with the CAC! After our tour, we walked the Magnificent Mile and other streets. This gave the opportunity to see some of the buildings that are on the tour from the street side. We saw other architectural features not visible from the boat. I would highly recommend this tour. 217ontheroadagain53 Lafayette, IN
Rene Cantu 2023
River Cruise, September 2024
The tour was a very beautiful and amazing experience. Our guide Rene was not only the best one in showing and explaining every single detail of every building, his enthusiasm and friendliness bring the tour a great energy. He always kept us engaged! 5 stars for Rene! I recommend the tour and Rene 100%. Carlos V
Monica Caparosa 2023
River Cruise, October 2024
LOVED THIS CRUISE! Monica was absolutely wonderful! Learned so much about the beautiful City and was inspired by all the gorgeous architecture. Highly recommend to all! Go378588
Jill Carlson 2013
Historic Treasures of Chicago, December 2024
Jill a great tour guide. Very knowledgeable and friendly. Great insight into Chicago architecture. Highly recommend. Michael G
Tom Carmichael 2007
Loop as Lab, October 2024
Tom was an excellent guide. He knew the history of Chicago very well and answered questions from our group with great details. The tour was very fun and interesting, which kept all of us in the group engaged. The tour is new, called Loop Lab. It’s about the various city plans that Chicago went through starting in the 1800s to the 1900s. Highly recommend! MountainWoman
Alice Daniele 2019
River Cruise, September 2024
I have been on similar architectural tours in Chicago two times before and this one was the best! The boat was large, comfortable, and the captain did an excellent job. However, the guide, who I believe was named Alice, was what made the tour so amazing. She was a volunteer from the Chicago architecture center, and brought the tour to life with her commentary and descriptions of the buildings, history, and the city of Chicago. DAVID Tampa, FL
Sylvia Dunbeck 1987
Graceland Cemetery, October 2024
Sylvia Dunbeck was our tour guide and is the best! With a great sense of humor and a remarkable memory of historical minutiae, Sylvia led us around the cemetery pointing to important persons. It was a beautiful day and we lingered sometimes too long along the way but Sylvia adjusted the tour to our interests. Our group had a fabulous time, learned much and enjoyed the beautiful space that is the Graceland Cemetery. Sally M
Anne Findley 2023
River Cruise, September 2024
Our guide was Anne, and she did a wonderful job weaving together facts about the different buildings and architectural styles, plus she had a great sense of humor and gave us tips on places to take stunning photos. I loved seeing the city from the river! Lisa F London, UK
Kent Foutty 2009
River Cruise, September 2024
What an excellent tour. Kent was so full of facts and gave all the information with enthusiasm and passion. Isabel M
Deb Garber 2012
Must-See Chicago, September 2024
Deb was a fabulous guide with a clear passion for both Chicago and its architecture. The tour took us round examples of the different styles that the city has been built on through the decades since the great fire. Karl E Thames Ditton, UK
Jeanne Grogan 2024
River Cruise, September 2024
Jeanne was our tour guide she was amazing. Kept us entertained during the entire trip and answered all of our questions! Paul-Joe R
Sandy Guettler 2003
Chicago Pedway, December 2024
Our guide Sandy from CAC had in-depth knowledge of the architecture of the buildings, the surrounding downtown streets, the short cuts & long cuts how to navigate the streets both underground and at street level. And many interesting facts about the Pedway. Very interesting enjoyable tour and learned a lot in 2 hours. Michelle S
Steve Haddad 2020
River Cruise, October 2024
Dr Steve was amazing. Informative, educational. Humorous. Would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Chicago! Marc G Charlotte, NC
Tim Harris 2019
River Cruise, September 2024
Awesome tour – Tim was an amazing tour guide and so knowledgeable. Right balance of informative and peaceful. Highly recommend this tour! Kathleen M
Joni Hirsch Blackman 2013
River Cruise, October 2024
This tour was amazing. Joanie was a captivating and interesting guide. As someone who wouldn’t classify myself as overly interested in architecture, she made the tour fun and informative and kept us engaged the whole time. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a way to see Chicago and learn more about some of the city’s history! Delea J
Mary Jo Hoag 2007
Rosehill Cemetery: Civil War and Chicago’s Role, September 2024
This was a tour of Rosehill Cemetery and Chicago’s connections to the Civil War. Very interesting and guide Mary Jo was great. Very knowledgeable. Great refresher on Civil War history within the context of Chicago volunteers, newspapers and Lincoln’s Illinois connections. Cathy M Milwaukee, WI
John Ivory 2023
River Cruise, September 2024
John I was awesome!! One of the best boat tours! Humor, factual great tour! Song, a poem! And great info! Tour highly recommended. heathery153 Chicago, IL
Joan Johns 2008
Rookery Building, November 2024
I really enjoyed the Rookery Building tour led by Joan J. It is an impressive building with a stunning interior. Joan’s enthusiasm for the building and her extensive knowledge of its history and architectural details make this a delightful one hour tour. Beth B
Kimberly Kanakes 2023
River Cruise, September 2024
Kimberly was an amazing guide, so knowledgeable and full of great stories about the buildings we were seeing. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour and learned so much! Highly recommend!! Aisha A Washington DC, DC
Judith Kaufman 2010
River Cruise, October 2024
The views were amazing! The weather was perfect and our tour guide, Judith was very knowledgeable! Definitely recommended when you visit Chicago. jimmyduab Montgomery, AL
Sann Knipple 2023
River Cruise, October 2024
We had an amazing experience on board with San, the architectural docent! She was so informative and we learned so much about the Chicago River and the history of Chicago. We were able to catch her after the trip and ask her more questions which she happily answered! We highly recommend this tour!! Toby R Akron, OH
Mark Lenhart 2023
River Cruise, October 2024
Mark L was an amazing docent and terrific storyteller. I was surprised that the boat tour had changed so much. It still gives lots of info on the buildings but the whole story of Chicago and its location is the main thread. We had a great time and October in Chicago offers the BEST weather- glorious, sunny, spectacular. Mark L was knowledgeable, smooth, funny, and highly entertaining. You will be very lucky if you get on a tour with Mark L. Mary Ann S
Amanda Lewis 2019
Elevated Architecture: Downtown ‘L’ Train, November 2024
As part-time residents of Chicago who rarely use public transportation, this tour gave us a new perspective on buildings and neighborhoods we see all the time. Our guide Amanda was wonderful. She provided thorough historical background, described distinctive features of the many buildings highlighted in the tour, and brought to life the people and events that brought the L into being and shaped its long history. She answered the many questions we had, and we appreciated how much she enjoyed sharing the distinctive history of the Loop with us. We look forward to doing other tours with Amanda and deepening our knowledge about the great city we live in. Stephen G
Terry Light 2023
River Cruise, September 2024
Terry was our guide. He was both informative and entertaining. Chicago has a lot of history and the architecture is exquisite. Being on the tour and hearing Terry speak of each building and what makes it unique, you would never know unless you are a native of the city or a history buff. The money you spend to take the tour is well worth it. I would highly recommend. Angela
Bill Lipsman 2009
River Cruise, October 2024
Docent Bill the retired lawyer was amazing! We learned so much not only about the architecture, but also about the city and culture of Chicago. Dianne Boston, MA
Marcia Matavulj 2008
Art Deco Skyscrapers: Loop, November 2024|
The tour guide Marcia is personable and knowledgeable. We learned that we love art deco! The tour exceeded our expectations! Janice L
Jennifer McElroy
River Cruise, September 2024
Our fifth cruise and we learn something new every time. Even my hard-to-impress teenaged son found it interesting! Our decent Jen was engaging, our bartender was attentive and the boat was immaculate. A wonderful way to spend the afternoon. amy301 La Grange, IL
Burt Michaels 2019
The Gold Coast: Astor Street, September 2019
The Gold Coast: Astor Street Tour was an entertaining journey back in time when Chicago’s elite families made this neighborhood their home. Our tour was led by local resident Burt who has lived there for the past 25 years. His low-key demeanor and charming stories of its residents complemented the stately elegance of the Gilded Age. Highly recommend this tour! Phil H
Pris Mims 2000
River Cruise, September 2024
Phenomenal tour full of insights on Chicago, its history and architecture. Tour guide Pris was entertaining and knowledgeable. A great way to get to know the city and its place in American industry and history. Boat was nice too! Marika L
Bob Moreland 2023
River Cruise, October 2024
Our docent, Bob Moreland, was informative and entertaining. He made the experience memorable and his love and enthusiasm for Chicago Architecture was contagious! athena a Topeka, KS
Sally Paczosa 2024
Must-See Chicago, December 2024
This tour was absolutely fantastic! Our guide, Sally, was incredible—despite the freezing weather, she kept us engaged and entertained the entire time. Her deep knowledge of Chicago’s architecture and history was impressive, and she had a talent for making everything easy to follow and so much fun to learn about. Sally’s passion for the city truly shone through, and her storytelling made the buildings come alive. Highly recommend this tour—it’s a must for anyone visiting Chicago! Brandi Lexington, KY
Sandy Paik 2024
Must-See Chicago, October 2024
Had a wonderful tour and very educational with our tour guide Sandy. It is a great way to see the city and amazed at all the beautiful architecture. Linda A
Chris Pausch 2019
Elevated Architecture: Downtown ‘L’ Train, September 2024
Another awesome tour by Chicago Architecture Center – these are one of the best tours in Chicago! Chris was a superb guide. A highlight was the Quincy Station that was returned to its original glory and is really spectacular. Small tour size (max of 10) makes it really enjoyable. CB
Bobbi Pinkert 1999
River Cruise, October 2024
Bobbi was fantastic! Great information and extensive knowledge and lovely delivery. We really enjoyed it! Getting tickets was easy, boat left on time…very efficient! Safari43498454922
Bob Pratt 2019
River Cruise, October 2024
This was a great experience. I learned so much about the architecture of our beautiful city. Our docent Bob P did an excellent job putting all the architecture into historical perspective. Karin T
Monica Rodriguez 2015
Historic Treasures of Chicago, November 2024
Excellent tour. Monica is superb. She gave a lot of interesting information and took us to places and showed things we would have never discovered by ourselves. Highly recommended experience. Sergio C Miami, FL
Mitch Rosenfeld 2016
Art Deco Skyscrapers Riverfront, October 2024
I loved this tour – our guide Mitch was very knowledgeable and had a quick wit, to boot! It was great to see some classic Art Deco interiors (which I would not have known about otherwise) and learn what separates the style from Art Nouveau. Jesse F
Alison Schlickman 2015
River Cruise, October 2024
Absolutely fantastic! Our guide Alison was wonderful and knowledgeable – she did a great job highlighting the beauty of the Chicago architecture. Would definitely recommend. Pratheek M
Sydney Schuler 1992
River Cruise, September 2024
We absolutely loved this tour. Sydney was passionate about the city’s history and architecture and she’s incredibly knowledgeable. The perspective she shared made all of us fall in love with Chicago and ready to read and learn more! If you find yourself in Chicago we highly recommend this tour. Design matters! Thank you, Sydney. Kim B
Russ Seward 2005
River Cruise, September 2024
My wife and I spent much of our youth in Chicago and love it. We were back for Labor Day weekend 2024 and took 90 minute tour on The First Lady. It was incredible and I would HIGHLY recommend it as one of the MUST things to do when visiting or if you live there and have not done it before. The tour guide was Russell and he was 10 stars outstanding! Very informative, interesting, funny (but not trying to be a standup comedian) and friendly. John D Princeton, NJ
Wayne Shapiro 2020
A Walk Through Time, November 2024
Wayne, our guide, was awesome, very informative and patient. The tour was set chronologically. Thus, my wife and I learned not only about architecture but also about Chicago’s history. Our group was small and very interactive. Luis P
Peter Shearn 2023
River Cruise, September 2024
We loved this experience! All the staff we interacted with were friendly and helpful. Our docent, Peter, was absolutely delightful – full of insight and wit! We had no trouble understanding him over the microphone. We learned a lot and found the ride to be relaxing and enjoyable with great views. We highly recommend for anyone who wants to learn more about Chicago’s history and architecture! Tour20313950898
Ellen Shubart 2006
River Cruise, September 2024
Alan (sic) was an amazing guide. She had so much knowledge and fun opinions and jokes about the buildings and City. It was entertaining and educational at the same time. Bridgette S
Robin Simon 1997
Graceland Cemetery, October 2024
I attended the tour of Graceland Cemetery and found it fascinating. Our tour guide, Robin S, was incredibly knowledgeable and engaging. The group asked a lot of questions and it took a lot to stump her! For anyone who is a fan of The Gilded Age, this is a trip into Chicago’s version of that HBO show. It made for a perfect way to spend an afternoon for anyone intrigued by Chicago’s history or cemeteries in general. (Note in the photos that we even had a coyote sighting!) badgerma1 Chicago, IL
Ronnie Jo Sokol 2006
River Cruise, September 2024
I absolutely loved seeing my own city from the river cruise. Such a great perspective! And the many facts I learned from Ronnie Jo, the docent, were so very interesting. Her love of the city came to life in her stories. I’ll be back! franfink16 Chicago, IL
Lydia Spettel 2023
River Cruise, September 2024
We absolutely loved this experience! Lydia was our guide, and she couldn’t have been any better. She was wonderful and very informative about the city and its skyline. Getting to the dock was very easy, and ticketing was a breeze. Best of all, our boat was only 2/3 or so full! We were all able to spread out a little. We opted for the 5:30 pm cruise, which was a little sunny at first but turned out to be fantastic toward the end, with the city just beginning to light up. My wife was blown away and said this was her favorite part of our trip to the city! Brandon B. Woodbridge, VA
Mary Ann Spina 2024
Must-See Chicago, December 2024
We very much enjoyed our tour with our docent Mary Ann S. She was very knowledgeable and was able to answer our questions about the buildings that we saw. She was also very knowledgeable on Chicago history and shared some amusing stories about some of the buildings and related it to the time they were built. She was also very personable and made the tour very memorable for us. Juan S
Paula Tironi 2023
What’s New, September 2024
We arrived at the Chicago Architecture Center to take a walking tour, What’s New, at 5pm. Surprisingly, we were the only two tourists joining this wonderful tour led by charming and very knowledgeable docent, Paula. She showed us a variety of Chicago architectural gems and familiarized us with their stellar design done by different Chicago architectural firms. It was also very interesting to learn about different construction methods in the Windy City and the challenges the engineering firms faced in order to protect the buildings from fire and mitigate skyscrapers’ swaying in high winds. If you get lucky, Paula will be your guide in the city she loves. She generously shared her passion with us and we fell in love with Chicago from the first sight. Thank you so much, Paula! Noraatc Sudbury, MA
Maureen Waller 2023
Historic Treasures, September 2024
Thank you so much to our guide Maureen. We had such a lovely time and saw so much beauty and even as lifelong Chicagoans new aspects of old favorites. It was a great tour! Clare D
Claudia Winkler 2007
River Cruise, September 2024
This was one of my favorite parts of visiting Chicago!! I learned soo much about the architecture and developed a deeper appreciation for the art of the buildings. Our tour guide Claudia is passionate and did a fantastic job of presenting all the interesting history and information. Evangeline T
Michelle Woods 2019
River Cruise, October 2024
The Chicago Architectural River Boat cruise was amazing. Our tour guide Michelle was super knowledgeable and had historical perspective on the city that was helpful in understanding why Chicago is so well organized. Heather G Chicago, IL
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