Kathy Baker, 2016
Kathy was our guide for the River Cruise and was very good. It was easy to recognize the buildings and it was the perfect amount of information on each one. Definitely a great way to get to see Chicago from the river.
Jim Bartholomew, 2008
It’s all been said. Book this! We had Jim, an excellent River Cruise docent who was both entertaining and informative. His history on the Chicago buildings, people and architecture made this tour fly by. Not sure if all young’uns will enjoy as it could be a little boring for them, but adults will be pleased. Have an excellent breakfast at nearby Wildberry’s Pancakes before you board to round out a perfect morning.
Sandy Brendine, 2001
We just got back from a 5-day trip to Chicago and can honestly say the best thing we did was the River Cruise with the CAF. Our guide was Sandy and he was EXCELLENT; he was so informative, full of knowledge about the city and happy to answer questions. The tour was so interesting, we could have sat on that boat all day and listened to his stories. I would love to go back in a year and do this tour again as Sandy showed us numerous sites of development; it sounds like new buildings will be popping up all over the place so would be interesting to hear to see how the riverside changes. Thank you, Sandy, you were wonderful!
Kathleen Carpenter, 2006
It was a hot summer day, but Kathleen our docent was so fabulous and passionate about her city that I barely noticed and never strayed from my seat. 90 minutes flew by and I was entranced by the buildings and stories. Just bring your sunscreen and a hat, enjoy the river breeze and prepare to be entranced.
Joan Fallert, 2001
Still early in the year but no rust on the CAF/First Lady 12:00 noon River Cruise on Sunday, April 29th, 2018. Joe at the helm and the spectacular Joan on the microphone. Joan, (no tips please, volunteer for the Chicago Architectural Foundation), even this early in the season, did not miss a beat. Her theme of the buildings conversing with each other, over the river, and over time was truly outstanding. Her understanding and interpretation of the architecture was clear. This is my second time on this tour on visits to Chicago and I expect will not be my last. Do it. You won’t regret it. And, now, I see lots of building conversing, who’d a thought.
Kent Foutty, 2009
What a wonderful River Cruise, and Kent the guide was fantastic. So much to learn – I forgot 95% already but I can’t imagine a better tour or company. They do a brief history of the river and then explain all the various forms of architecture. Did you know in the early 1920’s they often had some little Egyptian theme to commemorate the discovery of King Tut’s Tomb? See the type of fun facts you get.
Georgia Goldberg, 2012
I’ve taken other boat tours of the city before, but this is my first with the CAF. Our docent, Georgia, was a WEALTH of interesting information. She spoke for most of the 90 minutes reciting interesting history, facts, and anecdotes (along with jokes too) on all of the buildings. It was a most beautiful day in Chicago, not too hot, sunny, not a cloud in the sky – that also added to the extreme enjoyment of the day! I live in Chicago, so you don’t have to be a tourist to enjoy!
Pat Grund, 2001
This River Cruise is an absolute MUST for visitors (or locals) to Chicago! We were a group of 5 – a mix of structural engineers, property developers and health professionals – coming in with different perspectives, leaving in awe of Chicago and with Patricia’s passion, knowledge and love of her wonderful city! We loved every minute and would thoroughly recommend doing this tour to anyone! (We already have!!!)
Siobhan Hartsell, 2015
If you’re a fan of Chicago’s architecture (or want a fabulous 90-minute lesson on the topic), while relaxing on a boat, don’t miss the CAF’s River Cruise! Let by incredibly informed docents (Siobhan was fantastic!), you’ll be amazed at how much you’ll see and learn in such a short time. And you get a wonderful trip up and down the Chicago River! I’ve taken this cruise 3 times over several years. It’s always changing (as new buildings spring up along the river), and I’ve enjoyed it so much each time!
Gloria Hinrichs-Nelson, 2016
Don’t be misled into thinking this is just a cruise on the river to look at buildings. It is a narrative of history, architecture, the residents, the why and when structures were built, how the river flow turned around, and the people who made it all happen. Even those who don’t like tours will enjoy this one. A shout out to our docent Gloria who remembers all the names and places and dates and makes it fascinating. And she, like the other guides, is a volunteer. Hooray for the CAF for this opportunity. And wear sunscreen, bring a hat.
Joni Hirsch-Blackman, 2013
The River Cruise was an extraordinary experience, especially guided by extremely charming lady with sense of humor named Joni. It wasn’t only an architecture tour, but also a lecture in history of Chicago. We were impressed and amused in the same time. She gave us also some recommendations regarding social life (where to go for a couple of drinks…). Thank you. I highly recommend the “First Lady” river tour organized by CAF.
Mary Jo Hoag, 2007
The River Cruise is a perfect way to learn about Chicago and experience the city for the first time. My wife and I only had a day to visit, but thoroughly enjoyed this trip. Our tour guide, Mary Jo, was first-rate. She clearly loved her job and brought a level of enthusiasm, humor, and knowledge that can’t be beat. Would absolutely recommend this cruise to anyone visiting the city.
Brent Hoffmann, 2005
My boyfriend, his family and I embarked upon the River Cruse on a hot, sunny Chicago summer’s day. With cold beers, fascinating facts and unique views of the cityscape and insight into its varied architectural styles; the afternoon tour with Brent gave us all discussion fodder for the entire weekend. The tour was educational and engaging and even managed to enlighten members of our group who were born and raised in Chicago. We would definitely recommend this tour to anyone who is intrigued by the ‘windy city’s incredible skyline.
Dan Johnson 2016
If you are short of time make sure you do the River Cruise with the CAF. Our guide Daniel was incredibly knowledgeable but not too intense and I now have a new appreciation and understanding of architecture and building designs. I will never look at a building the same way again. Such a professional service, and what’s neat they do not accept tips, such a pleasant change from all other tourist providers.
Wayne Johnson, 2016
Great tour with a great guide, Wayne. Thinking back, his style had the perfect delivery of great information with smile and no unnecessary “fluff” to get in the way of the real reason of the tour… the beautiful architecture. Even with a little rain, we thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this tour.
Judith Kaufman, 2010
I was not disappointed.in the River Cruise. Judith Kaufmann was our docent and she was absolutely incredible – she spoke for the full 90 minutes of the tour and everything she had to say was interesting and enjoyable to listen to – neither stupid trivial stories nor loads of dry facts – obviously the focus is on the architecture and I was astounded that Judith knew who the architects for every single building. Her knowledge was extensive, her manner friendly and her background on the history of Chicago and its buildings was fascinating. There are several tour companies that offer architecture boat tours but doing it with a docent from the CAFseemed to be the best way to go – and they use First Lady Cruises.
Bill Lipsman, 2009
From the ticket booth to the boat, the people at Chicago’s First Lady Cruises were great. The boat itself was spacious and it was nice to have the open air decks but an Air Conditioned cabin to escape to for a minute or two when it was hot outside. Our docent, Bill, was very well informed on both the old and the upcoming architecture of Chicago. I appreciated that while the cruise both started and ended perfectly on time the tour always felt perfectly paced. It’s a great value and worth the time. Finding the location was easy as it’s at the River level of Michigan and Wacker.
Mike Mader, 2006
After years of coming to Chicago on business, I finally played hooky yesterday and took the River Cruise. It was spectacular, period, paragraph, end of report. Pieces of the intelligent but accessible commentary called back a college architecture class, which was a great refresher, while the postmodern portions were incredibly interesting. And the overlay of area history was fabulous context. Luddite that I am I had no idea that engineers had reversed the flow of the river. And of course, I desperately want to sell my house in Los Angeles and move into that exquisite little jewel box across the river from the East Bank Club.
Cindy Schneider, 2010
The River Cruise with Chicago’s First Lady was an excellent attraction. Cindy was a very good, and educated us about everything around the river and Chicago Architecture Foundation. The cruise was the highlight of our visit.
Russ Seward, 2005
Russ was the CAF volunteer guide for our River Cruise, and he did a fantastic job telling us not only about the buildings, but about the history behind/around them. We had no trouble finding a seat, and the speakers are positioned all over, so you can easily hear the guide. I know very little about architecture but found this tour fascinating. Highly recommended! – Hillary, Arlington
Robin Simon, 1997
Robin, Jeffrey and I say thank you for your very wonderful tour yesterday. Definitely the Bohemian National Cemetery is a keeper…for some, forever, but for us as an always interesting place to visit. Certainly you made the sites come “alive” for us in both a tone and manner exceedingly pleasant. I think you get the picture: We think you did a GREAT JOB!!! Thank you so much. We know everyone loved it.-Sylvia Dunbeck and Mercer
Ronnie Jo Sokol, 2006
Hi – I don’t have a question, I just wanted to compliment how great our tour guide was on our River Cruise this weekend with Ronnie. I couldn’t have been more impressed with her. She spoke the entire 90 minutes without skipping a beat and provided SOOO much interesting information. I have a feeling all of your docents have a lot of training and are great, but I can only vouch for Ronnie. Well done! Thank you – Jaime
Tina Strauss, 1989
I greatly enjoyed the Lake Forest Cemetery tour this past Saturday. Tina, the docent for my group, was terrific. She was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic and did a really nice job.
Lindy Trigg, 2003
Lindy was our extremely knowledgeable and entertaining docent. I would highly recommend the River Cruise! I have visited the city several times and wish I would have taken the tour before. You will learn a great deal about the history of the city and its fabulous skyline.