Cynthia Bates, 2016
As a long-time Chicago resident, I always recommend the Chicago Architecture River Cruise to out of town visitors. But I recently took it myself for the first time in years and wanted to say how much I enjoyed the beautiful and unique perspective on architectural changes I had seen from street level and other views. Cynthia Bates, our volunteer docent, delivered a wealth of up-to-date historical and architectural information in a polished and engaging manner, even adding bits of humor inspired by weather and other real-time events. It’s such a great way to see and learn about my city, thanks!
Jill Carlson, 2013
I would like to extend our gratitude for the warm welcome you offered during our visit of the CAC. We were thrilled to discover the exhibit hall and the scale models of the various exemplary buildings showcased there. On Saturday we had the chance to take a custom tour tour with Jill, one of your volunteers. She is very pleasant and knowledgeable and offered us further insight into the economic, social, artistic and architectural development of Chicago. We hope you make it back to Montreal one of these days. Kind regards, Nadia
Kathleen Carpenter, 2006
As an architecture lover, Chicago is a must-do and really you are wasting your time (and money) if you have anyone other than the Chicago Architecture Foundation do the River Cruise tour. Their depth of knowledge and ability to answer any question is unmatched by the memorize-and-go general tour operators. We had the good fortune of experiencing Kathleen’s Top 10 Architecture Tour. It was super and worth the time for you to try to take it. – Shannah H. Plano, TX
Lisa Ciota, Education Guide / Exhibit Host
Jeff Zurlinden, 2015 / Education Guide / Exhibit Host
Thank you so much for spending your morning with us last Friday on our Science of Architecture Field Trip. The kids learned so much and I did, too! Your volunteer work is important and touches lives in ways you’ll never know! – Mary O’Toole, Rush Day School, Chicago, IL
Sylvia Dunbeck, 1987
The River Cruise tour was the highlight of our trip to Chicago. Sylvia was an amazing guide. She gave us more than just a look at architecture– she explained the development of the city and its building styles and technologies. It was more like a trip through time. Go at twilight! – Julie C. Hermosa Beach, CA
Judith Kaufman 2010
I took two 18-year-olds and a 24-year-old on the River Cruise as we heard it was a great way to learn about the historical waterfront buildings and types of architecture. The tour delivered that, and much more! Judith, our volunteer guide, knew her stuff and delivered the information with enthusiasm. She was terrific! – Deanne B. Austin, TX
Adrienne Lieberman 2010
Unexpectedly fascinating – Adrian rocks
We expected it to be a tourist trap but a good excuse to see the city. Ended up being eye opening and fascinating. The River Cruise guide, Adrienne, was fantastic. She’s a volunteer but threw her heart into it. Well played. – michael, Newport Beach, California.
Susan Schlegel 2004
Dear CAC, Last Thursday my daughter and I took part in a tour of the refurbished office buildings that are now hotels. We were knocked out by the tour guide and the tour. I have been on a number of tours, but this one stood out as one of the best. Our guide, Susan, I think, did a great job of giving us all of the information, but also was able to add all kinds of questions related to other buildings and the history of your city as well. Thanks again for a great Hotel Boom experience. Sincerely, Richard Sandler
Alison Schlickman 2015
Fantastic River Cruise tour! Our tour guide (Docent Alison) provided us with an in depth and fascinating tour of Chicago architecture from the earliest historical uses along the river up to and including the newest architecture that is being built right now. Her sense of humor made the tour super fun!! -Randa B. Oak Brook, IL
Lisa Tallman 2015
The most important sightseeing trip in Chicago: You can only really appreciate the city when you take a boat tour, and the CAC River Cruise is the one. Lasting 90 minutes, you get to see most of the buildings and those that are being constructed as well. We had the most amazing docent Lisa T who was just so interesting and fluent with knowledge of the buildings and Chicago and held our attention for the whole trip. – David C Lancaster, UK
Michael Weiland 1984
We actually live just a couple of blocks from the new CAC location, so we think we know Chicago well after forty plus years. But our docent and Holiday Lights Bus Tour Director, Mike, surprised us with lots of tidbits of info we did not know or simply did not remember. That made the tour totally worth it for us! – Jewel, Chicago, IL