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Jim Bartholomew 2008 or Jim Javorcic 1999
River Cruise, July 2023

Jim was a fantastic tour guide. Learned so much from him and had a lovely cruise! Thank you, Jim!!!!  michelle k Chicago, IL

Barbara Brotman 2023 or Barbara Weiner 2011
Historic Treasures, June 2023

I had some downtime alone and decided to book a last minute walking tour called Historic Treasures of Chicago and I am so glad I did! I happened to be the only person on the walking tour, and my guide Barbara went above and beyond on educating me and answering all my questions. She knew so much about the city and she and I had the best time exploring the beautiful architecture of the Golden Age. It was definitely the highlight of my trip – Thank you Barbara! Don’t miss taking a tour with the CAC, you won’t regret it! Melissa B.

John Burns 2009, John Schneider 2017, or John Tielsch 2017
River Cruise, July 2023

The docent John was fantastic! He was extremely knowledgeable and informative. I saw Chicago from a totally different point of view. Just great!  Jennifer P

Mark Campbell 2023, Mark Lenhart 2023, or Mark Purdome 2019
River Cruise, July 2023

We took the evening/sunset cruise and it was the highlight of our visit to Chicago. Our guide Mark led an informative and engaging conversation about the history of Chicago and the buildings we saw along the tour. It appealed to the architecture lovers and the teenager just learning. The view of the buildings lit up and the Chicago skyline after the sun set were amazing!  travellady44s Columbia, MD

Mark Campbell 2023, Mark Lenhart 2023, or Mark Purdome 2019
River Cruise, July 2023

Mark was an amazing tour guide. Very informative and gave me a deeper appreciation for architecture, Chicago and cities!  Andrea A atlanta

Mark Campbell 2023, Mark Lenhart 2023, or Mark Purdome 2019
River Cruise, August 2023

Amazing tour with Mark – interesting, relatable, cool memorable stories that teach you about the city!! Ida G. Vancouver, Canada

Susan Duda 2011, Susan Frost 2015, or Susan Pappas 2005
River Cruise, August 2023

Our tour guide Susan was fantastic. Very insightful and interesting while not boring at all. Both me as an engineer and my girlfriend (who hates math) both loved it. Perfect for all ages and walks of life. Ryan W

Steve Gersten 2003, Steve Haddad 2020, or Steve Redfield 2019
River Cruise, July 2023

My experience on this cruise was fantastic. I absorbed so much history in just 90 minutes! Our tour guide, Steve, was a pro! Highly recommended!  Pioneer30963619677

Steve Gersten 2003, Steve Haddad 2020, or Steve Redfield 2019
River Cruise, August 2023

Unbelievable. Docent Steve knowledgeable and entertaining despite the pouring rain. An absolute must for entertaining visitors to Chicago. airlevine Chicago, IL

Steve Gersten 2003, Steve Haddad 2020, or Steve Redfield 2019
River Cruise, August 2023

Steve was extremely knowledgeable of the beautiful architecture of Chicago’s skyscrapers. What a fascinating tour. Worth every minute!!!  HLBJR Olathe, KS

David Gottlieb or David Utech 2003
Historic Treasures, August 2023

I took this walking tour with David yesterday, and he was filled with interesting insights, facts and perspectives on the evolving architecture of the Chicago Loop. It was a really small group, so lots of interactions. I highly recommend taking this 90 minute walking tour! Jim W Minneapolis, MN

Dan Johnson 2016, Dan Persky 2007, or Dan Spiegel 2020
Walk Thru Time, August 2023

Great tour to learn about all Chicago important events. From the very beginning until nowadays! Our guide Dan was fantastic, I loved the way he told us stories about Chicago growing and how he described the buildings we saw during this tour. Great way to put Chicago History and its architecture together! I enjoyed walking around and learning about the Chicago River, the Great Fire, and the changes through the time! TraveleRGuy Chicago, IL

Ingrid Nelson (2019) or Ingrid Zeller (2009)
River Cruise, July 2023

We took the 5:30 pm river cruise on the Chicago’s Emerald Lady and it was absolutely fantastic! Could not have asked for more perfect weather to see the amazing sights and architecture of the Chicago River. Ingrid was our guide and she did a fabulous job of narrating the cruise. I have taken cruises before but this one was by far the best. Very informative! Highly recommend. SueGSTC Saint Charles, IL

Kathy Baker 2016
River Cruise, August 2023

Fabulous tour with extremely knowledgeable docent, Cathy (sic). She pointed out buildings, who the architect was, the style, the building materials. And history of Chicago!  ilona p West Palm Beach, FL

Phil Bierman 2023
River Cruise, August 2023

Tour Guide Phil was superb. The entire tour was so informative and even if Architecture isn’t a big deal for you the history content is excellent and very entertaining. Highly recommended. Enda K

Rene Cantu 2023
Historic Treasures,  July 2023

A few days ago we went to attend the walking tour. The tour is two hours of walking and looking at the old architecture of Chicago. The guide René made the tour fun and informative with so many interesting stories about the history of the buildings and the people who shaped the city of Chicago. He also showed us the unique shapes of building such as the Carbide and Carbon building that is shaped like a champagne bottle with pure gold on the top or the magnificent Tiffany dome that was built with thousands of pieces. In conclusion I would highly recommend this tour. Jonathan L, Hangzhou, China

Monica Caparosa 2023
River Cruise, August 2023

Our guide Monica gave an extraordinary tour filled with fun facts, history and tips of places to visit and activities to enjoy the beautiful city of Chicago. Her knowledge and enthusiasm kept us fully engaged during the tour! I would recommend any of my friends and family to go on a tour with her! Ana Paty

Kathleen Carpenter 2006
River Cruise, August 2023

It was absolutely amazing!!! Tour guide Casey was excellent. I learned a lot about Chicago and history. Olivia J

Hau Chyi 2015
River Cruise, July 2023

A great way to start our trip to Chicago! So many interesting facts and a great way to enjoy the beautiful weather. Hal (sic) was fantastic!  Haley M Atlanta, GA

Alice Daniele 2019
River Cruise, August 2023

We loved this tour! Alice was our guide, she was so interesting and informative, and her knowledge of the city was amazing and made for a great tour. My two teens who thought it would be boring ended up loving it! Highly recommend! Melanie R

Anne Findley 2023
River Cruise, August 2023

Gorgeous views, absolutely fantastic tour guide (Anne) who was clearly super passionate about the subject. Learned so much about architecture and gained a real appreciation for Chicago’s leadership and resilience 💛 Tour45658959570

Kent Foutty 2009
River Cruise, August 2023

Awesome tour!!! Kent was the tour guide and he was so knowledgeable, funny and personable! The tour was so interesting and touches on more than just architecture. We learned about Chicago’s history and about the river itself, too. Highly recommend for all ages as it was a fun and interesting ride! Kelcie W

Lance Friedmann 2015
River Cruise, July 2023

Whether you’re a Chicago native, like myself, or this is your first visit to our great city, there’s no better way to learn about Chicago’s proud and colorful history than through the lens of its amazing world renown architecture gliding along the Chicago River. And if you want the ultimate experience, try and get Lance as your guide. He’s as entertaining and enjoyable as he is knowledgeable and eloquent. Treat yourself and your guests to a memorable experience. And say a warm hello to Lance and our beautiful city. Ellen Diamond

Georgia Goldberg 2012
River Cruise, August 2023

We did a 7:30pm cruise and it was perfect! We had amazing weather! Georgia was our tour guide and she was great!! Can’t say enough good things!! She was so knowledgeable, genuinely excited to tell you about every building and so easy to listen to! Would definitely recommend this to anyone visiting!! Alyshia A. SC

Pat Grund 2001
River Cruise, August 2023

My husband and I were lucky enough to attend the CAC First Lady boat tour on Saturday 8/19/23 at 11:00am. We had the pleasure of having Patricia as our docent. We were so impressed with Pat’s knowledge of the buildings, history, and architecture. She has so much passion. It was if she was telling the history of the buildings to guests for the very 1st time even though she has been doing this for 17 years! She also added a great sense of humor. Again Pat-thank you for making our day! Jim S. Honolulu, HI

Charles Gurian 2017
Walk Thru Time, August 2023

Starting with the first important building constructed after the Chicago Fire, our excellent docent, Charles, walked us through history in chronological order. What is a Chicago window? How did materials change? What features have been kept and cared for over 100+ years. It was all fascinating. Ann Hicks M Winter Park, FL

Steve Haddad 2020
River Cruise, July 2022

This was so fun and informative. Make sure you get a cruise thru the Chicago Architecture Center. Our docent was great. He was a retired orthopedic surgeon and obviously loves Chicago architecture. Great stories and great history. Chicago is so beautiful. Enjoyed the Riverwalk after. amy1440 Chicago, IL

Tim Harris 2019
River Cruise, July 2023

Tim was awesome. He felt like a real authentic Chicago based tour guide. He gave us all the history and culture of the architecture as well give fun sayings. I appreciate him and his fun attitude and spirit. Coastal811892 Vacaville, CA

Siobhan Hartsell 2015
River Cruise, August 2023

The view of the beautiful Chicago architecture from the perspective of the river was spectacular. The amount of history was amazing. The only problem is that there was so much, it’s impossible to remember all of those nuggets! The docent was Siobhan and she was outstanding. I would recommend this to anyone and everyone. I am a Chicago native and have done this river cruise several times. Each time is never a disappointment and as new buildings appear, this tour is like new each time. My two friends from Florida and Utah were equally impressed and delighted. Loved it! Marija B

Lynne Hensel 2010
River Cruise, August 2023

Our docent, Lynn was amazing! Learning the history of the port, the different architectural styles of the buildings, and little tidbits of interest, this was our favorite part of our trip to Chicago! Zachary H

Joni Hirsch Blackman 2013
River Cruise, July 2023

What an amazing experience, Joni brought the buildings to life with stories that flowed like the river. Jeremy G

Mary Jo Hoag 2007
River Cruise, July 2023

Amazing! What a fabulous tour run by the not for profit Chicago Architecture Center. This tour is a must for travelers to Chicago as well as fellow Chicagoans. I can’t believe I lived here for 61 years and it was the first time doing this tour. It was a beautiful day out on the river learning about Chicago’s history. Our docent (tour guide), Mary Jo, was just fantastic as she was passionate and incredibly knowledgeable about Chicago’s history, the buildings and other stories that kept us entertained throughout. Even though some may think architecture is dull, it definitely is not on this tour. Weaving Chicago’s history around the buildings, their styles, the architects, the river itself as well as the engineering to build these skyscrapers was fascinating. Highly recommend (especially if you get Mary Jo, but I am sure all the docents are wonderful)! GCK61 Buffalo Grove, IL

Brent Hoffmann 2005
Chicago Modern, June 2023

Brent was a fantastic docent. Knowledgeable and charismatic. The tour was informative and I feel certain I can now identify MidCentury Modernism. 🙂 Tesa Kay Antioch, IL

John Ivory 2023
What’s New, August 2023

Excellent walking tour with John I. Thank you for your time. Very thorough and thoughtful guide, accommodating to non-native English speakers. Luca Alfredo M

Judith Kaufman 2010
River Cruise, August 2023

Guide was excellent. Judith really knew her history and was very informative! Have been on other architecture boat tours but this one stands out. annette V

Sann Knipple 2023
River Cruise, June 2023

Had such a great experience with Sam (sic)! Incredibly knowledgeable and entertaining. Would join the tour again! Mackenzie A Chicago, IL 

Tony Lovos 2023
Magnificent Mile, July 2023

This was an excellent tour of the Magnificent Mile area, and I highly recommend it to anyone. Our docent, Tony, was so informative and made the tour really interesting. I learned a ton about architecture in the neighborhood and really enjoyed getting to see some of the details that I’ve missed. Go on this tour! Brett\

Michael Mader 2006
River Cruise, August 2023

Great cruise. The docent, Michael, was excellent. He pointed out many great buildings and their unique features. He also explained the development of certain portions along the river. James C New York City, NY

Kelly Manteck 2020
River Cruise, July 2023

The tour was excellent. Kelly, the docent, was simply fantastic – extremely knowledgeable, humorous, and talented. She certainly loves her vocation. Paul K

Cyndi Martin 2016
River Cruise, August 2023

Wonderful tour with just the right blend of architecture and local history! We could hear every word our fabulous guide (Cindy) spoke, and we learned a lot about our own city that we never knew. We highly recommend this tour! Candace F

Ed McDevitt 2010 and Ellen Shubart 2006
CAC@Home – Prost!, July 2023

Thank you for very interesting talk – Holly Love

Great job! – Maureen Davis

Thank you all! – Edie Scala-Hampson

Burt Michaels 2019
What’s New, August 2023

Docent Burt was extremely knowledgeable about Chicago’s history and its newest constructions. He discussed building materials and purposes as well as the lives of those living in them and the architects. We will forever view tall buildings differently because if this tour, and discovered places we would never have found on our own! travelg38 Fort Wayne, IN

Pris Mims 2000
River Cruise, July 2023

Pris the docent was absolutely amazing and so personable! She is an asset to this company. Pris was so knowledgeable about the history of all of the incredible skyscrapers up and down the Chicago River. I learned a lot and it is an experience not to be missed. Absolutely recommend this riverfront cruise/tour. Amy S

Lori Nelson 2020
River Cruise, July 2023

Wonderful tour on the river with great professional explanations on the city’s architectural design by Lori!! Highly recommended tour in Chicago. Mariella V, Toronto, Canada

Patricia O’Connor 2020
River Cruise, July 2023

We have lived in the Chicago suburbs for 24 years and this was our first time doing the Chicago architecture boat tour. It was a really great experience. 1.5 hours long. Our guide was Patricia, and she is fantastic. In fact, I read a Chicago Tribune article featuring her and the tour. With pure dumb luck, she was our guide! She is so knowledgeable and has great humor too. And we got to hear her say this (which she does at the end of every tour) I spent quite a few years with a wonderful man who always told me to always find joy. This is my joy. Thank you for letting me share it with you. That is the type of tour guide you want! Thank you Patricia!! Well Done! Christopher K Aurora, IL

Chris Pausch 2019
River Cruise, July 2023

Chris the host did a good job during the boat architecture tour. Good views of the city too seeing the buildings. Tourist

Mark Purdome 2019
River Cruise, June 2023

Great day and Mark the tour guide was excellent. Very enjoyable day along the River and I’ve told others to get on the boat! Charles D Saratoga, California

Mitch Rosenfeld 2016
Magnificent Mile, August 2023

Tour guide Mitch was fabulous! His motto: Look up! We walk this route frequently and had no idea there was so much history and hidden gems along the way. Excellent tour! Rodger S

Sydney Schuler 1992
River Cruise, August 2023

Sydney was phenomenal! Just the right mix of history, stories about the people behind the buildings, and design. This was a winner of an experience. Thank you!!! Evangeline W, Greensboro, NC

Russ Seward 2005
River Cruise, August 2023

Russ was our tour guide, and he was PHENOMENAL. 10/10 tour, highly recommend for anyone visiting Chicago! James O

Paul Shoun 2023
What’s New, August 2023

This is an absolutely wonderful tour! I live walking distance to here (almost!) And was so delighted to find Bennet Park! And buildings I never knew were here! Paul was outstanding guide! Mary Ann F Chicago, IL

Ellen Shubart, 2006
River Cruise

Ellen was praised in a recent article published in a German newspaper, Shubart knows a lot about the special features of the buildings, about the refinements in the construction and about previous uses. For 90 minutes, she entertains guests on the boat trip along the Chicago River. https://www.schwaebische.de/themen/reise/hoch-hinaus-in-chicago-1692152

Ronnie Jo Sokol 2006
River Cruise, July 2023

Ronnie Jo–tour guide–is spectacular! SO knowledgeable, lively, enthusiastic, and funny! Packed with historical information for Chicago’s history back to 1850’s to present. Michael K

Lydia Spettel 2023
River Cruise, August 2023

Great views of the city from any seat on the boat. Lydia was entertaining and informative. Take a sweater for the evening tour. K J Salt Lake City, UT. Written August 21, 2023

Paula Tironi 2023
Historic Treasures, July 2023

Paula was astounding! Very knowledge and enthusiastic. What an interesting experience! Couldn’t recommend it more highly. Daniel S, Washington DC

Janet Volk 2019
Historic Treasures, August 2023

Another great tour by The Chicago Architecture Society. Our docent volunteer guide was Janet. She did an excellent job in guiding us through our walk together, and keeping us out of the sun!!! She also made special accommodations for a member of the group that was in a wheelchair. She was very kind and concerned that everyone would enjoy all the highlights of the tour. I strongly recommend!!! Janean M Boca Raton, FL

Maureen Waller 2023
What’s New, August 2023

My favourite part of the trip was seeing all of the beautiful buildings and learning about all of the amazing history. And of course our tour guide Maureen was great and very helpful. Bill H

Mike Weiland 1984
River Cruise, August 2023

What a great way to see the city! Especially if you’re lucky enough to get Mike the map maker as your docent! He gave us such interesting information and there really wasn’t a question he couldn’t answer. After being on the crowded streets this was the best way to see the city. Anne is Amazed

Gary Wenzel 2016
River Cruise, June 2023

Gary was our docent – found him to be very knowledgeable as well as entertaining!! He did a great job of reading the crowd and engaging the audience! Highly recommend this tour and Gary! pauljasko Chicago, IL

Claudia Winkler 2007
River Cruise, June 2023

I had an amazing experience with the Chicago Architecture Center on my visit to Chicago this month. My spouse and I decided to take the River Cruise our first day in the city and it was awesome, our guide Claudia was very knowledgeable and entertaining.  Melissa B

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