Chicago Architecture Foundation, 1966
Congratulations on your planned move to the first building I designed for Illinois Center, 111 E. Wacker Drive. You’ll find the flexible space, surrounded by plazas and overlooking the riverfront, ideal for the new Chicago Architecture Center. I can imagine your well-regarded docents beginning their extraordinary tours here. Sir Norman Foster’s design for Apple Michigan Avenue just across the river must have been inspired by 111’s tall, highly transparent base. All who all who look through the huge glass panes of the Apple store will clearly see the Chicago Architecture Center across the river and be compelled to visit. – Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Emily Clott, 2012
We took the architectural boat tour on Friday November 10 during the middle of the first snow storm of the season. Our tour host, Emily, was so fabulous that, despite the snow and cold we stayed on the top deck for most of the tour. She was very informative, knowledgeable and easy to listen to. This was our first visit to Chicago and I would highly recommend this tour for any other first time visitors.
Alice Glicksberg, 2006
Hi, Alice – Just wanted you to know how much Harry and I enjoyed your tour yesterday. It was terrific! We were talking about it all through lunch – we even went over the map together. You know, I never really understood the scope of Illinois Center, even though we learned a little about it in River Cruise training. It makes so much more sense to me now. Thanks for an enlightening morning. – Leslie
Pat Grund, 2001
Today, November 19, last Sunday before Thanksgiving, was the last day for Architectural Boat Tours with this line. We were lucky enough to get to our hotel in time to consider making the last boat trip at 4:00. So glad we did. Patricia the tour guide was informative, friendly and entertaining. It was VERY cold, we were glad of our thick coats, hats and gloves, but well worth the chill. Weather is always a crap shoot, but we lucked out for a glorious clear night. Well worth the price, and the hot spiked beverages helped warm our insides. Highly recommended!
Jack Kremers, 2013
This was by far the best tour of Chicago we did on our trip. Interesting and informative, Jack our volunteer tour guide brought the city to life and taught us a huge amount about the buildings and history. His background in architecture enhanced the tour immensely. Would highly recommend the River Cruise to anyone as a must-do tour. Keep in mind if going in winter it is bitterly cold so dress warm!
Larry Mages, 2011
Good morning! My friend and I had the pleasure of having Larry Mages as our tour guide the other day. I just wanted to let you know that we thoroughly enjoyed our Chicago Modern tour and Larry was a fantastic guide! He really knows his architecture and Chicago. He even gave us dinner suggestions that turned out to be terrific! – Kendall Bradshaw
Alina McMahon, 2012
We took the River Cruise at 5 pm and we were lucky because we could enjoy the twilight. This is a beautiful boat trip over the Chicago River and you are able to appreciate the city during the day and at night. The guide Aline was very knowledgeable about architecture and everything was like living a fairy tale. There are enough sits outside for everybody. Inside, you have restrooms and a bar. Absolutely beautiful!
Constance Rajala, 2008
Tour was outstanding. The guide Constance was incredibly knowledgeable and made our day. What an awesome introduction to Chicago. Highly recommend it. Thank you!!!
Russ Seward, 2005
This was the highlight of our tour. Very informative. Russ did a fantastic job explaining the architecture of the buildings on the cruise as well as the history. Well worth the money. I was impressed they didn’t accept a tip but preferred a review
David Smith, 2006
This review is for docent David Smith who is perfect to lead the commentary (as he is a retired Professor and seasoned docent) on American Architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Mr. Smith narrated the journey on the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s (CAF’s) round trip bus tour to visit the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio and the Unity Temple in Oak Park, Illinois. What a wonderful trip, with insightful commentary and interesting stories. Thank you, CAF.
Lindy Trigg, 2003
This was one of the best things we did while in Chicago! Like others, I was thinking would this be so great, as I am not very interested in architecture… it doesn’t matter! The tour was organized, informative and fun! Our guide, Lindy, was delightful and obviously loves what she does. The views of the city from the water were beautiful and I came away with a great appreciation for the architecture of the city. Get in line early to get a good seat on the boat. Highly recommended!!
Joan Winstein, 2012
This was my 41st CAF tour (40 walking and one river tour) since April and it was one of my favorites! I had been in the Pedway before, but not from one extreme end to the other (west to east). Our guide Joan was a fountain of knowledge about every building and feature along the way. She even knew that the only bar in the Pedway (on the lowest level, not in the buildings above), Infields, used to be called McKenna’s.
Joan spoke about each building in which we paused, giving info about the architect, year of construction, and other interesting facts. Even as a Chicagoan, I had never been in the Pedway east of Michigan Avenue, so that part of the tour was all new discovery for me. (I took a wrong turn after the tour and got lost in the Pedway for a few minutes trying to find my way home!) All of the CAF tours I’ve been on have been engaging and full of fascinating information, but I count this tour right up there with the Chicago River Cruise as among my very favorites. It is by FAR the best tour to go on in the cold Chicago winter!
Stacey Vanada, 2017
Excellent Masterworks program of stopping at key intersections and discussing the relationship between landmark buildings from different eras; the references and homages to earlier styles, scale and details expressed in the later projects. Stacey, the docent, did a great job explaining the architectural dialogue.