Cynthia Bates, 2016
Dear CAC, I went for my first walking architectural tour in Chicago ten days ago, with Cynthia, who was wonderfully erudite, engaging, and funny. She pointed out many interesting details and answered all our questions, and even allowed time for a quick detour to see some more Art Deco Loop interiors and facades. I would recommend this tour to anyone interested in Chicago architecture and history. Cynthia deftly combined US and Chicago history with the choice of motifs at the time – like the martini glass elevator at the Chicago Board of trade, as well as the Ancient Near Eastern influences. Thank you for offering such great tours! – Best, Diana K. McDonald, PhD Albuquerque, NM.
Jane Cahill, 2005
I went on the twilight River Cruise with my cousins. We all work in the downtown area, but this was a whole new way to experience the city. Our docent, Jane, was fantastic!! She was incredibly knowledgeable and led a wonderful tour. The cruise started at sunset and finished at moonlight. This was our second time doing the tour and there were so many changes and new things to see. Highly recommend doing the twilight cruise with Jane! – Megan C
Maurice Champagne, 2004
Fascinating stories begin with the beautiful architecture on N. Michigan Ave. There is so much history and artistry there to be enjoyed! Maurice was a terrific docent, bringing history alive on the Magnificent Architecture of the Magnificent Mile tour. – Paula T
Dick Clark, 2008
Definitely worth the time and cost as you cruise the three branches of the Chicago River while learning about more than 20 landmark buildings. History, architecture, structural engineering came alive with our very knowledgeable docent Dick. Our group was a mixture of tourists and locals and was enjoyed by all. – anonymous821821 Northbrook, IL
Emily Clott, 2012
The River Cruise tour and our docent Emily were amazing. Chicago is a breathtakingly beautiful city, and its architecture is fascinating. Plus, here’s a direct quote from what I texted my boyfriend about our docent Emily after the tour: “Her enthusiasm for Chicago and for architecture is infectious.” I’m so glad we did the tour. Thank you, Emily and team, for the awesome experience and informative tour! – Nate H
Bill Coffin, 2004
Bill was very kind, funny, and knowledgeable. We really enjoyed learning about Art Deco in the Loop in Chicago. Getting to go inside of several of the buildings and seeing the amazing artwork was a highlight! – Filieman Chicago, IL
Alice Daniele, 2019
Excellent Historic Treasures tour, excellent guide. Alice was competent, clear, and concise. She led us quickly from one location to the next, filling the travel time with great details and observations. Tons of information and historical background. The audio equipment worked well (she was prudent and did a sound check before we left the center and found and resolved a glitch.) Well worth the time! – Doug C Long Beach, CA
Rebecca Dixon, 2003
Incredible River Cruise. If you want to sit back and relax while you hear about all the fascinating architecture Chicago has to offer, this is the way to go. Rebecca was our guide, and I tell you, she really knew her stuff. She explained things in a way that really made you want to listen. It is only 1.5 hours. Highly recommend. – Cheryl P. – Ormond Beach, FL
Deb Garber, 2012
No other city has a skyline you can be immersed in! Our River Cruise guide Deb was fantastic. Appreciated her comments about history, architecture & green buildings. – Bonnie Belle Sacramento, CA
Steve Gersten, 2003
Exceptional tour that really made Chicago come alive for us. The guide Steve was incredibly knowledgeable and gave the right mix of detail and story to illuminate but not overwhelm. Really amazing. We saw the city in a whole new light. We did the tour at night and couldn’t recommend it higher. – NaiveMelody1987 York, UK
Georgia Goldberg, 2012
This River Cruise is a must do when you’re visiting Chicago! Georgia painted the most beautiful picture for us on our 90 minute tour. Not only did we learn about the architecture of Chicago, we learned about the history of Chicago through its architecture. Where it started, how it built up, how it continues to grow. What a truly unforgettable experience. Thank you Georgia and thank you Chicago Architecture Foundation! – Kristin M.
Canoga Park, Los Angeles, CA
Jim Javorcic, 1999
The architecture River Cruise tour was recommended by friends and it did not disappoint. My wife and I were first time visitors to Chicago for an extended weekend stay. This tour was very relaxing and educational and our guide, Jim, really added to the experience. Great way to kick off a great weekend to an exciting City with so much to offer. Definitely would recommend to any first timer. Mdreese64
Wayne Johnson, 2016
This was a great River Cruise tour! Wayne was so knowledgeable and kind and really made the whole experience come alive. Fantastic for first-timers and people returning to Chicago! Definitely recommend it! Sonia M
Larry Kameya, 2013
Larry was great, lots of interesting details on each spot, as well as extras about nearby sights not part of the Chicago Modern tour. Great personal touches. Highly recommended. – RonBNy
Judith Kaufman, 2010
Our company sponsored the River Cruise event and I was initially iffy on going, but boy was I wrong!? I thoroughly enjoyed the tour and had a great time with co-workers. It was so lovely learning about the history of the river walk and the different architects/styles. So many fascinating fun facts learned on this tour. I kept hearing from our team what a great time they had, so many of us felt the same. It was a surprisingly good time!! And I would be remiss not to mention our docent Judith. She truly made the tour and is a bright light in this world. Protect her at all costs. Please. Highly recommend!! – AndreaNeedsAVacation SF Bay Area
Bill Lee, 2005
Had a great walk down Michigan Ave and over to State Street to admire some of the city’s Historic Treasures architecture and history. Our Guide, Bill, is an excellent ambassador for Chicago and very knowledgeable. Chicago has preserved some amazing structures as part of its downtown area, and it’s a great use of your time as a visitor to have someone point them out and explain the stories behind the structures. I will definitely take other tours from the same organization next time I visit. – Occasional_Travelr11
Amanda Lewis, 2019
Beautiful fall day to walk Michigan Ave, State St, the Loop and admire the Historic Treasures of Chicago’s Golden Age. The 90 minute tour was fascinating, informative & fun with guide Amanda. She was so knowledgeable & helpful, giving us all kinds of facts & history – but also insider tidbits. She also had great recommendations for dining in the area. Thx CAC & Amanda for another great tour. – Cam_Me_2 San Francisco, CA
Greg Lowe, 2019
Did the Uptown tour with Greg. Really informative and interesting. Greg was a knowledgeable, engaging tour guide. Highly recommend for both locals and tourists. – Nikki
Larry Mages, 2011
The Chicago Modern walking tour was great to see and hear about the different modern buildings. The guide (Larry) brought great energy and enthusiasm to the tour. – James J
Kelly Manteck, 2020
Docent Kelly (10:30am cruise) provided an interesting and educational River Cruise experience. Her knowledge of Chicago architecture is amazing. A very enjoyable morning was had by all. I highly recommend this cruise. – Dianemiz66 Chicago, IL
Burt Michaels, 2019
To the CAC and the docent Burt: We went by some of the Historic Treasures skyscrapers downtown. Very thorough and knowledgeable. Recommended!
Ingrid Nelson 2019
What makes this River Cruise unique are the retired architects that serve as volunteer docents and guides. Ingrid was fantastic and told us all about the buildings along the river and Incorporated history and fun facts about Chicago. I’d highly recommend this tour. – Aaron H. OR
Patricia O’Connor, 2020
We took the 1pm River Cruise tour today with our wonderful expert volunteer docent Patricia. We enjoyed our afternoon and learned a lot. The ride was comfortable, the boat was clean and the staff friendly. Would do again! – Csc C. Oak Park, IL
Susan Pappas, 2005
Hi – I took my nephew on the First Lady and CAC River Cruise tour this afternoon and we had a great afternoon. Beautiful weather and plenty of room on the boat. Our docent was someone named “Susie” and she did a great job. – Best, Jack Rubin
Bob Pratt, 2019
I really enjoyed the fascinating Kenilworth walking tour. Our knowledgeable and energetic docent Bob had a nice dry wit that was a great match for the material. As expected, lots of grand houses, with detailed information about architects and architecture. What was unexpected was background about the inhabitants, whom I assumed would be (rather boring) pillars of the community and country club types. We learned about a spiritualist…a Nazi collaborator…even a possible psychopathic killer. Highly recommended.
Mark Purdome, 2019
We booked a night River Cruise with First Lady Cruises and thoroughly enjoyed our experience. Our tour guide, Mark, was really knowledgeable about architecture and passionate about Chicago’s history and all her impressive buildings. Mark had a direct impact on my impression of Chicago and my new found appreciation for the Windy City. His enthusiasm to share his love for the city was evident and First Lady is lucky to have him. – Mari S
Constance Rajala, 2008
Dear Chicago Architecture Center, I had to write and tell you about the historical and amazing tour of Graceland Cemetery Tour I had today with the most wonderful docent, Constance. She was so knowledgeable about the departed that are at rest there and made the tour very interesting. Also her kindness was very appreciated. She’s a true asset to the CAC. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in Chicago history. I look forward to future tours.
Steve Redfield, 2019
We did two tours with Chicago Architecture Center, one River Cruise and an Historic Treasures of Chicago’s Golden Age architectural tour. We were delighted to have Steve as our guide on both tours. He is knowledgeable, enthusiastic and gave us great insight to the history and development of Chicago and its architecture. Highly recommend these tours and hope to be back and choose other areas to explore with CAC. – Jayne G Boston, MA
Jean Schlinkmann, 2013
Good to see the different buildings of Chicago on the Historic Treasures tour! The guide (Jean) was helpful and answered the questions by the different members of the Group. – James J
Anthony Sergen, 2012
Fascinating Historic Skyscrapers tour of Chicago’s earliest skyscrapers, led by Anthony, our guide from the Chicago Architecture Center. He introduced us to buildings designed by renowned architects includidng Louis Sullivan, Daniel Burnham, William LeBaron Jenney & Frank Lloyd Wright, among others. Highlights for me included the Auditorium, Monadnock, Rookery & Marquette buildings. Interiors of the Rookery & Marquette (inc Tiffany mosaics!) were stunning. Tony was very engaging, fun & knowledgeable. He pointed out many design & architectural details that we would have otherwise missed, in addition to adding very interesting historical & technological context at each stop. Highly recommended! – Maria Wilmette, IL
Russ Seward, 2005
This River Cruise tour is the best ever!!!! We had Russ as our tour guide and he was incredible. Wow!!! It was a beautiful day and the captain and crew were so accommodating. – twdlnel Princeton, IL
Ellen Shubart, 2006
This River Cruise tour was excellent! Our docent Ellen was wonderful and boy, does she know her Chicago history! What a fabulous way to spend my birthday – which Ellen made sure everyone on the boat knew it was my day. Totally recommend!! – Jennifer O
Ronnie Jo Sokol ,2006
Hello! I just wanted to reach out and thank you again for an awesome experience yesterday on the architecture River Cruise. I have probably been on that tour 50 times in my life, and I can honestly say that yesterday’s tour was the best I can remember. Our docent, Ronnie Jo, was just incredible. Her knowledge and connection to the kids was truly extraordinary in every way. We will definitely rebook for next year and I would LOVE to have Ronnie Jo and Captain Dave for our next voyage!! Thanks again!!! Sincerely, – Rob Boncosky, Humanities Assistant Division Leader, English & Music instructor, Cary-Grove High School
Bob Sutter, 2019
Bob our River Cruise tour guide was amazing. So knowledgeable and funny. Super entertaining and informative. We thoroughly enjoyed it. Was a cold day but a hot toddy from the bar warmed me right up. Would definitely recommend. – Marisa Gavito
Tim Thurlow, 2015
This Must See Chicago was a great snapshot of some “must see” icons while in Chicago. Our guide Tim gave us a very informative tour with excellent explanations of the evolution of architecture in Chicago. – Ted East Lake Stevens, WA
Kristi Turnbaugh, 2007
The First Lady is a nice ship and clearly has a good Captain to navigate these tight waterways. But the star of the show is Chrisi (sic) a CAC River Cruise docent. She says she is not paid and does not accept tips. And she doesn’t: we saw many people try because she is so good! She clearly knows Chicago history and I think knows the history of every building in Chicago, certainly those on the waterfront! And she presents the material in a most entertaining manner. Keeps your attention despite snapping the photos. – Joy G
Michael Weiland, 1984
Mike the River Cruise tour guide made the tour very interesting and he is very knowledgeable about Chicago architecture. This was my first time visiting Chicago and I truly enjoyed it. – amp2820 Fort Lauderdale, FL
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