Chicago Architecture Boat Tours
Chicago is a showcase of urban architecture. Since the Home Insurance Building, the first steel-framed skyscraper, opened in 1885, Chicago architects have pushed the limits in design and technology. Today many of these structures are best viewed from the perspective of a river boat ride.
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Chicago's Waterways
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Downtown Chicago is bounded on the east by Lake Michigan and on the west by the Chicago River. To the north the river separates the Loop area from the Near North, an extension of downtown.
Tour Operators
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Several commercial boat companies, including Wendella Sightseeing, Chicago Line Cruises and Shoreline Sightseeing, operate tours on the river. The non-profit Chicago Architecture Foundation also provides several tours daily.
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Sights
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Among the buildings along the river are the Tribune Tower and the Wrigley Building, both completed in 1925 and facing each other across Michigan Avenue. Nearby are the twin round towers of Marina City, opened in 1964, and around the bend is the Willis Tower, previously named the Sears Tower. Passengers typically see about 50 noteworthy structures.
Schedules
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During the busy summer season most tours depart hourly. Fewer daily excursions are scheduled during spring and fall; tours are shut down during the winter.
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References
- Photo Credit skyscrapers, chicago image by rese3282 from Fotolia.com
