Perfectly paced 1.5hrs, and utterly compelling. Mark the full-time Chicago Architecture Foundation volunteer was giving his 64th tour of the year and it was non-stop entertaining information from the first minute to last. Many thanks to my friend for insisting we go and can't recommend this enough, if you havent done it you haven't begun to understand Chicago!
Loved it. Best time to go is like the sunset one so that it starts during the day and ends at night
The guide amazed us with her deep knowledge of building styles, the designers, the history, the construction process, and the river. We were very impressed by the views. The boat was very steady in the water and had a nice downstairs lounge. We could not hear the guide downstairs however. All in all a great experience that we would do again and recommend to anyone visiting Chicago!
The docent who gave the tour was very knowledgable and interesting. Even for those with very little architecture experience. I highly recommend!
Honestly one of the best tours I've had. From the moment you hear the friendly voice of the captain through the speakers, positive vibes all over. The docents are well known about the area, love to tell you everything there's to know and are doing it in a way it's captivating and fun the entire tour. 10/10 would recommend, especially in autumn. One of the docents loves the trees.
My third time taking this marvelous trip -- sipping a favorite drink while enjoying a 360 degree view of this dynamic city. The docent was thoroughly researched, engaging and enthusiastic about what makes this city so special. Thumbs up!
Cruise was a great way to see more of the city than possible on foot. Our guide, John, was incredibly knowledgeable about all of the buildings we were viewing. 10/10 would do it again.
Wish the tour operator had explained why we were stuck at dock for first 25 minutes as no one could listen to her give history because we were worried about what was going on
A fabulous way to see the diverse architecture of Chicago. The guide imparted a wealth of information about the architects, the influences of the different designs, the timeline buildings were added to the skyline, as well as some interesting and quirky facts along the way. We had wonderful weather as we cruised along the river, and perfect photo opportunities. This really is a 'must do' when visiting the Windy City - incidentally there wasn't a puff of wind on our cruise, just beautiful sunshine!
The guide was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic THe cruise was very well organised and took in all the main sights Boat and crew were excellent
Terrific guide. So knowledgeable and informative.
What a fantastic tour in the middle of a beautiful day! Not only did we see the beautiful old and new architecture, but got to hear the history and facts of what makes Downtown Chicago so appealing. A MUST do!!!
Informative, pleasant, comfortable. And a few more letters to meet minimum criteria.
We took the boat ride with my boyfriend. We loved it, it was really interesting to learn about the city history and at the same time we took wonderfull pictures.
I’m sorry to leave this review but the way that the tour guide gave the tour was uninteresting and tiring. Bo humor, no personal points and the buildings had nothing interested to say about them…
Every few years when we return to Chicago we take a river boat tour. This was our first Architectural Society boat tour and it was heads and shoulders above the others. The museum was a nice added feature for five dollars, the best part being the video about Chicago’s buildings. Would’ve liked to have seen more in the museum regarding Chicago’s buildings and not so much on specialized temporary exhibits like water resources. The tour was wonderful and our docent was great.
The tour was outstanding. Truly enjoyed the tour and our tour guide was amazing!!!! I can’t believe she spoke for entire 1.5 hours of the time without taking a break. She managed to so and the audience was engaged the entire tour. She was well informed, excellent tour guide. My kiddos (15 yr/ 13yr/ 8yr) remained interested throughout the tour. At the end of the tour my kiddos wanted to give the tour guide a tip for all her great work, but to our surprise she informed us that she was only a volunteer and would not accept any monetary tip. As a volunteer she does not get compensated for her time, nor can she accept tips. A pleasant surprise and great teaching moment for my kiddos- search for what makes you happy, do it well, and share your talents with others!
The women giving the tour was so knowledgeable. Loved it.
This tour was excellent! Wayne was a great, funny guide, and I felt that I learned a lot. Even though it was freezing outside, this was such an enjoyable experience!
The tour was very informative buildings amazing. The guide, Wayne Johnson, was fabulous. Very knowledgeable, a great communicator with humor worked in. He kept us warm through his dialogue even though it was cold outside.
