What’s on your Bucket List?

 

Original Post 9.1812  –  Updated 10.9.20

If you live in the Midwest, your bucket list is likely to include a visit to Chicago’s Loop, strolling through Millennium Park, and window shopping on Michigan Avenue. Tourists are frequently seen photographing the city’s famous buildings. World-renowned for its architectural heritage, Chicago is a must-see destination for architects and building aficionados everywhere. Visit the new Chicago Architecture Center featuring nearly 10,000 s.f. of exhibits.

One of the most entertaining ways to learn about Chicago’s history and famous architecture is to take a boat tour on the Chicago River. From the unique vantage point of the river, you can observe the buildings integrated into the city’s infrastructure. Chicago’s rectilinear street grid, upper and lower Wacker Drive, and the 18 famous movable bridges are all experienced in a new and interesting way.

Fall is a perfect time to take advantage of the beautiful weather and cruise the Chicago River. In past years, we rented a small boat at Marina City and treated our families to a self-guided architectural cruise. We even brought along a picnic feast to share!

The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) also offers popular boat tours of the city’s modern and historic buildings. Although river cruises were suspended due to the pandemic they are now available with safety precautions in place. The tours are narrated by volunteer docents trained to educate and entertain. TripAdvisor users named the CAC boat tour in their top ten things to do in Chicago. Tours begin at the northeast corner of Michigan Avenue and East Wacker Drive and last for 90 minutes. Tickets start at $46 per person when purchased in advance. Additional details can be found at the CAC website www.architecture.org/tours/detail/chicago-architecture-foundation-center-river-cruise-aboard-chicagos-first-lady/.

Happy Cruising!