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Chicago's First Lady Architectural Tours


Chicago's First Lady Architectural Tours
111 E. Wacker Dr., then SE corner of Michigan Ave. Bridge
Chicago, IL
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What's Near Chicago's First Lady Architectural Tours

Top-Rated Nearby Hotels
Distance in: mi km
Hotel USD* Distance Rating
Hotel Monaco Chicago - a Kimpton Hotel $224 0.2 mi 0.2 km 4.5 of 5 stars
Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago $483 0.2 mi 0.3 km 4.5 of 5 stars
Conrad Chicago $271 0.2 mi 0.4 km 4.5 of 5 stars
theWit Hotel $275 0.3 mi 0.4 km 4.5 of 5 stars
Renaissance Chicago Hotel $293 0.3 mi 0.5 km 4.5 of 5 stars
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*Average price
Top-Rated Nearby Restaurants
Distance in: mi km
restaurant Distance Rating
State & Lake 0.3 mi 0.4 km 4.5 of 5 stars
Intelligentsia Coffee 0.3 mi 0.4 km 4.5 of 5 stars
Sugar Bliss Cake Boutique 0.3 mi 0.5 km 4.5 of 5 stars
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Top-Rated Nearby Things to Do
Distance in: mi km
Thing to Do Distance Rating
Caravan Tours 0.1 mi 0.2 km 4.5 of 5 stars
Bobby's Bike Hike 0.5 mi 0.8 km 5 of 5 stars
City Segway Tours Chicago 0.6 mi 0.9 km 5 of 5 stars
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Traveler Advice on Chicago's First Lady Architectural Tours

Traveler Forum
  • Ask a question or view 310 posts on Chicago from this week.
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #9 of 514 attractions in Chicago
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Traveler Description: The official Chicago Architecture River Cruise. The Docents are knowledgable volunteers from the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Get tickets ahead... more »
Know about Chicago's First Lady Architectural Tours? Share your expertise with other travelers. Add to this description now.
Attraction type: Architectural building, Tour
Address: 111 E. Wacker Dr., then SE corner of Michigan Ave. Bridge Chicago, IL
Tel: 847-358-1330
Fax: 847-991-5255

Reviews you can trust

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
“As Great As Everyone Says It Is!”
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5 of 5 stars
composthappens   315 contributions
St. Louis, MO
Sep 21, 2009

This tour came highly recommended from tripadvisor and Chicagoans alike. Six of us went last weekend, and even though the day was gray we had a great time. The volunteer docent was personable and knowledgeable, and she gave a great tour. Do buy the tickets ahead of time. We thought that since it was September tickets would not be a... more

“Great Trip; a "Must" while in Chicago”
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5 of 5 stars
jaxondave   22 contributions
Jackson, MI
Sep 1, 2009

My fiance and I took the 7:30PM, 2 hour tour of both the river and the lake and the only word to describe is was "OUTSTANDING!" It was worth the $25 price, the guide was great and they even have a walk up bar with affordable drinks. If you only have one day to spend in Chicago, I definitely recommend... more

“great introduction to chicago”
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5 of 5 stars
svGypsySoul   8 contributions
Hillsborough, NC
Aug 28, 2009

This was my first visit to Chicago and the first thing we did was to take this tour. It was a great introduction to the city since you see a lot of the downtown and learn much of the history too. The docent is very informative and entertaining. Do purchase tickets early as the tour does fill up. If your... more

“great tour that teaches you while entertaining”
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5 of 5 stars
elmyra_duff   3 contributions
Seattle, WA
Aug 4, 2009

I loved it. The tour was amazing, and the voluntary lady who works for the nonprofit chicago architecture foundation had a lovely voice which kept us listening to her all the way. the tour covered almost all of the buildings in the interesting parts of the chicago river, and the guide lady went through the very interesting details about the... more

“Great tour!!! A Must-do while in Chicago!!”
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5 of 5 stars
klaxoner   3 contributions
Philadelphia, PA
Aug 3, 2009

What a great way to see Chicago! You really don't get a chance to see the city this way and it offers a unique perspective to see many of Chicago's beautiful buildings. Great for people who want to see the city but not exhaust themselves by walking all over or trying to get from spot to spot. You have comfy... more

“Great Tour. Get in line early to guarantee a good seat”
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5 of 5 stars
jpete02   137 contributions
Lansing, Michigan
Jun 30, 2009

We went on this tour on a perfect Sunday in the summer and had a great time. Even though neither of us are architecture experts, we both learned a lot from the narrator of the tour about Chicago in general and the wonderful buildings that line the river. The narrators of the tour are all volunteers and love Chicago and... more

“Very informative & in-depth architectural cruise!”
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4 of 5 stars
bainso   535 contributions
Boston, Massachusetts
Oct 12, 2008

After talking with the locals we decided that Chicago's First Lady was the best & most accurate tour if you want in-depth information on Chicago's many famous buildings. You board the boat approx 20 mins before the appointed time at Michigan Ave & Wacker Dr at the Southeast Corner of the bridge. Go to the upper deck for the best... more

“Great tour!”
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5 of 5 stars
oldflame   20 contributions
Grandville, MI
Oct 1, 2007
1/1 found this review helpful

My family ranging in age from 62 to 14 went on this 90 minute architectural tour of Chicago. The boat has 2 decks. We sat upstairs for the best view. The tour was narrated by a volunteer docent from the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Every building on the Chicago River (and sometimes a bit beyond) from the mouth and up the... more

“First Class All the Way!”
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5 of 5 stars
BamaRedRaider   14 contributions
Huntsville, AL
Jul 27, 2007
1/1 found this review helpful

After using TripAdvisor's travel forums, I decided the best architectural cruise in Chicago for my family would be the one offered by the Chicago Architecture Foundation and Chicago's First Lady Cruises. I was right! The boarding location at Michigan and Wacker is clearly marked, the staff and crew are extremely helpful, the boats are clean, comfortable and safe, and the... more

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Chicago's First Lady Architectural Tours Address

111 E. Wacker Dr., then SE corner of Michigan Ave. Bridge, Chicago, IL
Tel: 847-358-1330 Fax: 847-991-5255