Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise

A Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady pauses to allow guests to photograph the cityscape.

The Chicago Star was on board for the 29th season kick-off cruise of the official Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady. Hosted by Chicago’s First Lady Cruises (CFL) and the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC), the award-winning architectural boat tour departed June 21 at 3 p.m. under sunny skies.

“We wanted our season kick-off cruise to be a celebration of the official start of summer,” CFL leadership told the Chicago Star. Guests of the season's inaugural outing had the chance to experience the boat tour voted No. 1 in North America and connect directly with world-renowned CAC volunteer docents alongside leaders from CFL and CAC.

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Bob Agra III, President of Chicago’s First Lady Cruises, and Juanna Blackwell, Chief Operating Officer and interim CEO of the Chicago Architecture Center, discuss tour highlights. Photo by Elaine Hyde

The CAFC River Cruise offers a unique perspective of Chicago’s skyscrapers with unobstructed, open-air, 360-degree views from each vessel’s top deck that cannot be seen from land. From the First Lady’s top deck, cruisers get impeccable, panoramic views of the Merchandise Mart, Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, the Reid Murdoch Center and many more, according to Chicago Star sources on the scene.

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Susan Berkes of the Chicago Star. Photo by Elaine Hyde

Named the No. 1 Boat Tour in North America by the 2021 USA Today Readers’ Choice Awards, the 90-minute official (CAFC) River Cruise provides exceptional views of Chicago's range of diverse architectural styles, including art deco, neoclassicism, mid-century modernism and postmodernism, while navigating the three winding branches of the Chicago River. #cruisechicago #cafcrivercruise

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Artwork along Chicago’s Riverwalk. Photo by Elaine Hyde

Each cruise is led by a CAC certified-volunteer docent with expertise on the more than 50 buildings and 13 bascule bridges along the Chicago River. Volunteer docents undergo nearly 100 hours of training to become certified, plus an additional 12 weeks of study on Chicago’s “canyon of architecture” along the river, according to the CFC. Attractions include the city’s third tallest structure, St. Regis (Vista) Tower, the refurbished riverfront Old Post Office and more.

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CAC Docent Geoffrey Bayer provides information on Chicago architecture. Photo by Elaine Hyde

A national leader in architecture and design education, the CAC offers tours, programs, exhibitions, and more that are part of a dynamic journey of lifelong learning. A range of programming including group tours, private tours, field trips and educational programming. A visitor favorite, the Chicago Model was enhanced and expanded in 2018 to include more than 4,000 buildings. Chicago has been home to many architects who have created groundbreaking new architectural styles. The Chicago Gallery explains their impact while also examining the far reach of architecture throughout the city.

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Learn how Chicago became the “city of architecture,” explore the stories of five evolving neighborhoods, see Chicago’s residential architecture, discover architects who shaped the city and view new up-and-coming projects in this unique gallery. Photo courtesy of Chicago Architecture Center

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The Chicago City Model Experience is the star attraction of the CAC Chicago Gallery, featuring more than 4,000 buildings and interactive elements that tell amazing stories of the city. Photo courtesy of Chicago Architecture Center

Tickets are now on sale for the 2022 summer season. Tickets start at $51.96 for the daytime river cruise and $52.91 for evening river cruises. For more information on departures and availability, visit Cruise Chicago.com.

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