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• Walking Tour

Architect Explores Chicago's Hidden Architecture & History

Released on 11/15/2022

I'm Lynda Dossey, I'm an architect,

and today, we'll be taking an architectural walking tour

of the Loop in downtown Chicago.

[slow jazz piano music]

In the early 1880s and through 1900,

during the first economic boom of Chicago,

all the train lines were built in the Loop

to, sort of, demarcate the downtown area.

We are standing in front of the Monadnock building.

It was completed in 1891,

and it is the last, possibly,

but definitely the tallest,

fully masonry, load-bearing high rise.

It caps out at 291 feet

and, pretty much, met the limit that you could go for height

for a true, load-bearing structure.

You can track how the loads are translated vertically

by looking at the windows at the top

where the depth of the thickness of the wall

is only 18 inches.

But by the time we come down to the base level,

the walls are six feet thick

and they actually get thicker below grade

working their way to a raft foundation

that's sitting on Chicago's marshy soil.

At the entrance, they used granite

to, sort of, demarcate where you go in

and carved the name onto the building,

but all the rest of it is brick,

layered upon layer upon layer upon layer,

and it gives this, sort of, sculptural quality

as though the whole building has been carved from clay,

just because of the uniformity of the material.

The majority of the buildings at the time

were highly articulated.

The original design of this building

was intended to face over the brick

with a highly ornate Egyptian motif,

however, other people in the firm, and the owner,

decided to leave it as is showing the raw form

and the raw materiality of the building.

So, the oriel bays, and also the tri-part window,

where you have the central window

with the two flanking windows,

is a very typical style for the First Chicago School,

here in Chicago,

that began with the first round of skyscrapers

in the 1880s to the 1900s.

We're in front of the Inland Steel building.

It's the first building that was built in the Loop

in over 20 years and it was completed in 1958.

As the headquarters of the Inland Steel

manufacturing company and steel provider,

they wished the building to express

all the many products and services that they offered.

So, as a consequence,

they made the decision to use brush stainless steel

over their entire facade with glass.

It marks an extreme departure

from the majority of buildings

that had been built in the Loop to that time.

Up until this point, most of the high rises here in the Loop

were all masonry or terracotta clad or stone clad

on top of a steel frame construction.

In this building, you can see the steel

on the exterior of the building

and it's clad solely in glass.

There's no motifs, there's no ornament.

It's just stripped down raw materials

as minimally as possible.

This stripped down, minimalist, pure brute form

is, kind of, what defines the Second Chicago School.

It espoused upon many of the ideas that Mies van der Rohe

had been sprinkling around Chicago in some of his own works.

The columns were all articulated

along the edge of the floor plate

and long span beams were installed between the columns

which means there are no interior columns

and it is one big floor plate of nothing

to lay out for office space.

The express structure on the outside of the building

as the aesthetic ended up being, kind of,

a defining moment of the American skyscraper

moving forward after World War II.

We're across river from Marina City,

one of Chicago's cities within the city.

Marina City was the first post World War II complex.

It houses retail, a marina, an office building,

a movie theater, and a skating rink, when built,

but it was capped off by these amazing residential towers

that are just striking.

When completed, the towers were the tallest,

residential tower in the world,

but also the tallest reinforced concrete building

in the world.

If you were to compare and contrast this building

to the other buildings in the area,

in the 1960s was an exploration of concrete

in the Beton Brut form, as a high rise here.

This is, kind of, pushing past

the original Beton Brut aesthetic

into something more elegant.

But unlike the other systems,

of where you're framing with steel, which has to be square,

concrete allows you great fluidity of form.

That's clearly evident

when you look at the structural ribs and cantilevering

that's happening.

You can see the beams coming up off of the columns,

springing and curving around, creating the actual structure

that keeps the cantilever spanning.

The uses of the buildings have evolved now

so that the office building is now a hotel,

the movie theater is now a performing arts venue,

and the skating rink is gone and replaced by a restaurant,

but the marina is still active,

and the housing towers are still

some of the most amazing views and apartments in the city.

So, the building behind me, mostly above me,

is the Willis Tower,

although most locals will refer to it as the Sears Tower

because it was built by the Sears Roebuck Company

as their headquarters.

They had to buy 15 different buildings,

and pay the city $2.7 million,

to close and decommission a street,

so they could put together two whole city blocks.

During the process,

they discovered that the bundled tube system

is the most efficient way to build tall.

You have one square in the center

that's, sort of, being braced

by all the surrounding squares.

So, as you look at this building,

there's one square that will continue up

to the very top of the building,

and, as the other ones come on,

it starts to self buttress itself all the way down

and the floor plates get smaller and smaller.

There is a local story

that they bundled together nine cigars

in the office one night and pulled them up

to the highest that they wanted,

and that's how they determined the final design

of the top of the building.

For 25 years, this was the tallest building in the world,

and it is still the tallest building in Chicago.

For tourists, you can go up to the observatory floors

where they've added, recently,

a new feature called the ledge.

If you look closely at the very top of the building,

you, sort of, see these glass boxes

protruding out of the facade

and you can look through a glass floor all the way down.

We're standing in front of the Thompson Center,

formerly the State of Illinois Building.

It was built by Helmut Jahn and completed in 1984.

He won a design competition

and his competition was, let's just say,

less conventional than the others that were submitted.

The building relies on an extruded donut plan

taking up the whole site,

but then it carves away the whole south eastern facade,

opening up to the government buildings

that are catty-cornered opposite the street,

and it also allows pedestrians on the outside

to be able to look in and see their government at work.

The whole concept was this idea

of transparency in government.

The color scheme is one of those things

that is frequently debated amongst Chicagoans,

but the general idea was it was red, white, and blue.

As part of that carve on the southeast corner,

the facade also tilts its way back,

which actually allows more light into the atrium,

but it also allows a relief to the city blocks around us.

All of these buildings are very square and tall

and they just, kind of, compress you in.

So, by carving the building back,

you're creating a relief for everyone on the plaza.

The glass is a mix of many different types of glass,

so some of it's reflective, some of it is clear,

some of it is Spandrel glass, which is back painted,

some of it is metal panel that's glazed in

to give the pattern across the surface.

The building also ties into the CTA Clark station,

which is the one of the busiest CTA stations in town,

as all the train lines in the Loop come to it,

including the Blue Line that runs out to O'Hare.

This is the point of departure into the downtown area.

If you walk up to the building,

you can get a glimpse into the atrium,

and you can see all the exposed structure

that's holding up the atrium blazing,

and also all the different balconies

and interconnecting stairs

between the levels inside the atrium.

So, it's a very super tech kind of building.

All the structure is exposed and revealed

and it's telling you the story

of how the building is put together.

We're standing in front of Aqua Towers,

completed in 2009 by Studio Gang architects,

headed by the design efforts of Jeanne Gang.

It is world famous and well known for its undulating facade.

The facade is not random.

The idea was to stretch out the balconies

as far as you could,

to look around all the forest of other high rises

around here to seek a better view

for something else in the city.

The other benefit of all those towers

is it breaks up the facade,

which also breaks up the reflections on the glass,

actually making this high rise bird friendly

to the point that PETA awarded it its Proggy award,

also in 2009.

The building was not performed

in any sort of three dimensional CAD.

The curves were mostly followed along by hand

on trace paper, similar to how one might do animation.

Right now we're in front of 150 North Riverside,

completed in 2017 by Goettsch Partners,

and Magnusson Klemencic as the structural engineers.

This building is rather remarkable

in the sense that it's on a lot that nobody wanted

because they thought it was too hard to build on.

25% of the lot is allowed to be built on.

That's the only part of the building that touches the ground

and actually goes down into foundations.

A part of that is a consequence of the fact

of the riverfront setback requirement by the City,

that's occurring on this side,

that sets the building back 75 feet from the river's edge.

On the other side, were the Amtrak train lines

that prevented any structure coming through down below,

and limited what could be built up above.

From level eight down to level four,

are cantilevering columns,

that are bracketing the floor plates back to the core,

and holding the whole system up.

For this reason, a lot of the locals refer to it,

alternately, as the Guillotine and the Tuning Fork

and the Champagne Flute

'cause we are fond of nicknaming our buildings here.

But it's an amazing feat of engineering

and this building has already won countless awards

for both design and engineering.

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The 19 best architecture tours of Chicago

Discover Art Deco skyscrapers, modern marvels and Frank Lloyd Wright–designed homes on these architecture tours of Chicago

Even if you're a Chicagoan through and thorugh, there's something special about taking in the city's architecture on foot or from the water with the help of an expert. From glass and steel castles to ornate Art Deco buildings along the river to street art and cultural landmarks in our neighborhoods, there's a reason these tours are among the best attractions in Chicago . Nerd out over the design, city planning and construction behind the most beautiful buildings in Chicago on guided walks, bus rides and boat tours . First-time visitors will be happy to know that these architecture tours double as sightseeing walks of the best Chicago attractions —you might even be able to snap a few Instagram photos along the way. Here's a few of our favorite tours that are equally engaging for tourists and Chicago lifers. 

RECOMMENDED: Check out the full guide to the best Chicago tours

An email you’ll actually love

Architecture tours of Chicago

Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise

For a comprehensive overview of Chicago’s skyline, there’s no better vantage point than aboard Chicago's First Lady. You’ll spy more than 50 architecturally significant buildings, from the Wrigley Building to newcomers like the St. Regis. An expert guide will give you the lowdown on Chicago’s rise from the Great Fire of 1871, the advent of balloon-frame construction and other crucial moments in the city’s history. Choose to cruise by day or watch the city light up with an evening option. 

Cost: $54 for daytime cruises, $59 for evening cruises

Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour

You're certainly not short on great options to see Chicago's stunning architecture from the river. On Shoreline Sightseeing's signature 75-minute tour, you'll observe more than 40 landmarks, including Tribune Tower and Marina City. A knowledgeable guide shares the stories behind the architects, engineers, movers and shakers that gave us the nickname "City of the Big Shoulders."

Cost: $35-50

Chicago's Original Architecture River Tour

Travel the Chicago River in style with a bartender, an entertaining tour guide and killer views as you explore the city's architecture on all three main branches of the Chicago river. A 45-minute version is also available.

Must-See Chicago

Want to check out Chicago's architecture but short on time? Try this 90-minute "Greatest Hits" walking tour from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, which offers an informative, fast-paced introduction to key landmarks. The tour includes stops at more than a dozen buildings, including the Chicago Theatre, Aqua Tower, Willis (Sears) Tower, the Wrigley Building and the Art Institute of Chicago. Make sure to bring something to take notes!

One of the coolest aspects of Chicago architecture is that it's always evolving, with new landmarks continuing to shape our skyline. This 90-minute walking tour from the Chicago Architecture Foundation is all about what's new in Chicago, taking guests to buildings like 462 N. Park and the St. Regis and discussing their impact on the city's changing built environment and economy.

Frank Lloyd Wright Trust Bus Tours

These tours, led by experts dedicated to preserving and educating about the work of Chicagoland's most famous architect, are definitely not cheap, but a must for Frank Lloyd Wright superfans. (Frankenstans?) The "Wright Around Chicago" includes stops at the gorgeous Rookery Building and Wright's home and studio in Oak Park, while the "Wright Along the Lake" tour includes a visit to the exquisite 1915 Emil Bach House. Oh, and a prosecco toast at the Rookery Building is included.

Free Tours By Foot's Architecture Tour

If you're traveling on a budget, you can still get an excellent overview of Chicago's architecture thanks to Free Tours By Foot's pay-what-you-can two-hour walking tours. These volunteer-led tours take you to key landmarks like Cloud Gate, Marina City, the Leo Burnett Building and works by Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan and Mies van der Rohe. 

Cost: pay-what-you-can

Chicago Walking Tour: Art Deco Skyscrapers

Take a trip back to the Roaring Twenties with this tour, which takes you through the history of many iconic Chicago buildings. Choose from the Loop route, which includes One North LaSalle and the towering Board of Trade, or the Riverfront route for the gold-topped Carbide and Carbon building and the Holabird and Root-designed 333 N. Wacker Drive. Admire the geometric shapes, vibrant colors and sophisticated elegance that Art Deco construction is so well known for on these two-hour walking tours.

Chicago Mahogany Tours

Although these tours (which are created and by civic historian and TikTok star Shermann "Dilla" Thomas) aren't exclusively architecture-focused, the built environment plays a huge role in their explorations of the history, contributions and legacies of South Side neighborhoods like Roseland and Back of the Yards. And from Bronzeville's beautiful boulevards to Pullman's historic workers' homes, there's plenty for architecture buffs to explore on these important tours.

Chicago For Chicagoans

Live in Chicago and feel like you've done all the downtown-centric architecture tours? Maybe it's time to give Chicago for Chicagoans a go. The tours, developed for locals by locals, are designed to build community and give Chicago natives a stronger appreciation for their neighborhoods and neighbors. Enjoy walking tours and fun scavenger hunts of Albany Park, Chinatown, Pilsen, Beverly and more—and the tours frequently end at local restaurants if all that walking works up an appetite.

Cost: $10-$20 (suggested donation)

Chicago Walking Tour: Modern Architecture

If you prefer sleek metal and glass designs to ornate Gothic architecture, you’ll want to book a spot on this two-hour walking tour of the city’s most famous modern buildings. Peep minimalist designs from Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, admire the Beaux-Arts beauty of the Harold Washington Library and ogle the chic contemporary look of One South Dearborn, among others.

Devil in the White City Tour

The announcement that the World’s Columbian Exhibition of 1893 would be held in Chicago spurred an explosion of new construction. Beaux-Arts buildings sprung up all over Jackson Park and the South Side—so many sparkly new buildings, in fact, that the area earned the nickname “White City.” More than 125 years later, visitors can still see the architectural impact of the fair on the city. This tour includes a visit to Jackson Park's Garden of the Phoenix and the Midway Plaissance

Private Chicago Architecture Tour

Don’t want to share your tour guide with a group? Reserve a private tour to spend an entire afternoon exploring the city’s most impressive buildings. You’ll stop at everything from Willis Tower to Gothic facades on the Magnificent Mile to Frank Lloyd Wright homes in Oak Park. Did we mention you’ll be chauffeured from stop to stop in a luxury town car or SUV, too?

Women in Chicago Architecture

As in so many industries, women’s contributions to the world of architecture have only recently begun to get their moment in the sun. Discover some of the female architects leaving their mark on Chicago’s skyline on this 45-minute virtual tour led by an expert from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, featuring sites like the Aqua Tower and Equitable Building. Who built the world? Girls!

Brick of Chicago

What's so exciting about brick? Common brick built much of Chicago, and this tour, created by local teacher Will Quam, takes you around neighborhoods like Logan Square, Hyde Park and Bronzeville to show how the built environment created our interesting and beautiful city. After marveling at churches and greystones and Gilded Age mansions, you'll find yourself taking a second, more appreciative look at the world around you.

Historic Austin

This 2-hour neighborhood-centric Chicago Architecture Foundation tour takes you through historic Midway Park, shows you works by prominent local architects including Frederick Schock, William Drummond and Dwight Perkins and gives you an opportunity to marvel at the neighborhood's grand Queen Anne and Prairie homes. During the tour, you'll also hear from Austin residents about their efforts to revitalize the neighborhood following decades of disinvestment and racist housing practices.

Walk Pilsen

Explore the cultural influence and impact of the many immigrant groups who have called Pilsen home and the intersection of art and architecture on this tour from the Chicago Architecture Foundation. On this two-hour tour, you'll visit residential, commercial, residential and cultural sites, from the 18th Street Pink Line station's murals to the Sokols, century-old Czech athletic clubs.

Wendella Chicago River Architecture Tour

Detailing the 130 year history of the Chicago skyline, this tour along the Chicago River is nothing short of breathtaking. Equipped with a full bar on board, a climate-controlled lounge and expert tour guides, Wendella brings luxury to the touring experience.

Cost: $44 for adults, $20 for children. 

Absolutely Chicago Segway

Of course we had to include the Segway tours! Strut around the city in style aboard these two-wheeled marvels of tour-guide technology. From museum campus to an "insider" tour that reveals the lesser-known parts of downtown, these tours are a great way to cover a lot of ground without any of exhaustion. See the lakefront, parks and skyline like never before. 

Cost: $65-$72

Looking for more Chicago tours?

The best Chicago helicopter tours

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To get the best views of Chicago's picturesque urban sprawl, you need to take a helicopter tour.

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Help us win Best Boat Tour in USA Today's Best of 2024 poll! Vote every day here !

Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady

Architecture Adventure Awaits!

Explore Chicago’s iconic architecture aboard TripAdvisor’s #1 rated boat tour of the city. The only Chicago River cruise partnered with the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC), Chicago’s First Lady Cruises offers visitors the city’s most engaging 90-minute architectural tour experience.

Highly trained and enthusiastic volunteer CAC docents (guides) provide visitors with a compelling and detailed narrative of Chicago's numerous architectural styles and the stories of the legendary figures who designed and built our city.

Enjoy cruising in comfort and style aboard Chicago’s Finest Fleet, featuring unobstructed sightlines and guaranteed seating on our open-air upper decks and full-service cocktail and snack bars in our climate-controlled interior salons. You’ll see why visitors and locals alike consistently name our tour the best way to see Chicago.

Experience More!

Complete your architecture experience with a visit to the Chicago Architecture Center, just $5 with a General Boarding Ticket and valid for up to 7 days after your cruise.

Or, treat yourself to a Priority Boarding Ticket, which includes exclusive early boarding period, skip-the-queue during general boarding, and CAC admission.

View Route   Buy Tickets

General Boarding Tickets Start At

Ticket details.

• Priority Boarding tickets start at $69 and include exclusive early boarding period, skip-the-queue during general boarding, and Chicago Architecture Center admission.
• General Boarding tickets start at $54. Include a visit to the Chicago Architecture Center for just $5 more!
• Tickets can be purchased online , in-person at our dock during regular season hours or at the Chicago Architecture Center.
• Avoid the box office by choosing "eTickets" or "Print at Home" as your delivery method.
• Tour departures frequently sell out. Reserve your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
• Select "Will Call" to pick up your tickets at our dockside ticket office; bring your confirmation number.
• Each person must have a ticket including infants and children.
• Prices are subject to change.

Full Schedule

Early Spring March 17 - April 25

• Mon 10:00 am 12:00 pm 2:00 pm 4:00 pm
• Tues 10:00 am 12:00 pm 2:00 pm 4:00 pm
• Wed 10:00 am 12:00 pm 2:00 pm 4:00 pm
• Thu 10:00 am 12:00 pm 2:00 pm 4:00 pm
• Fri 10:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm
• Sun 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm

Late Spring April 26 - May 23

• Mon 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm 7:00 pm
• Tues 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm
• Wed 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm
• Thu 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm 7:00 pm
• Fri 10:00 am 11:00 am 11:30 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 1:30 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:30 pm 7:00 pm
• Sun 9:30 am 10:00 am 11:00 am 11:30 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 1:30 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm 6:00 pm

Summer May 24 - October 14

• Mon 10:00 am 11:00 am 11:30 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 1:30 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:30 pm 7:30 pm
• Tues 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm 7:00 pm
• Wed 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 6:00 pm
• Thu 10:00 am 11:00 am 11:30 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 1:30 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 4:00 pm 5:30 pm 7:30 pm
• Fri 9:30 am 10:00 am 10:30 am 11:00 am 11:30 am 12:00 pm 12:30 pm 1:00 pm 1:30 pm 2:00 pm 2:30 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 4:00 pm 4:30 pm 5:00 pm 5:30 pm 7:00 pm 7:30 pm
• Sun 9:30 am 10:00 am 10:30 am 11:00 am 11:30 am 12:00 pm 12:30 pm 1:00 pm 1:30 pm 2:00 pm 2:30 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 4:00 pm 4:30 pm 5:00 pm 5:30 pm 7:30 pm

Early Fall October 15 - November 3

• Mon 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm
• Thu 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm
• Fri 10:00 am 11:00 am 11:30 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 1:30 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:30 pm 7:00 pm 7:30 pm
• Sun 10:00 am 11:00 am 11:30 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 1:30 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 4:00 pm 5:30 pm 6:00 pm

Late Fall November 4 - November 24

• Fri 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm
• Sun 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm

2024 cruising season begins March 17th and extends through November 24th. Tickets on sale now!

We are located at Michigan Ave and Wacker Drive, Chicago IL

Tour Details & Tips

• Tour Duration 90 minutes
• Arrival Time Make sure your entire party arrives 30 minutes prior to departure.
• Priority Boarding Tickets  include exclusive early boarding period, skip-the-queue during general boarding, and Chicago Architecture Center admission.
• General Boarding Tickets begin boarding approximately 15 minutes before departure.
• Seating Open outdoor seating is guaranteed for all guests. The number on your ticket does not represent a seat number.
• Tour Route The tour travels all three branches of the Chicago River. View tour route map.  Route subject to change without notice.
• Cruises depart rain or shine. Tickets may not be refunded or exchanged if you miss your boat - allow extra time.
• What to Bring Your sunglasses, cap or visor, as the sun can interfere with your view of the buildings.
• Parking Discounted parking available at 111 E. Wacker Drive with proper validation from ticket office. Visit our  Location page  for more.
• Did you know? A portion of your ticket fee supports the educational work of the Chicago Architecture Center!
• Food & Drink  A full-service bar and snack bar are available on every vessel
• Outdoor Seating Each vessel features an open-air upper deck which allows guests to safely enjoy the outdoors
• Restrooms  Well-appointed restrooms are available on each vessel
• Free Stroller Storage  Strollers will be folded and stored in the interior salon during the cruise. Children must be removed from strollers before boarding.
• Limited Mobility Services Available  See our Location page for river-level drop-off directions for guests with accessibility needs. Our staff is also available to provide early boarding services for those with limited mobility.

“I learned so much and left with a vastly greater appreciation of Chicago's stunning skyline.” - Jennifer S. TripAdvisor, IL

Photo Gallery

• What sets your tours apart from the others?

We are the only tour that partners with the Chicago Architecture Center to offer the official Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady. All of our tours are given by experienced, volunteer docents who receive hundreds of hours of training from the Chicago Architecture Center before guiding the river cruise tour.

• How long is the tour?
• Each tour is 90 minutes.
• Is there food/drink available onboard?

Yes. All boats have a full service bar and small snacks onboard. Outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted.

• Do I need to buy tickets in advance?

Advance reservations are recommended as many tours sell out during the busy summer season and on weekends.

• Is there assigned seating?

All seating is general admission. There is enough seating for all guests to sit on our open air upper decks safely and with proper distancing measures in place. While seat numbers are printed on the tickets, you can ignore these as they are not valid.

• Are tours offered in any languages other than English?

We are happy to offer free foreign language audio guides in Spanish, French, Japanese and Korean. Scan the QR code onboard for instructions. Mobile data for app download required.

• Do I have to print my tickets?
• You do not have to print your tickets. You can show your mobile ticket to our dock attendant with your smartphone, or you can have your tickets printed at the dockside will call window (be sure to bring a photo ID and your confirmation number).
• Does the boat go on the lake?

No, the tour is only on the Chicago River. If you’d like to take a lake tour, please check out our sister cruise line Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline .

• Are there restrooms onboard?

Yes, all the boats have restrooms onboard. There are also wheelchair accessible bathrooms on the Classic Lady, Leading Lady, and Emerald Lady. Please note: the restrooms close 15 minutes before the end of the tour for safety reasons.

• Can I bring luggage onboard?
• Due to security reasons, luggage cannot be brought onboard. There is not an area to store your luggage dockside either. We recommend having your hotel hold your luggage.
• Can I bring a stroller onboard?
• Yes, you can bring a stroller onboard. Children must be removed from strollers before boarding. Strollers will be folded and stored in the salon during the cruise.
• Are there changing tables onboard?

The Classic Lady, Leading Lady, and Emerald Lady have changing tables onboard in the family restroom. The Little Lady, Fair Lady, and First Lady do not have changing tables onboard.

• Are dogs allowed onboard?

Only service dogs are allowed onboard. Our sister company, Mercury , offers the popular Canine Cruise on summer weekends.

• How can I get to your dock without using stairs?

There are two ways to reach our dock along Chicago’s Riverwalk without using stairs: 1. On foot via the ramp located on Wacker Drive at State Street. 2. Vehicle drop-off area on Lower Wacker Drive. Visit our location page for more information.

• Can I trade my tickets for a different date/time?
• No, all tickets are nonrefundable and nonexchangeable.
• Do you cruise rain or shine?
• Yes, we cruise rain or shine. All the boats have two levels – the top deck is open-air, and the lower deck is an enclosed, climate-controlled salon. Each salon is surrounded by large windows so you can stay comfortable while still taking in the magnificent views. Tour commentary is broadcast over speakers on both levels.
• Are the boats wheelchair accessible?

Chicago's Leading Lady, Chicago’s Classic Lady, and Chicago's Emerald Lady are wheelchair-accessible. These vessels cruise at the 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 5pm departure times. When boarding, guests cross two ramps and enter through a 36-inch-wide opening (doorway). Crew members will assist in guiding the wheelchair across the gangway. Please present yourself to our staff if you prefer to board before general boarding starts. Guests unable to climb stairs to the upper deck may choose to sit in the open-air bow or the enclosed, climate-controlled salon with large windows. For safety reasons, motorized scooters and electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. Guests who are able to transfer may use the company's manual wheelchair based on availability. Visit our accessibility page for more information.

• Architecture River Tour

Windy City wow

World-famous landmarks.

There’s nothing quite like seeing Chicago’s world-famous architecture from all three branches of the Chicago River. From hidden treasures to the city’s most well-known sights, you’ll view over 40 Chicago landmarks on our 75-minute Architecture River Boat Tours. 

Enjoy the spectacular views as you listen to our tour guides tell you how Chicago’s buildings, architecture, and engineering made the city famous.

Casting off

Our Architecture River Tours depart from two docks, one at Michigan Avenue and the other at Navy Pier. No matter which dock you depart from, you’ll see all of the spectacular sights as you tour the Chicago River.

Michigan Avenue

401 N. Michigan Ave

Steps off of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, our Michigan Avenue dock starts your tour in the heart of the Chicago River.

124 N. Streeter Drive

Start your tour down the Chicago River at our Navy Pier dock, which sits at the entrance to the iconic Navy Pier boardwalk. This dock is more accessible to wheelchairs.

Our Architecture River Tour takes you up and down the three branches of the Chicago River, providing breathtaking views of Chicago’s famous skyscrapers and landmarks at every turn.

Adults: $49.95

Children (3-12): $26.95

Children 2 and under: Free

Tour highlights:

• 75-minute, guided boat tour
• Unique views from the water create an entirely new perspective of the city
• 40+ landmarks including the Tribune Tower, the Wrigley Building, and Marina City
• Hear the stories of Chicago’s architects and engineers while viewing their magnificent buildings

Sightseeing in Chicago?

Chicago CityPASS® tickets save 48% on premier admission  to Chicago’s top 5 attractions, including the Architecture River Tour. Visit the attractions at your own pace, in any order, over a 9-day period. One easy purchase and mobile ticket delivery saves you time and money.

Book an Architecture River Tour

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What tour are you interested in?

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Skyline Lake Tour

Save 48% at 5 top attractions

Where would you like to leave from?

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Please select Navy Pier. (Skyline Lake Tours are unavailable from Michigan Avenue.)

600 E. Grand Ave

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Note: Fireworks tours available Wednesday and Saturday evenings in the summer.

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Now in its 83rd season, Shoreline Sightseeing operates Chicago's largest and most diverse fleet of cruise boats and water taxis with 11 major tour vessels and 7 water taxis.

(312) 222-9328 ext. 1 [email protected]

• Skyline Tour
• Fireworks Tour
• Water Taxis
• Accessibility Information

Thanks for coming to Open House Chicago 2023

Thank you all for joining us and a huge thank you to all the sites, community partners, sponsors, and volunteers for your hard work and dedication to this event.  We couldn’t do it without you!

Let us know about your OHC 2023 experience, take our survey here . If you're interested in being a volunteer for OHC 2024, let us know here . 

See you next year for OHC 2024 on October 19-20! Make your experience even better,  members with the Chicago Architecture Center receive a priority access pass and skip the lines at sites during OHC weekend. Join now and enjoy the CAC's full slate of programs and tours all year.

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Chicago architecture tour: two-day itinerary

From Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie School to skyscraper cool, you’ll find architecture that’s just your style in Chicago. This self-guided architecture tour covers some of the city’s most iconic buildings throughout the city, from historic landmarks to ground-breaking modern wonders.

Chicago architecture tour day one

Morning and afternoon: Loop architectural highlights

Willis Tower Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) may be one of the world’s tallest buildings, but that’s not the only amazing thing about it. Head up to the 103rd floor and be wowed by The Ledge at Skydeck , an enclosed glass box that extends roughly 4 feet from the building facade, 1,353 feet up. You’re literally walking on air — with your heart pounding.

The Rookery The Rookery, originally designed by Burnham and Root, is where you’ll find one of the city’s most photographed interiors — Frank Lloyd Wright’s two-story skylight lobby. It’s airy, industrial, and picturesque all in one go. Start snapping and sharing.

Monadnock Block Architecture buffs will love the fact that this Burnham and Root building is the last of Chicago’s great masonry skyscrapers. Note for the buildings north and south facades represent two very different styles: a more modern and minimalist look vs. a traditionally ornamented display designed by Holabird & Roche two years after the first half.

Aqua Tower Take a moment to gaze in awe at the Aqua Tower — it’s as much outdoor sculpture as it is architecture. This shimmering high rise features undulating outdoor terraces that mimic the movement of Lake Michigan’s waters. It’s the second-tallest building in the world designed by a woman-owned architectural firm, Studio Gang Architects, and it’s home to the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel .

The St. Regis Chicago A true feat of engineering, the stunning St. Regis skyscraper rises from the banks of the Chicago River. Jeanne Gang is set to beat her own record with the Vista Tower, making it the third tallest building in Chicago and the tallest structure in the world designed by a woman. Note how the sleek design complements the look of the nearby Aqua tower.

Chicago Architecture Center You get double the architectural history at One Illinois Center. Not only was it designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, but it’s also the location of the Chicago Architecture Center, the perfect starting point for your discovery of Chicago’s downtown architecture. Enter through the main doors and you’ll have your pick of over 85 walking, bus, and boat tours.

Wander up one level for the main attraction, Building Tall in the Skyscraper Gallery. Towering scale models of the world’s most famous skyscrapers frame views through massive windows onto, well, some of the world’s most famous skyscrapers. The center is located above the Chicago Riverwalk , with a dedicated dock for the center’s signature Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady .

Afternoon and evening: The Magnificent Mile

360CHICAGO Just about everybody recognizes 875 N. Michigan Ave., formerly the John Hancock Center. But what you may not know is it’s home to an amazing 94th-floor observation deck. TILT at 360 CHICAGO is a hydraulic platform that literally tilts you out and over The Magnificent Mile , at a height of 1,030 feet. After your adrenaline rush, take an elevator one floor up to the Signature Room at the 95th for fine dining, delicious cocktails, and even more stunning views.

Historic Water Tower With a detailed Gothic Revival facade, Historic Water Tower bursts with charm. It was built as part of Chicago’s municipal water system, originally housing a 135-foot iron standpipe used to regulate water pressure, and one of the few city structures to survive the Great Chicago Fire. Today, it’s the City Gallery at Historic Water Tower , and the place to go for free rotating art exhibits. The original pumping station, another survivor of the fire, is just across the street.

Tribune Tower The Tribune Tower is a striking Gothic Revival tower that formerly housed the Chicago Tribune newspaper. Made of Indiana limestone, the design incorporates Art Deco, Medieval, and French cathedral inspired details.

The building’s first story walls are embedded with roughly 150 fragments from the world’s most important historic buildings and sites, including the the Berlin Wall, the Winter Palace in Beijing, Westminster Abbey in London, the Great Pyramid in Giza, and the Parthenon in Athens.

Wrigley Building The Wrigley Building’s dazzling white terra-cotta exterior was modeled after the Giralda tower in Spain — with some French Renaissance details thrown in.

Next, head down to the Chicago Riverwalk . You’ll find scenic coves, restaurants, bars, public art, and a whole lot more waiting for you. For the perfect end to your day, hop on an evening architecture tour to learn more about the city’s riverfront structures and get a whole new view of these iconic buildings.

Chicago architecture tour day 2

Morning: Frank Lloyd Wright in Oak Park

Just eight miles west of Chicago, Oak Park is lucky enough to have the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings in the world. A quick ride on the Green line ‘L’ train will drop you off in downtown Oak Park, the perfect spot to start exploring Wright’s local legacy. While many are private residences, the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust offers interior tours of some of the greats. Here are two you shouldn’t miss.

Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio It’s not often that you get a glimpse inside a legendary architect’s home and studio — let alone the birthplace of the Prairie School of architecture. But that’s exactly the chance you’ll get when you visit this groundbreaking residence.

Unity Temple Did you know that Frank Lloyd Wright also took on commercial commissions? Well, Oak Park’s Unity Temple was the first. This was also one of the first times exposed concrete was used on a public building, ushering in a whole new era in architectural design. On the inside, though, this “little jewel box,” as Wright called it, is full of natural light and a sense of airiness.

Tip : If you’re a fan of Wright’s work, you can see more of his iconic works throughout Chicago. Head to the Hyde Park neighborhood for a tour of Robie House , a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best known examples of Prairie style architecture. In the lakefront Rogers Park neighborhoods, the Emil Bach house is open for both tours and overnight stays.

Afternoon: Prairie Avenue

Head back to Chicago for an afternoon in one of the city’s most scenic historic districts. If you were one of the Chicago elite in the late 1800s, then the Prairie Avenue District in the South Loop was where you made your home. Hence the area’s nickname, “Millionaire’s Row.”

Must-sees here include:

Clarke House & Museum Let the experts tell you all about Chicago’s oldest home on a free docent-led tour. You’ll get a glimpse of frontier life, an eyeful of beautiful period furniture and decorative arts, and views onto the lovely Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens right next door.

Glessner House The neighbors were just a little upset when fortress-like Glessner House made its appearance in 1887. Today, it’s loved for its architectural genius and progressive design. Take a guided tour to discover a secret central courtyard, warm oak-paneled interiors, a grand staircase, stately fireplaces, and an impressive collection of antique furniture and decorative arts.

Late afternoon/evening: River North gems

Downtown Chicago’s River North neighborhood is jam-packed with significant skyscrapers and reminders of Chicago’s Gilded Age. Spend the late afternoon touring historic buildings and stunning interiors, and then wrap up the day with a little public art.

Richard H. Driehaus Museum Welcome to the “Marble Palace,” with grand staircases, decorative arts, imposing fireplaces, and antique furnishings as far as the eye can see. The Driehaus Museum hosts rotating exhibits and fun special events, including whodunnits and afternoon teas. It’s a beautiful glimpse into Chicago’s Gilded Age, and a definite must-see.

Marina City When you see two giant corn cobs reaching for the sky, you know you’ve arrived at Marina City.

When it opened in 1962, it was the tallest residential building and tallest concrete structure in the world. The unique structure was envisioned as a “city within a city”, with residential space, a theatre, parking for cars and boats, and plenty of retail.

Check out the marina level, where you can rent a small electric boat and explore the Chicago River. And for great live entertainment, walk over to House of Blues right next door.

theMART When it opened in 1930, theMART (originally named Merchandise Mart) held the record as the largest building in the world. It was so big, it had its very own ZIP code up until 2008.

The space originally served as Marshall Field’s wholesale warehouse, where retailers could buy stock. In 1945, the building was bought by the Kennedy family, who owned it for more than three decades.

Today, theMART is breaking another record — for the largest digital art projection on the planet. Art on theMART covers 2.5 acres (the equivalent of two football fields) of theMART’s massive Art Deco façade. End your architecture tour by grabbing a spot on the Riverwalk and watching the colorful projections light up the night.

Keep exploring : Mark your calendars for these can’t-miss architecture events in Chicago .

From this article

Tours & Attractions

Willis tower.

Skydeck Chicago

Rookery Building

Accommodations

Radisson blu aqua hotel, chicago.

Chicago Architecture Center

Chicago Riverwalk

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

The Magnificent Mile

Historic Water Tower

City Gallery at the Historic Water Tower

Clarke-Ford House

Chicago’s Women’s Park and Gardens

Glessner House

Driehaus Museum

River North

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Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours

Chicago River Tours | Fireworks Tours | Jazz/Cocktail Tours

Chicago’s Secret Interior Architectural Walking Tour

Discover the hidden interiors of Chicago on this Exclusive Secret Interior Architectural Tour. See the most iconic buildings on a guided walking architecture tour. Learn about the architectural innovations that make each building unique.

Embark on a journey with seasoned guides to uncover the exquisite domes, shimmering mosaics, and elaborate craftsmanship hidden inside Chicago’s architectural marvels. Meander through the legendary buildings of Chicago’s Loop, and immerse yourself in the narratives of ambition, intrigue, and fame. Witness firsthand the ingenious methods architects and engineers utilized to address the challenges of illumination and structural integrity, all in their quest to leave an indelible mark on the world’s architectural stage. 

Delve deeper into the architectural innovations and styles that make each building unique, from the pioneering skyscrapers that defined a new era of cityscapes to the modernist masterpieces that reflect Chicago’s ongoing architectural evolution. Discover hidden architectural features, the significance of various design elements, and how Chicago’s architecture has influenced global building trends. Join for an unparalleled exploration of Chicago’s architectural splendor, both inside and out. This tour is not just a walk through the city’s physical history, but a step into the stories that shaped Chicago into the architectural icon it is today.

Tours run daily at 11am and 1:00pm for approximately 2 hours.

Adults $29 Seniors $27 Youths $22 Kids under 6 go free!

Tour Itinerary 

• Chicago Loop
• LaSalle st. Financial District
• Chicago Union Station
• Rookery Building (closed on Sundays)
• Chicago Board of Trade or Field Building
• Marquette Building
• Palmer House
• Monadnock Building or Chicago Cultural Center
• Marshall Field and Company Building (end location) (Itineraries are subject to change)

Are you ready to learn more about Chicago’s architecture? Be sure to bring your camera – you’re not going to want to miss these shots. Book Chicago’s Secret Interior Architectural Tour today!

BOOK YOUR TOUR NOW

By Phone: (708) 488-6343

Tour departure location.

Union Station, 225 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606, USA

Please meet your tour guide inside the Great Hall under the Clinton Street Sign!

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Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady

Experience why we're the #1 rated boat cruise in Chicago, tickets are on sale now for the 2024 season!

Buy Tickets

Voted as one of the Top 10 Boat Tours in North America by USA Today readers for 3 years in a row and Chicago Reader's Best Tour for over 10 years ! Looking for the ultimate Chicago architecture experience? Buy a combo ticket for the river cruise AND visit the Chicago Architecture Center—you'll save $9!

For more than 25 years, the CAC's expertly trained docent volunteers have led the CAC River Cruise, sharing fascinating stories behind more than 50 buildings along the Chicago River. Hear how Chicago grew from a small settlement into one of the world's largest cities in less than 100 years. In just 90 minutes, you'll get the best overview of Chicago’s architecture and its history.

The CAC River Cruise is available in 4 languages: Continental French, Latin American Spanish, Japanese and Korean. To access these languages, please download the "Listen Everywhere" app in advance. Once you are on board the boat, the app will connect and allow you to listen in your selected language as the boat makes its way down the river.

*Continue your exploration with a visit to the CAC! Combo tickets include admission to the Center for just $5 (regular price $14). Admission is valid up to 7 days before or after your cruise.

*Please note that infant tickets must be purchased with a Priority or General Boarding Adult ticket. 

Evening River Cruise

The city's most popular tour is now offered in the evening. Serene and bathed in softer light, the city's architecture takes on a whole new life in the setting sun. Wind-down from the work-week by enjoying a cocktail with friends and family and experience Chicago's skyline on our luxury boats.

All departures lATER THAN 5:00 PM

• CAC Members please call 312.922.8687 or come to the CAC Box Office at 111 E. Wacker Drive to redeem your BOGO benefit. 
• You can buy a CAC membership over the phone and redeem your BOGO annual benefit at the time of your membership purchase.
• Each person must have a ticket, including infants and children.
• All tours depart rain or shine.
• Arrive 30 minutes prior to your cruise departure time. Allow extra time for traffic and parking in summer.
• Cruise guests board 15 minutes before departure time.
• GENERAL ADMISSION SEATING
• A full-service bar and snack bar are available onboard.
• Tickets start at $54.00 for daytime cruises, $59.00 for evening cruises. Upgrade your ticket for $5 to include Chicago Architecture Center admission. Your visit must occur within 7 days before or after your tour.  View the CAC's hours .
• Tickets may not be refunded or exchanged if you miss your boat. Allow extra time.
• Find more information, including available parking, in our FAQs

Interested in a tour for a group of 20 or more? Please contact our group sales team at [email protected] . Private rentals are available.

Directions to Chicago’s First Lady boat dock

See a map here  or enter 112 E. Wacker Drive into your GPS. Located at the northeast corner of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive, a black awning marks the boat dock entrance stairs that lead down to the river. If you have limited mobility, see these directions  for an alternative way to reach the dock.

About our Boat Partner

We’re proud to partner with Chicago’s First Lady Cruises, operator of Chicago’s finest fleet of cruising vessels. Its boats hold up to 250 passengers and feature open-air upper decks, full-service bars, climate-controlled lower cabins and upscale marble and granite restrooms. Being onboard is sure to be an experience you'll never forget. 

Photos From This Tour

Upcoming Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady Tours

Monday may 20.

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Tuesday May 21

Wednesday may 22, thursday may 23, friday may 24.

• 9:30am Buy Tickets
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Saturday May 25

• 10:15am Buy Tickets
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Highlights of this Tour

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1 w. lower wacker drive.

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435 n. michigan ave..

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360 n. michigan ave..

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330 North Wabash / AMA Plaza (IBM Plaza)

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150 North Riverside

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333 West Wacker

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When you’ve got it, you’ve got it—and 333 West Wacker has it.

Apple Michigan Avenue

401 n. michigan ave..

Foster + Partners’ Apple Michigan Avenue store is an impressive, airy glass box with a curved-edge…

Merchandise Mart

222 w. merchandise mart plaza.

Size has always mattered in the Midwest.

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