River & Lake Tours

River & Lake Tours

Coursing through the heart of the Windy City is the majestic Chicago River, lined with some of the city's finest architecture and dotted with river walks and restaurants. Hop in a boat, kayak, canoe, or gondola and sail down for some of the prettiest views of the city. Some tours even head out to the lake for a skyscraper-studded panorama.

Best Tour Companies

The ArchiCenter of the Chicago Architecture Foundation (224 S. Michigan Ave., Loop. 312/922-3432. www.architecture.org. Sun.-Fri. 9:30-6, Sat. 9-6) conducts excellent, docent-led boat tours of the Loop. Our favorites are the "Early Skyscrapers" tour and the "Modern and Beyond" tour. The ArchiCenter also has walking and bus tours and hosts exhibitions, lectures, and discussions.

Watch the panoply of Chicago's magnificent skyline slide by from the decks of Chicago's First Lady or Chicago's Little Lady, the fleet of the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise. Make reservations in advance for the popular 90-minute tours. Ticketmaster (800/982-2787. www.ticketmaster.com/illinois) sells tickets by phone, online, and at the Hot Tix booth in the Chicago Water Works Visitor Center. Ticketmaster fees apply at these outlets. You can also purchase tickets at the Chicago's First Lady ticket window or at the Chicago ArchiCenter (224 S. Michigan Avenue). Southeast corner of Michigan Ave. Bridge. 847/358-1330. www.cruisechicago.com. $28 Mon.-Fri., $32 weekends. May-Oct., daily; Nov., weekends.

Other Recommended Companies

Shoreline Sightseeing. Shoreline's been plying these waters since 1939 and has tours of both the river and Lake Michigan. West end of Navy Pier. 312/222-9328. www.shorelinesightseeing.com. May-Oct., daily; Apr. and Nov., weekends.

Wendella Sightseeing. See the city just as the sun sets on the Chicago at Sunset tour. There's also a river architecture tour and a combined river and lake tour. 400 N. Michigan Ave. 312/337-1446. www.wendellaboats.com. Apr.-Nov., daily.

Mercury Cruises. Mercury does quirky tours, including Canine Cruises, where dogs are welcome, and Pirate Cruises for kids. 112 E. Wacker Dr. 312/332-1353. www.mercuryskylinecruiseline.com. Schedule varies with season.