We'll be in Chicago April 26 & 27 but the Chicago Architecture Foundation river cruise doesn't start until May 1. Have any of you ever gone on another one of the architecture river cruises? Which do you recommend?
Thank you
Sue

We went on one of the alternates, though I don't recall which one, and it was just fine (and we'd done the CAF tour previously and found the guide a huge snooze).

Yes! We went on the one run by the Chicago Historical Society. The tour was presented in an architectural & historical context. It was great.

http://www.chicagoline.com/

I too was completely satisfied with the cruise of a commercial operator, name began with a W, with boats leaving from near Michigan Ave and the river. This one went out into the lake after cruising the river -- especially nice at dusk as the city skyline sparkles.

Thank you so much! I believe the W one is Wendella, or something like that. I saw it in an internet search. I'm leaning toward the historical society one. I believe it's called Chicago CruiseLine.
Sue

IMHO, if you are looking for just entertainment value, then any of them will showcase the same buildings. However, if you are looking for knowledge, then check the credentials of the tour guides.

The Chicago river boat tours are certainly a highlight of our beautiful city, but in the interest of full disclosure, the Asian carp situation is threatening to limit operation for this summer. Here's an article: http://www.workboat.com/newsdetail.aspx?id=4294989501 Just so no one is disappointed you might check the news again or phone or email the boat tour operator closer to your planned time in Chicago as to how the tours are planning to go this spring and summer.

I was at the Navy Pier (loved the stained glass museum!!) and just walked over to the boat cruises, don't even know what company.

Too bad you're going too early for the Chicago Architecture Foundation's cruise. I've been on it many times and all the docents on board have been excellent. The Chicago Architecture Foundation also offers many walking tours in the city as well. www.architecture.org.
The Asian carp situation is a big problem. Too bad.

As exiledprincess says, all of them will be entertaining, but I'd recommend putting Shoreline at the bottom of the list. When friends were visiting a couple years ago, the CAF tours were sold-out and we ended up on Shoreline.

The guide gave a incorrect info on a couple things and even when I asked him after the tour, he stood by his statements. Had I not lived here and known the history of the city, I would have accepted what he said as true.

Thanks everyone. I'm leaning toward Chicago Line Cruises, operated by the Chicago History Museum. Will definitely avoid Shoreline. And, I'll probably make the reservation a few days before, so that will check on the Asian Carp situation and whether it cancels cruises.
Sorry to hear about this in beautiful Chicago.
Sue

we're doing the same for this coming weekend. I found discount tickets for wendels.

http://www.chicagoofficeoftourism.or...nCoupons4.html

hope that helps.