Discover the architectural wonders of Chicago from a thrilling new perspective. The 75-minute architecture cruise by speedboat whisks visitors along the city’s iconic waterfront, offering unparalleled views of landmarks like the Willis Tower and Tribune Tower. With live narration providing fascinating insights, this family-friendly tour promises an exhilarating journey through the city’s rich history. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local exploring your own backyard, this cruise delivers an unforgettable experience that’s sure to leave you eager to learn more.
This experience made our article of Our 14 Favorite Chicago Cruises And Boat Tours.
Key Points
- This 75-minute speedboat tour offers panoramic views of Chicago’s skyline, including landmarks like the Tribune Tower, Willis Tower, and Merchandise Mart.
- The tour departs from Navy Pier and includes a thrilling cruise through the historic Chicago Harbor Locks.
- The family and dog-friendly experience features live narration by knowledgeable guides, providing historical insights about the city’s architecture.
- Passengers can enjoy views of Buckingham Fountain and Grant Park during the exhilarating speedboat ride on Lake Michigan.
- The tour is wheelchair accessible, with assistance available for extra-large wheelchairs, and includes onboard restrooms for passenger convenience.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Chicago Architecture Cruise offers a 75-minute speedboat tour that provides panoramic views of the city’s iconic skyline.
Priced from £47.54 per person, the tour departs from Navy Pier and takes passengers through the historic Chicago Harbor Locks.
Travelers can enjoy sights of renowned landmarks like the Tribune Tower, Willis Tower, and Merchandise Mart.
The exhilarating boat ride on Lake Michigan offers glimpses of Buckingham Fountain and Grant Park.
The family and dog-friendly experience features live narration.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, travelers can book now and pay later to secure their spot.
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Experience and Highlights
Departing from Navy Pier, the Chicago Architecture Cruise offers an exhilarating speedboat ride with panoramic views of the city’s iconic skyline. Cruising through the historic Chicago Harbor Locks, passengers will witness architectural landmarks like the Tribune Tower, Willis Tower, and Merchandise Mart. The tour also showcases Buckingham Fountain and Grant Park, providing an unforgettable experience on Lake Michigan.
| Experience Highlights | | |
|———————-|—|—|
| Depart from Navy Pier | Cruise Chicago Harbor Locks | See iconic landmarks |
| Exhilarating speedboat ride | Views of Buckingham Fountain and Grant Park | Family and dog-friendly |
| Live narration | Sightseeing along Lake Michigan | Panoramic city skyline
Itinerary and Sightseeing Locations
Starting from Navy Pier’s 600 E Grand Ave #60611 location, the 75-minute Chicago Architecture Cruise takes passengers on a journey through the city’s historic harbor locks and past an array of iconic landmarks.
The tour cruises by the Wrigley Building, Jewelers Building, Marina City, Union Station, Trump Tower, and NBC Tower, providing panoramic views of the Chicago skyline.
The speedboat experience also offers sights of Buckingham Fountain and Grant Park.
After the exhilarating ride, the tour returns to the 600 E Grand Ave #60611 starting point at Navy Pier.
Important Information and Accessibility
To board the Chicago Architecture Cruise, passengers should head to the Seadog ticket booth at Navy Pier’s 600 E Grand Ave #60611 location.
Infants can ride for free with the infant ticket option. The open-air speedboat may get passengers wet, so they should dress accordingly.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, with assistance available for extra-large wheelchairs. Restrooms are available onboard.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Reviews and Ratings
Based on the 379 reviews, the Chicago Architecture Cruise has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Customers praised the knowledgeable and passionate guide, who provided great historical insights. The exhilarating speedboat ride on Lake Michigan also received high marks, with one reviewer describing it as "fun going fast for a few minutes before entering the river."
The tour offers excellent value for money, with a 4.4/5 rating in this category.
Accessibility is a strength, with the tour being wheelchair-friendly and having restrooms available onboard.
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Reasons to Book the Tour
With its panoramic views of the Chicago skyline, the Chicago Architecture Cruise offers an exhilarating and informative way to explore the city’s renowned architecture.
The 75-minute speedboat tour departs from Navy Pier, taking passengers through the historic Chicago Harbor Locks and past iconic landmarks like the Tribune Tower, Willis Tower, and Merchandise Mart.
The high-speed, open-air ride on Lake Michigan provides breathtaking vistas of Buckingham Fountain and Grant Park.
Offering live narration, the family-friendly experience is accessible to all, including those with extra-large wheelchairs.
At just $47.54 per person, the tour delivers excellent value for money.
Preparing for the Cruise
How can one best prepare for the Chicago Architecture Cruise? First, arrive at the Navy Pier meeting point with plenty of time to spare.
Check the weather and dress accordingly, as the open-air speedboat may get wet. Bring a camera and be ready to capture stunning views of the city skyline.
Wear comfortable shoes, and consider bringing a light jacket or sweater in case of breezy conditions on the lake.
Don’t forget to purchase tickets in advance to ensure availability.
Lastly, come with an open mind and get ready for an exhilarating journey through Chicago’s architectural landmarks.
Sum Up
This thrilling speedboat cruise offers an unparalleled way to experience Chicago’s stunning architecture and waterfront. With panoramic views of iconic landmarks, live narration, and an exhilarating ride through the historic Harbor Locks, it’s a must-do for anyone seeking to explore the city’s vibrant skyline. Tickets start at £47.54 per person, making it an affordable and unforgettable addition to any Chicago itinerary.
📍 This experience made our list of the 14 best Cruises And Boat Tours in Chicago
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