Review: Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise

Zoom out. What’s the big picture here?
Run by the Chicago Architecture Center, the Architecture River Tour is one of the most polished and storied operations in town. Taking place on a river-ready barge in spring, summer, and nicer fall weather, the cruise explores Chicago's beginnings from various branches of the Chicago River. The groups are large, but the Architecture Center-trained docent speaks via loudspeaker, audible from throughout the boat. (Pro-tip: Head straight upstairs when you board and snag a seat in the rear for optimal views.)

Tell us about your fellow tourees.
Chicagoans with family in town and travelers of all kinds take the cruise, regardless of their preference for architecture. It's a well-loved tour of the city and its history, and has become something of a bucket list item.

How are the guides, then?
The docents are extensively trained in a grad school-style architectural history crash course and are all incredibly knowledgable about the landmarks and the river, having spent hours training before ever giving a solo tour. Because the docents are all volunteer, the passion for the subject often comes for a pure, personal connection with the architecture and city, which creates a more dynamic tour than most.

Anything we’ll be remembering weeks, months or years from now?
In 90 minutes, you'll get to know 50 buildings along the Chicago River. You'll learn about a secret map of the river's topography, hidden in plain sight, about the only skyscraper in the skyline designed by an award-winning female architect, and even get to know the visual jokes designers played to leave their mark on the city.

So: What is this best for?
This intimate tour is a calm yet thrilling look at where Chicago got its start and how it grew to be the world class city that it is.