Chicago from the Lake
312-527-2002
435 E Illinois St Chicago, IL 60611With informative guides, this cruise line specializes in both architectural and historical tours of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.
About Chicago from the Lake
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Sports & Recreation
Message from Chicago from the Lake
From April to November, Chicago From The Lake offers public architectural and historical cruises by boat from their exclusive dock at historic North Pier/River East Plaza, a short walk from Navy Pier. A 90-minute narrated tour by a professional docent, complementary Starbucks coffee, Coke Cola products and cookies. The architectural cruise covers both the north and south branches of the Chicago River and the historical cruise travels out on Lake Michigan and on the Chicago River. Private charter opportunities are also available.
Editorial from Citysearch
FeaturesChicago From the Lake offers 90-minute tours May 1 through Oct. 31. Complimentary coffee, iced tea, lemonade, cookies and muffins are served on all tours; children six and...
Key Points
- Architectural River Cruise
- Historical Cruise
- Private Charters
Insider Pages Reviews for Chicago from the Lake
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lots of great info - BUT - boat overcrowded,no room to sit and see what the guide was describing. Our family stood for most of the tour and the staff in the office were rude. Have heard good things about this company but would not recommend them.
July 26, 2010Was this review helpful to you?
Insider Expert
| Rank: 11,425
This one isn't as interesting as some of the other Chicago tour cruises, but still nice as it lets you see Chicago's great skyline from the lake. It is a bit pricy, but you get to see some great architecture. Very touristy, but still worthwhile for Chicagoans, but tickets sell out so get them in advance. Best when the weather is warm, but also quite interesting to do when it's colder or windy out. Great views, relaxing trip, something to do along with the other cruise tours.
November 29, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
Native Chicagoans and visitors can both enjoy the architecture cruise this company offers. Travel along the river viewing all the great buildings in the city and learn about the history of Chicago's great architectural style. It's a bit expensive, but a great experience to see more of this great City.
Especially worth it when the weather is nice. Get tickets in advance, it's a touristy thing to do so cruises can and do sell out.
PROS: see Chicago's great architecture
CONS: expensive
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You can choose from a couple of different cruises. One goes on the river and the other goes on the lake. Both are about an hour and a half and offer beautiful views of the greatest city in the U.S.! They get pretty busy, so get advanced tickets or reservations if you can.
July 15, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
We have been on a few cruise lines around Lake Michigan during the past year, and this one does not compare to the others. I found the architechture cruise a little too expensive. It was also a little boring. The other cruise lines make the trip upbeat and fun when you are looking at Chicago's gorgeous skyline. I highly recommend trying the other cruise line companies first if you want a fun time.
PROS: Beautiful views
CONS: Not as fun as other cruise lines and more expensive
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Insider Guru
| Rank: 1,183
When looking for a sight-seeing tour in Chicago, there is only one official architecture cruise and this is it. It's a little pricier than the rest, but totally worth it, if you're looking for the experts.
June 27, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
Barring freezing temperatures, snow or rain, a tour along the Chicago river is the best way to experience this spectacular city. The architecture cruise is particularly interesting as you cruise through the city surrounded by fantastic buildings. Well worth the price!
June 27, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
Latest reviews from Citysearch.
Every year for now 5 years I go on each major architectural river cruise to ensure that I have first hand knowledge to rely on when assisting guests at work trying to book these wildly popular- and for good reason - chicago tours. Certainly being on the river on a beautiful day in Chicago is a treat regardless and include starbucks and pastries I am even happier! They even have evening cruises with cocktails- Happy Hour(well hour and a half) And if you or if you have kids with you if they can hold it together for 90 minutes then by all means do not short yourself by taking the shorter tours of 30 or 60 min available elsewhere. you can't do the full river in less than 90 min. This tour always is my favorite as the tour guides are historians(this is the official tour of the Chicago History Museum) and no one tells a better more comprehensive and interesting story of the chicago skyline than the tour guides with Chicago Line cruises. The first lady from the Arch foundation is a close second but at times they are dry. Seadog and shoreline are a waste of money as clearly their tour guides are summer help and it shows with the often innaccurate information. As far as the condition of the tour boats Chicago Line has various vessels but I have always found them clean and safe and comfortable!! Must take this tour!!
Pros: Amazing Tour guides and Starbucks and pastries included
Been to Chicago several times, but this was the first time I took the tour, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat! Not only was it relaxing, but our tour guide was terrific -- she was funny, friendly, and had great knowledge about the history of the city, architectural styles, and fun facts about Chicago. Definitely a highlight of my trip!
Pros: Great staff, Nice boat & refrshmts, Good vantage points
Cons: Dock not easy to find
This boat tour is the best of them all. It takes you to some of the coolest sights there is here in the city. The service is great, it is perfect for a day trip with the family, friends, significant others, or yourself. It is a great way to spend a sunny afternoon with resonable prices and a great tour.
There's no place better in Chicago for seeing sunsets than from a boat in Lake Michigan.
Pros: Awesome views, Cooler on lake, Great sunsets
Cons: Need a boat
The best skyline in the world. Wonderful landmarks from the lake. It is something to experience one or many times.
Good way to see the city. Nice crew and always willing to go the extra mile. If you are in chicago make sure to make a point to get here. W
