CAF-certified volunteer docents provide the ninety-minute tour and offer an entertaining and fact-filled commentary on Chicago's architecture from the unique vantage point of the river. "No matter how many times people go on the official Chicago Architecture Foundation river cruise, it is always fresh," said Jason Neises, CAF VP of Tours. "Our docents keep up-to-date with new construction along the river and include all the news in their commentary."
The cruise highlights 53 historic and architecturally significant sites including: the Trump Tower, Merchandise Mart, 333 W. Wacker, the Wrigley Building, the Tribune Tower, the Sears Tower, River City, Marina City and the site of the Spire. The cruise also includes significant buildings, sites and developments along the North Branch of the Chicago River such as The Montgomery, formerly the world headquarters for Montgomery Ward; the Chicago Tribune printing press plant; Goose Island; Kinzie Park development; Riverbend and the clustered glass River Cottages.
All CAF cruises depart from the lower level and southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive. The staircase to the ticket window and dock is marked by a blue awning. The 2008 Tour Schedule runs through November 23. CAF sells advance tickets (online or by telephone) through TicketMaster. The print-at-home option allows quicker check-in for passengers at the dock. Tickets are $28.00/person (Mon-Fri) $30.00/person (Sat/Sun/Holidays) and are available at the Chicago's First Lady ticket window at the dock or the CAF Shop, 224 S. Michigan Avenue. Individual tickets are available by phone at 312-902-1500, or online at www.ticketmaster.com/rivercruise. Special Group Rates/groups of 20 or more - 312-922-3432 ext. 226.
The Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing public interest and education in architecture and design. The Chicago Architecture Foundation pursues this mission through architecture tours, exhibitions, panel discussions, and youth and adult education programs. Home to a new permanent exhibition: CHICAGO YOU ARE HERE, the Chicago Architecture Foundation's ARCHICENTER is located at 224 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60604. For further information visit www.architecture.org or call 312.922.3432.
Chicago's First Lady Cruises is the official cruise line for the Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) River Cruise. The official fleet includes Chicago's First Lady, Chicago's Fair Lady and Chicago's Little Lady, each featuring open-air upper decks and air-conditioned salons with comfortable seating for viewing through large panoramic windows. The Riverside Gardens dock is located on Chicago's Magnificent Mile, at Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive.
