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    Seeing Chicago From the River With Shoreline Sightseeing {Review}

    By 64 Comments

    Disclosure:  I received a complimentary meal for my family in exchange for sharing my honest opinion.

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    Living in the Chicagoland area all of my life means I tend to take Chicago for granted.  There are so many tourist things I have never done, one of them being a boat tour.  The Architecture Tour is one specifically that my husband has been bugging me to do for years now.  So during our recent trip to Chicago we trekked over to Navy Pier and boarded one of Shoreline Sightseeing Chicago River cruise boats.

    This Summer marks Shoreline Sightseeing’s 75th anniversary and with that they have extended their architecture river tours to 75 minutes.  Boats depart every 45 minutes, daily from the easily accessible docks at both Navy Pier and the Michigan Avenue Bridge.

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    So what did we think of the tour?  It was great!  You sit out in the open on the top of a boat, there are more seats underneath if you don’t want direct sun on you, and there really is no bad view since your looking up at the buildings.  Our tour guide, Sarah, was a great speaker.  She was funny and made the tour go by fast without being boring, which I was worried about.  She told us about all the architecture of the buildings along with some stories about Chicago in general like the Chicago fire, which I honestly still thought it was Mrs. O’ Leary’s cow that started the fire.

    Here are some pictures I took from our tour:

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    This is the same boat we were on, just another one:

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    Glad we didn’t miss the “TRUM” building (should be TRUMP):

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    Drinks and snacks were sold aboard and were actually pretty cheap:

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    Going under one of the bridges:

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    I think the Architecture tour is definitely a stop for anyone visiting Chicago or even local Chicagoans who want to see Chicago in a new light.  I had no idea the history behind so many of these buildings and how they began. Even my kids who are ages 2, 6, and 7 years old enjoyed the tour.  I will say it is an expensive tour but its worth it, even if you only get to do it once.  I honestly though want to check it out at night next time because nighttime in Chicago is my favorite!  Oh and if your looking for a Classic Lake Tour or Water Taxi ride, Shoreline Sightseeing does those too!

    Stay Connected with Shoreline Sightseeing:

    Shoreline Sightseeing WEBSITE | Shoreline Sightseeing FACEBOOK | Shoreline Sightseeing TWITTER | Shoreline Sightseeing YOUTUBE

    Catch the Architecture Tour through Shoreline Sightseeing at:

    Navy Pier’s Gateway Park and Michigan Avenue Bridge

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    Comments

    4. Mary Jo says

      After reading your review…I think our next vacation will be Chicago!! I’ve always wanted to go, but now I’m certain this will be our next trip! Thanks!

      Reply

    5. Sally shee says

      Last month we drove to Chicago from Texas and missed doing shoreline because of the weather. You have so beautifully captured everything

      Reply

    7. Sue E says

      I live in Chicago & take for granted the area & the sights! The skyline is gorgeous! I have taken cruises for lunch years ago on the Spirit of Chicago. It really was relaxing & fun!

      Reply

    9. angie p says

      I love walking around the city and love people watching, I love the food and the architecture. I love the lake. Sweet home, Chicago <3

      Reply

    12. Joy Q says

      I have only visited Chicago once but I just moved within a 3 hour drive I really want to go back. I would have to say Navy pier.

      Reply

    17. Cryssie Cherry says

      The skyline is beautiful! This is my husband’s hometown and this would be such a great surprise for him!!

      Reply

    28. Melissa Tippie says

      I really love Chicago! I enjoy the pretty parks, super shopping, delicious deep dish pizza and Navy Pier. My favorite place to visit is the John Hancock building. Thank-you for a great giveaway!

      Reply

    29. Justin S says

      I’ve always seen this and other tour boats when passing across bridges downtown… I would love to actually take a tour!

      Reply

    33. Cassandra says

      I love the cultural diversity that influences the city, everything from food to the arts to neighborhood festivals to shopping and everything in between & the fact that there is always something to do.

      Reply

    38. Donna Snyder says

      Never been to Chicago, my hubby is from PItt., that was my first visit up north! Loved it! Sure beats PO-dunk ga

      Reply

    41. Hanna D says

      I love all the great restaurants that Chicago has. If you have a food craving for anything, Chicago will have a restaurant to satsify that craving.

      Reply

    45. Sara G says

      Chicago is one of our favorite places to visit! If I had to say one thing, I’d say I love the fact that their is a beach in the city! It’s clean, fun, so much going on and a wonderful place. Ok, 2 things, and then there’s Ed Debevics!!!!

      Reply

    46. Karen says

      I love everything about Chicago! I grew up in Michigan and my mom’s from Chicago, so we spent plenty of time in Chicago. I also did the architecture tour years ago, and I loved it!

      Reply

    48. Tracie L Lopez says

      My hubs and has been asking me to go on a tour of Chicago. What a better way to visit than to win tickets 🙂

      Reply

    49. Alina Hahn says

      I love that there are so many things to do and see. Great food, the lake, kids activities, etc etc. We live in Northwest Indiana so I like that it is close enough to go for the day or even a short weekend trip. Oh and I love the gluten free deep dish pizza 🙂

      Reply

    50. Elizabeth Fitzmaurice says

      I took the architectural tour years ago when out-of-town guests were here for a family wedding and it was great. I’d love to do it again! Thanks.

      Reply

    51. saralynns2 says

      Chicago has so many awesome things to do! My husband and I love walking around and sightseeing… We also really enjoy going to concerts at Park West.

      Reply

    58. Debra S says

      Chicago!!! The Museums! The FOOD.. oh my gosh, world-class cities have world class food, whatever you want! The ethic food you desire! Nightlife, Buckingham Fountain… Grant Park, Chicago is a great place!

      Reply

    63. patricia says

      My husband is from Chicago and his entire family still lives there so we try to visit twice a year. The first time I visited, i fell in love with the architecture in the downtown area. I love the art museum and hanging out by the Bean. Also love Navy Pier and Brookfield Zoo!

      Reply

    64. MaryJane says

      I love a lot about Chicago, but the best about Chicago is my Granddaughter and her Husband live there.

      Reply

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