During the Windy City Tweetup we went on the 75-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour by Wendella Boat Tours. We got a great deal through a Groupon which included a free beverage. Thanks Francesca of The Working Mom’s Travels for the great idea.

It was a cloudy day with off-and-on rain as we hung out along Michigan Avenue waiting to hit up the Chicago River.

As soon as you got on the boat, the great views were right in front of you. Some of my first shots of the skyline and historic buildings. The building prominent in the first photo is the Crain Communications Building, also known as the London Guarantee or Stone Container Building. I love the curvature of the 1920’s built structure.


The Windy City Tweetup gang chilling on the lower deck. Some are looking at photographs taken. Others are mingling. Great times.

We took advantage of Chicago’s own Goose Island Honkers Ale being available on-board. Out on the open water!

As the boat proceeded down the river, the tour guide described the buildings we passed with some historical and architectural background information. This is the Civic Opera Building. It has an art deco interior and was built-in 1929. It’s the second-largest opera auditorium in North America. It’s amazing how Chicago has been built up since the Great Chicago Fire in the later 1800’s.

We passed under bridge after bridge. The Clark Street Bridge in one form or another has gone over the river since 1853.

I’ve taken a liking to capturing the American flag. One resided on the back of the riverboat.


Some more skyline photos out on the open water. The vantage points to get Chicago skyline shots seems to be endless. 🙂


Passed by and saw lots of other tour riverboats.

Great times on the Chicago River. The rain was actually a nice touch during the tour and the rest of the day in the city. Checkout Wendella Boat Tours for more information on the architecture and other tours they provide.
Have you ever been on a riverboat tour in Chicago? What riverboat tours in other cities would you recommend?
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