The official Chicago Architecture Foundation architecture river cruise, aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises, runs through Nov. 22 and autumn is the perfect time to enjoy Chicago’s architecture from the vantage point of the river.

Chicago Architecture Foundation-certified volunteer docents provide the entertaining and fact-filled commentary on Chicago’s architecture during the ninety-minute tour. “Whether you have never been on our cruise or you are a seasoned fan, the fall is a great way to enjoy the city before winter’s chill sets in,” said Jason Neises, Chicago Architecture Foundation VP of Tours. “The experience is always fresh because 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 Willis Tower – along with the “ledge”
• River City
• and Marina City

The cruise also includes the North Branch of the Chicago River with buildings 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.

The architecture river cruise is offered aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises cruising yachts, with open-air decks as well as comfortable interior seating.

All Chicago Architecture Foundation cruises depart from the Michigan Avenue Bridge and Wacker Drive, just north of Millennium Park. The staircase to the ticket window and dock is marked by a blue awning. Advance tickets (online or by telephone) can be purchased through TicketMaster.

The print-at-home option allows quicker check-in for passengers at the dock. Tickets are $28/person (Mon-Fri) $32/person (Sat/Sun/Holidays) and are available at the Chicago’s First Lady ticket window at the dock or the Chicago Architecture Foundation Shop, 224 S. Michigan Avenue.

Individual tickets are available by phone at 1-800-982-2787, or online at ticketmaster.com/rivercruise.

Special Group Rates/groups of 20 or more, please call 312-322-1131.

About the Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF)

The Chicago Architecture Foundation 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. Current exhibitions are Chicago Model City and B Like Burnham.

The Chicago Architecture Foundation is located at 224 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60604. For further information visit architecture.org or call 312-922-3432.

About Chicago’s First Lady Cruises

The fleet of Chicago First Lady Cruises has been the official vessels for the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise since 1993, operating more than 1,600 tours annually to the general public with commentary provided by more than 100 CAF-certified volunteer docents during its May-November season.

Chicago’s First Lady Cruises owns and operates four luxury yachts: Chicago’s First Lady, Chicago’s Little Lady, Chicago’s Fair Lady and Lady Grebe.

All are available for private charter cruising each evening. As stewards of Chicago’s waterways, Chicago’s First Lady is dedicated to helping protect the environment.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Susan Ross, 312-922-3432 Ext. 254
sross@architecture.org