Chicago Architecture Foundation
224 S. Michigan Ave. Bus, bike, boat and walking tours through summer. (312) 922-TOUR. An expansive schedule of tours is sponsored by the Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) to enhance the public's awareness and appreciation of Chicago's outstanding architectural legacy. Complete tour and event information is available on the Web site: architecture.org.
CAF Architecture River Cruise
Spotlights over 50 historic and architecturally significant sites on a 90-minute tour. Tours leave several times each day from the CAF/Mercury Cruise Line dock at the southwest corner of the Michigan Ave. bridge. $25 weekends & holidays, $23 weekdays; 90 minutes; advance tickets recommended, call (312) 902-1500 or TicketMaster.com. Discounts available for groups of 20 or more, call (312) 922-3432, ext. 226.
CAF Highlights by Bus
Runs every Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. (3.5 hours) Cost: $35 (Seniors or students $32, CAF members $30). Prepaid, non-refundable reservations required; please call (312) 922-3432, ext. 240 (walk-ins welcome if space permits). Discover the diversity of Chicago's finest buildings on this wide-ranging odyssey. Begins at the CAF Shop & Tour Center in the Santa Fe Building, 224 S. Michigan Ave.
CAF Historic Skyscrapers walking tour
At 10 a.m. daily; also at 3 p.m. except Wednesday which is 5:30 p.m. (This one is a Happy Hour tour which ends at the Berghoff with a complimentary beverage.) Modern Skyscrapers walking tour at 1 p.m. daily except Friday which is 5:30 p.m. (Happy Hour Tour). Two hours each. Cost: $12 or both tours for $20. Students and seniors $9 each. Begin at the CAF Shop & Tour Center in the Santa Fe Building, 224 S. Michigan Ave. (312) 922-3432.
CAF walking tours
Many different options here, from Andersonville to Streeterville. For specifics, visit architecture.org. No reservations needed. Tours go rain or shine. Cost: $10. Students and seniors $5 (CAF members free). Starting point depends on the tour you choose. (312) 922-3432.
Chicago’s First Lady
Boat tour departs from the southeast corner of Michigan Avenue bridge. Tickets are $23 Monday - Thursday, $25 Friday, Saturday, Sunday and
holidays. (847) 358-1330.
Chicago From the Lake
Departs from North Pier, 435 E. Illinois St. Architectural and historical boat tours. (312) 527-2002.
Chicago Gray Line Tours
Palmer House Hilton, 17 E. Monroe St., bus and trolley tours of the Loop, lakefront, Hyde Park, Michigan Ave. and the Gold Coast with a friendly guide. (312) 251-3107 or (800) 621-4153.
Chicago Neighborhood Tours
Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. Bus tours of the city's neighborhoods. Tours are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors/ students, and include refreshments. The tours are four to six hours long and depart from the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. Special tours cost $50 for adults, and $45 for seniors over 65, children 8 to 18, and students with valid ID. Special tours include lunch. To receive a CNT brochure, call (312) 742-1190 or visit chgocitytours.com.
‘The Gardens of Chicago's Magnificent Mile’
Sponsored by the Greater North Michigan Avenue Association (GNMAA). From June 23 to Sept. 5, see numerous interpretations of urban gardening, each with explanations, and discover ways of using small spaces and ways of gardening in shaded or partly shaded areas. Pick up a copy of this self-guided tour at the concierge desk of one of the four shopping centers: The Shops of North Bridge, Chicago Place, Water Tower Place or 900 N. Michigan Ave. Shops, or call (312) 409-5560 or (312) 642-3570, or visit themagnificentmile.com.
Graceland Cemetery tour
Grave sites of heavyweight boxing champions Jack Johnson and "Fighting Bob" Fitzsimmons are included on the Graceland Cemetery tour, conducted by the Ravenswood-Lake View Historical Association. For tour reservations call (312) 744-7616. The cost is $10. Both the CAF and CNT also offer tours of Graceland.
Herb's Downtown Walking Tours
If the idea of a friendly walking — or limo — tour with an enthusiastic Chicago native as tour guide appeals to your group, check out Herb's Downtown Walking Tours and Limo Tours. Contact him for prices and details. Call (773) 404-2400 or visit herbstours.com.
LPCAI sculpture walk
The Lincoln Park Community Art Initiative enriches the 43rd Ward by publicly exhibiting the works of local talented sculptors on the streets of Lincoln Park. Take a walking tour of featured old and new sculpture. For more information, (773) 327-9111 or visit chicago43rd.org or lpcai.org.
Odyssey Cruises
Brunch, lunch, dinner and midnight cruises depart from Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. (888) 741-0281 or (630) 990-0800. |
