We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Chicago's First Lady Architectural Tours

112 E Wacker Dr., Southeast corner of Michigan & Wacker, Chicago, IL 60611
847-358-1330
Website
Update attraction details
Ranked #20 of 154 activities in Chicago
Type: Tours
81 visitor photos
Write a Review

155 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    119
    28
    5
    3
    0
Date Rating
Sarnia
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2013 NEW

Non-stop information from beginning to end. Learned about different buildings and the era they're from. Volunteer guide was very knowledgeable and articulate (no notes! - how can she remember that much?!) And she didn't even once suggest tips. How refreshing! It makes me want to donate to the organization.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 13 more reviews by Joshemi for Chicago
Peoria, Illinois
Senior Contributor
47 reviews 47 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2013 NEW via mobile

Chicago contains one of the world's most diverse collections of late 19th, early 20th & 21st Century urban architecture. This boat tour is a relaxing and informative opportunity to learn a lot in a short period of time. Even as an avid Chicago and Chicago architecture aficionado I learned as well as enjoyed. Time well spent.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by WARSAWRUN for Chicago
W CALDWELL
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2013

Boat was excellent. Docent was not decent. Pre-tour scenario: 5/14, 1PM, Sunny and 84. We're sitting at the bow (front) of the ship. Therefore, we can't see the docent but can hear her via the PA system. Docent is a lifelong Chicagoan. Tour recap: For 90 minutes, docent does not preface her architecture descriptions with a simple phrase such as,... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Lincoln, Nebraska
Top Contributor
90 reviews 90 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 27 cities Reviews in 27 cities
57 helpful votes 57 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2013

First, I must say there are several companies that do Architectural Tours, so I wasn't sure which company to use. On the advice of a Chicago friend, my husband & I decided to go with Chicago's First Lady. I am incredibly glad we did. The docent, who's name I unfortunately cannot remember, though he was born in Omaha and raised... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 7 more reviews by Buffy24 for Chicago
Tennessee
Top Contributor
58 reviews 58 reviews
14 attraction reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 May 2013

Wonderful way to learn about how Chicago was built and recovered after the great fire. Our docent was really great, and the views of the city surrounding you from the river are unbeatable! No bad seats on the boat, very comfortable. Bathrooms and a bar on board. Recommended for all who want to see the spectacular architecture that makes up... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by Girltime for Chicago
Maur, Switzerland
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 May 2013

I took the last tour of the day at 4 p.m. and that was well worth it as the boat wasn't fully booked at all. Enough space to take good pictures. There is a lot of interesting Information. It is very enjoyable listening to it.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 9 more reviews by GabzGabz for Chicago
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 April 2013

On a sunny day in Chicago, anything would be fun, but for something fun AND unique, informative, historic, and panoramic, take the architectural boat tour. Make sure you get the one sponsored by Chicago Architectural Foundation. Our docent, Leanne, was entertaining and brought to light the history of the bridges and buildings as we enjoyed the ride up and down... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by rfw316 for Chicago
Ottawa, Canada
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
14 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 April 2013

IF you do only one thing in Chicago --- take this 1.5 hour tour!! You will NOT regret it! Docents who are trained for months are the guides on this boat tour. I'm amazed at the knowledge they have and how interesting they make the tour! We took this river tour during a cold snap and still sat outside -... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by C C for Chicago
Illinois
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 April 2013 via mobile

It was pretty chilly but definitely worth it. All of the staff were accommodating. Our guide was very informative and it is a great way to see the buildings in a way that you can't see from the street. Not sure of the other tours but did notice that this tour seemed to sell out quickly. I've been to Chicago... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by hagen007 for Chicago
Des Moines, Iowa
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 April 2013 via mobile

It was a wonderful surprise this boat tour. Although it was extremely cold I could not leave the open deck. I wanted to see all the details of the beauty and different buildings. The guide was excellent, was able to know a lot about the city history and the awesome buildings history. Where the lake was, how the river was... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by AnettePegas for Chicago

Travellers who viewed Chicago's First Lady Architectural Tours also viewed

 

Been to Chicago's First Lady Architectural Tours? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Chicago's First Lady Architectural Tours, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing