During my friend’s recent visit, we made it a must to embark on a boat cruise. Fortunately, the timing couldn’t have been better, as we were blessed with a perfect Chicago summer day for our adventure on the Wendella Lake and River Architecture Tour.
The 90-minute tour is $42 per person, but I found a promo code online, so we paid $36 each. Our tour launched from the Michigan Avenue boat dock. Be sure to check which boat dock is correct for your cruise. We used SpotHero to book parking nearby for only about $12. Tip: Don’t park at 430 N Rush Street lot. We had difficulty getting out and were charged an extra $10 to leave only 2 minutes late. (Usually they have a grace period, in my experience.) The lot attendant was rude and unhelpful, but SpotHero gave me a credit for future use.
The boat cruise itself was lovely. The sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow over the city, making it an ideal day to be out on the water. You can’t beat views of the Chicago skyline from the lake.
The only hiccup was being stuck waiting for the lock to open on the way back onto the Chicago River. The tour guide was skilled at keeping us engaged with trivia questions as we waited. Chicago is renowned for its diverse architectural styles, and the tour provided an up-close look at some of the most iconic buildings along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.
Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply want to take in the views, this tour is undoubtedly a must-do when visiting Chicago.
Marette Flora is the founder of Floradise blog and personalized gift shop. Marette is a passionate storyteller and creator. She attended the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication.
She is passionate about creating helpful and meaningful things.