Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise, 224 South Michigan Avenue
Inhibition: Taking mom on an architectural cruise seems touristy and what if I want to get off before it’s over? What if it rains? What if it’s too crowded?
Betty’s Response: Grow up…you may learn something.
Experience: Last Thursday at 7:30pm we took a river cruise through Chicago canals learning about the architecure around us.
The Wrigley Building (1924)
Marina City (1967)
Michigan Avenue Bridge (1920)
225 West Wacker (1989)
Tribune Tower (1925)
77 West Wacker (1992)
Awesome view of a passing train from the water!
The view of where we’d been as the sun set was always a unique perspective.
Pockets of interesting sites I want to explore.
1 River Place: 619 West Chicago Avenue, originally Montgomery Ward Administration Building (1929) Notice the statue…”The Spirit of Progress.”
333 West Wacker Drive (1983)
Detail from the Civic Opera Building (1929)
River City (1986)
Left-Willis Tower (1974) and Right 311 South Wacker Drive (1990) Also known as Wedding Ring Building…beautifully lit for the 4th of July.
Center-Trump Tower (2009)
Two very happy ladies and one gorgeous Chicago skyline!
What I didn’t Know: That along with learning basics about some of Chicago’s architecture, I would also gain a better idea of how the downtown river loop area is laid out. It was also incredibly interesting to take note of site details that was pointed out to us by the tour guide and/or can only be seen from the river. Oh and although the cruise was sold out, it was very comfortable. The cruise boat had a lower covered area in case it rained and a full bar to purchase a tasty beverage. And last my enjoyment on the cruise fueled my desire to next kayak the river (although the thought of it freaks me out).
So to all those wanting to have a new experience, Betty and I extend the invite to get out there and SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!!!
My Bike Betty 