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There is no better way to tour the Windy City
then with a tour from the waterline. The following
organizations offer this service, from both river and lakefront,
and are worthy of a closer look. If water tours aren't
your thing, be sure to check out our listing of bus, carriage,
and bicycle tours. |
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Amphibious
Tours |
Metro
Ducks Tours
1-800-298-1506
 That's
right. A wet, wild and wonderful tour of Chicago on this
WWII amphibious vehicle is sure to quack up its riders.
Fully certified by the U.S. Coast Guard, riders enjoy a
scenic and informative city tour while learning about it's
rich history. They also discover many points of interest,
and hear lots of corny jokes!
These vintage WWII re-supply crafts can travel up to 50
mph on land and up to 7 mph on water. They drive directly
into, and out of Lake Michigan, giving riders a thrill
they won't soon forget!
Pick Up
Location:
Rock
n' Roll McDonald's, 600 North Clark Street (Clark &
Ohio) |
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Water
Tours |
Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline
231 Lynn Drive, Suite 5, Palatine
(847)358-1330
(847)991-5255 for faxes
Mercury is the ideal way to see the city, as guests are given
the opportunity to view the impressive skyline while gliding
down the waterfront. Tours run conveniently at 10am, 11:30am,
1:15pm, 2:30pm, 3:15pm, and our personal favorite, the 7pm. The
way that Mercury runs their tours is set up so that lake and
river cruising are combined into a ninety-minute experience.
Group rates are also available for parties of twenty or more
people.
Location: Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive (April through
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North Pier Architectural and Historical Cruises
455 East Illinois Street, Suite 361
(312)527-2002
(312)527-2313 for faxes
North Pier Architectural and Historical Cruises caters to
those with a penchant for structural savvy. These tours showcase
the city's public architecture and historically significant
edifices. Docked at an exclusive spot on historic North Pier,
the group also offers the opportunity to privately charter one
of their vessels, which is nice if you have a lot of money and
some friends flying in for the weekend. The company encourages
phone calls if you have any questions whatsoever.
Location:
North Pier |
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Shoreline Sightseeing Company
474 North Lake Shore Drive, Suite 3511
(312)222-9328
(312)321-0632 for faxes
Shoreline Sightseeing Company is another well-established,
well-worth-the-money boat tour, offering daily excursions up
until September 30th. A phone call will yield all of
the times from each of their departure areas, and all tours come
complete with commentary on the history and skyline of the
famous Chicago skyline. Group rates are available for larger
parties, and literature is available in over twelve languages,
making it accessible to all.
Locations: Navy Pier, Shedd Aquarium/Field Museum, Buckingham
Fountain
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Spirit of Chicago Harbor Cruises
455 East Illinois Street
(312)836-7888
(312)836-7889 for faxes
This lakefront cruise enterprise is adept at providing a
quiet atmosphere from which to view the awesome skyscape of
Chicago. Offering year-round lunch, dinner, and moonlight dance
cruises, this is the perfect opportunity to wow your sweetie or
impress that girl you've had your eye on since the plane landed.
Touted as the most exciting way to see Chicago's skyline, the
Spirit of Chicago Harbor Cruise line is a highlight of any
vacation for two.
Location:
Navy Pier (south side)
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Spirit of Dubuque
Mississippi River Cruises
3rd Street, Ice Harbor, Dubuque
(319)583-8093 for calls and faxes
The Spirit of Dubuque sails up and down the Mississippi River
in the form of a double-deck paddle wheeler. The tours are
narrated quite nicely, so no amount of local flavor is
overlooked in the slightest. There are special engagements as
well, ranging from two-hour lunch cruises to specially themed
events every month (please note that reservations are required
for any meal-related outing.) As an added incentive, there are
deep discounts for parties over twenty people; don't forget this
one when your family reunion takes you to the Windy City.
Location:
Mississippi River,
Dubuque, IA
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Wendella Sightseeing Boats
400 North Michigan Avenue
(312)337-1446
(773)728-0220 for faxes
Wendella's company is the oldest and most established of the
Chicago boat tours, and it shows in the quality of the
experience. Tour lengths range from one to two hours, and all
trips pass through the Chicago River Lock. In addition, each
tour includes live narration on such topics as the architecture
of the city and its history and skyline. We strongly recommend
taking a Wendella Sightseeing Boat, as their expertise and
professionalism made a firm impression on us.
Location:
400 North Michigan Avenue (at Wrigley Building)
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Windy of Chicago, Ltd.
600 East Grand Avenue, 60611
(312)595-5555
Unlike the other tours in the Chicago area, Windy of Chicago
offers guests the unique opportunity to actually sail the ship
around. It’s a four-master, available for tours, chartered
trips, educational voyages, and whatever else you’d want it
for, and guests can help raise the sails, steer the wheel, and
generally make themselves useful. If you’re looking to see the
city and feel a part of the process, then Windy of Chicago, Ltd
is exactly what the doctor ordered.
Location:
Navy Pier
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