What a way to see the city! The tour guide was very knowledgeable and it was a perfect way to become acquainted with the architectural wonders of the city—the beautiful old buildings such as the old Wrigley Building next to glistening, modern wonders including the Trump Tower. The tour we choose began by cruising into the city on the Chicago River. Touring past and learning about incredible buildings like the Opera House, Willis Tower, and the Merchandise Mart. On the tour you pass beneath many draw bridges which open at set times to allow the tall boats to pass up river.
The staircase from Michigan Avenue leads to where you board the boat
Approaching state street on the Chicago River
World Famous Marina City built in the early 60’s
World Famous Marina City built in the early 60’s
The Willis Tower (the old Sears Tower) which is the tallest building in the western hemisphere. Little did we realize that a few days later we’d be at the top of it standing out on a platform above the city. It you look closely towards the top you can see the platforms they look like little grey squares.
The Willis Tower
Trump Tower
Chicago Opera House
the building with the wavy lines, The Aqua is the worlds tallest building designed by a woman.
The cruise continues into Lake Michigan to get a view of the skyline but to do so, we had to enter a lock, like the Panama Canal, only smaller. You enter one lock and then it closes behind you trapping tons of water that flowed in from the river. You wait there until the lock behind you closes completely and then the lock in front begin to open and lake water rushes in. (2 photos of this). When it has opened fully, and the water leveled, you proceed into the lake. This is a summer time must in Chicago. The boat we were on had open air seating on the roof so we could see everything. Down below the bar served cocktails which some were definitely enjoying.
Part of the skyline from our Windella ride on Lake Michigan
Part of the skyline from our Windella ride on Lake Michigan
Adler Planetarium, which we will have to visit next time
Off the back of the boat out in Lake Michigan. So beautiful
Stay tuned for part 2….
