Aboard our ‘Chicago Along the River cruise’, passengers will gain exclusive access to images from the Chicago History Museum’s archive, giving unique perspective into Chicago then and now.

Three and a half centuries ago, what we call Chicago was little more than a swamp. It was a muddy and malodorous stretch of land so useless the Potawatomi had not bothered to settle it.

Sail with us and learn how the devastating Fire, in 1871, jumped a river and cleared the way for visionaries of plate glass and structural steel such as Jenney, Root, Burnham and Sullivan (Wright’s mentor). In less than a decade, the Chicago School of ingenious grillage foundations and steel-frame construction techniques lifted all architecture heavenward.

The Chicago History Museum presents our Historical River Cruise named, “CHICAGO ALONG THE RIVER”. For 90 minutes both history and design buffs alike will enjoy many “I did not know that” moments as our award-winning Docent shares Chicago’s story, including its 6-year transformation from a city without a recognizable landmark, to the birth place of modern architecture.

A booklet will be provided for the duration of the cruise, which will allow for passengers to see Chicago’s past while viewing the present.