Boat Tours
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Boat Tours
Lake Michigan and the Chicago River offer exciting views of the city's sites and history.
- Paddle into the Past Kayak Tour: Select Saturdays, June 28–August 16
- Summer Sunrise Java Jaunt: Sunday, July 20
- Devil in the White City: Sundays, August 3 and September 21
- Chicago Blues Cruise: Thursday, August 14
- As Seen from the Lake: Sunday, September 14
- Daily History Cruises: May 23–September 1
Soak up Chicago’s history as you cruise the shores of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River on our unique boat tours. Non-alcoholic beverages and light snacks included. Meals are not included. Presented in partnership with Chicago Line Cruises.
Location:
Tours meet at the Chicago Line Cruises dock at North Pier, 465 N. McClurg Court.
Cost:
$45; $40 members.
Evening cruises include an open bar option, available for an
additional $17, to be paid on board.
Summer Sunrise Java Jaunt
Sunday, July 20, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Wake up with the Chicago History Museum and Metropolis Coffee Company, the 2007 Roaster of the Year! Tony Dreyfuss, Metropolis Coffee guru, will discuss the history of the coffee industry and trace the journey from bean to cup. Enjoy tastings from Metropolis and drink in the sights of the city as you take a relaxing summer sunrise tour.
Devil in the White City
Sundays, August 3 and September 21, 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Discover the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition and the devilish doings of H. H. Holmes, as described in Erik Larson’s best-selling book. Sail past sites related to the fair and learn about its lasting legacy. This tour includes snacks showcased at the fair and other surprises!
Sunday, August 3
> This tour is sold out.
Sunday, September 21
> Purchase tickets
Chicago Blues Cruise
Thursday, August 14, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Learn about the blues, listen to
the blues, and coast through the blue waters of our beloved city. This tour includes live music featuring Dawn O’Keefe Williams and her
band.
As Seen from the Lake: Cosmopolitan Chicago in Film and TV
Sunday, September 14, 6:00–9:00 p.m.
Explore the waterfront perspective of our Midwestern metropolis on this evening cruise with historian Sarah Marcus. Discover how filmmakers and television producers have used the waterfront to create iconic images of Chicago.
Daily History Cruises
May 23–September 1, 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
Prepare to embark on a voyage where history lessons come alive on the city’s celebrated waterways.
Cost:
$34 adults, $32 seniors (65+), $20 youth (7-18), free for children under 7. Members receive a $10 discount.
> Visit www.chicagoline.com for details and to purchase tickets.
Paddle into the Past Kayak Tour
Saturdays, July 19, July 26, August 2, August 9, and August 16,
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Paddle into the past and dive into Chicago’s history! Join your professional guide as you kayak amongst the architectural canyons of the Chicago River. This three hour tour is a workout for both your brain and body! No experience needed. Presented in partnership with Kayak Chicago. Kayak rental included.
Cost:
$55, $50 members.
Saturday, July 19
> This tour is sold out.
Saturday, July 26
> This tour is sold out.
Saturday, August 2
> This tour is sold out.
Saturday, August 9
> This tour is sold out.
Saturday, August 16
> This tour is sold out.
Refund Policy:
Refunds for a tour will be given in the form of tour credit which can
be applied to another tour. Credit will be given with a minimum of two
weeks notice prior to the day of the tour. No exceptions.
Sign Language Interpretation:
The Chicago History Museum is happy to offer sign language
interpretation at any of its public programs. Please contact the Public
Programs Manager, at least 48 hours prior to the day of the event in
order to accommodate this request 312.642.4600