Where did Miss O’Leary’s cow supposedly start the Chicago fire? Learn all that and so much more on Shoreline Sightseeing Cruises, which run about 45 minutes as you travel down the Chicago River. While the architectural and skyline boat tours are a big attraction for tourists, locals can get something out of this too. Enjoy a $5 beer while being regaled with historical tales of the Windy City, all the while relaxing on the boat deck. This isn’t a boring high school history lesson. The entertaining tour guide combines stories about well-known buildings with little-known facts. Architecture still not your cup of tea? Shoreline also organizes and hosts Fireworks cruises during the Summer months. Tickets typically start around $24, depending on what kind of cruise you choose.
Tag Archives: windy city
Touring the city with a segway
There’s lots of ways to get around the city, but the segway is the only one that requires a bit of balance. Even so, it’s a fun way to whiz around the city, all the while enjoying the scenery of Millennium Park, Lake Michigan, and all the skyscrapers. Before you zip down the sidewalk, your tour guide – whether its from Chicago Segway Tour or City Segway Tour – will first train you on how to ride the segway. Then hop on and take a tour of the Windy City, as your guide regales you and a small group with tales about what you’re traveling past.
Hancock – No, Not Will Smith
Usually people think about the Sears Tower when talking about the Chicago skyline (and that’s now passe since it has changed its name to the Willis Tower), but the John Hancock Tower & Observatory is probably the second most recognizable within the incredibly tall array of Windy City skyscrapers.
Like a black dagger, the John Hancock is recognizable as the tallest building from the east end of Michigan Avenue, signifying the beginning of the Gold Coast neighborhood. If waiting in a long line to get to the Skydeck doesn’t seem worth it to you, the Hancock is definitely the way to go. Plus, all the fun lies in having a cocktail or dinner at The Signature Room at the 95th. You may recognize the restaurant as its been the star in plenty of movies. Rene Zelweger once awaited her proposal here in The Bachelor with Chris O’Donnell. This building is also the last place to host Chris Farley, who died within in his apartment on a lower level.
Celebs aside, take in the view, it’s worth the wait. The line, the elevator and the service atop move quickly in order to get the most people in to see the sights. At the first level, shop away like any other ol’ block on Michigan Ave.
3. Proving Blues Capital Status at Blues Fest June 11-13
Chicago may be most known as the 
Windy City, but in the Summer it’s got the Blues- big time. The Chicago Blues Festival is not only one of the largest free blues festivals in the world, it’s also one of the largest of all of Chicago’s Music Festivals. In three days covering six stages, there will be well over a half a million blues fans, proving that Chicago is in fact the Blues Capital of the World. Past performers have included greats like B.B. King, Ray Charles, Bonnie Raitt and the late Bo Diddley.