Chicago: CAF cruise tour

Every city with a river should have these architectural boat/cruise tours. 

“Chicago is the city of deep dish pizza” is what I would say, but now I know better. It’s a city of architecture and the best way to explore this aspect is the cruise tour along the Chicago River. It’s not just relaxing and informative, but you can drink wine during the entire ride. I’m in.

시카고하면 모름지기 딥디쉬 피자겠지만 일단 한번 먹으면 다시는 먹기 싫게 되므로 패스. 이제 시카고하면 크루즈 투어. 계속 돌아다니다보면 다리가 아프기 마련인데 그래서 우리는 늘 크루즈나 보트 투어를 꼭 하곤 한다. (가장 인기가 많은 버스 투어는 더 비싸기도 하고 버스 투어가 제공하는 모든 장소들을 섭렵하기는 거의 불가능, 정신 없고 교통체증이 심한 도시는 걸어다니는것보다 느려서 자주 애용하지는 않는 편) 시카고 크루즈 투어는 여유롭게 와인을 마시며 즐길 수 있다는 굉장한 장점이 있었다.

There are a couple of companies that organize such tours on the river, but we took the one run by the Chicago Architectural Foundation (CAF) because I like to start with a more “official” one first and then go on with others if I get the chance. The CAF is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to share their knowledge and passion of design, architecture and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) to others. They run a shop (224 South Michigan Ave) where you can buy tickets for tours (they run more than 80) and also buy anything-design and Chicago-related.

크루즈 투어를 운영하는 회사들은 꽤 많은 편인데 우리는 시카고 건축재단에서 운영하는 투어를 선택. 뭔가 더 공식적인 느낌이라 선택했지만 나중에 보니 크게 상관은 없는 느낌. 시카고건축재단은 비영리 단체로 사람들에게 디자인, 건축학, 과학, 기술 등을 알리고 가르치는 일을 하고 있다. 80여개의 다양한 도시 투어를 운영하고 있고 투어 가이드들은 모두 지원자들로 전직 의사, 교수, 소방관 등 직업들도 다양.

There are six architectural styles in the city of Chicago: Early warehouses, historic revivals, Art Deco, Mid 20th-century modern, post modern and contemporary. It’s interesting how the CAF docent, who is one of many trained volunteers in the city, points out all of the buildings along the trail that correspond to each architectural style.

If there was one building that really stood out, it was the Marina City, that was built in 1967 by Bertrand Goldberg. It looks a bit terrifying (I would freak out whenever I have to park the car), but all in all, amazing design. It’s now a multiuse complex of residences, parking, marina, restaurant, theater, shops and hotel.

가장 인상깊었던 건물은 Marina City. 뭔가 옥수수 모양으로 생겼는데 자세히 보면 저렇게 차를 주차해놔서 순식간에 소름이 쫙. 한강에서도 이런 크루즈를 진행하고 있는지 찾아보니 일단 찾았는데 문제는 굉장히 짧거나 특별한 주제가 없거나 한국 드라마 홍보를 중심으로 돌아가고 있는 현실. 드라마 좀 그만…

• Walk along the Chicago lake and look around the buildings before taking the tour. It’s easier to spot during the tour while everyone’s frantically trying to spot it.
• The tour is in English, but it’s still a great way to “wander” around and through the city.
• Grab a beer, wine or a drink at the little bar inside the cruise. Because why not.
• The cruise tour costs $39.74.

 

• Chicago Architecture Foundation

Have you tried any cruise tours? Where and which one was your fav? Share in the comments if you have any suggestions! 

All photos by rachelsanghee. April, 2015.