Chicago - Official Visitors Guide - (Page 46) see & do Chicago’s First Lady Cruises The official River Cruise of the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Departing from Michigan Ave. and Wacker Dr. on the Chicago River May 1–Nov 20. 90-minute lecture-style cruise given by CAF-certified volunteer docents. Reservations 312-902-1500. Open-air and air-conditioned seating available. Print your tickets at home or pick up at will call. 112 E. Wacker Dr., 847-358-1330, www.cruisechicago.com Spotlight On: Shoreline Sightseeing Company Narrated Skyline Boat Tours showcasing Chicago’s spectacular skyline. Two convenient lakefront locations: Navy Pier, Shedd Aquarium/Museum Campus. Daily May–Sept. Weekends through Nov. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., 312-222-9328, www.shorelinesightseeing.com Jewish culture re-examined The Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies has a bold new mission — to re-examine Jewish culture in order to celebrate, challenge and advance modern Jewish identity. See this modern mission unfold at the new 155,000-square-foot Spertus Museum at 610 S. Michigan Ave. The new building opens to the public Nov. 30 and features 8,000 square feet of gallery space housing the museum’s core-collection and changing exhibitions, along with a new interactive Children’s Center and a dedicated educational resource area for teachers and parents. The Children’s Center focuses on the Jewish traditon’s building blocks of literacy: letters, language and storytelling. An exciting series of changing exhibitions in the gallery space begins with The New Authentics: Artists of the Post-Jewish Generation, which incorporates 16 contemporary American artists and serves as a platform for raising important questions about cultural, ethnic and religious identity in the United States today. Spertus also features fantastic views of Lake Michigan and the horizon. A stunning 10-story faceted window wall forms the façade of the new facility, offering a literal window into the world of Jewish learning and culture. The transparent façade (pictured) is built from 726 individual pieces of glass of 556 different shapes. Spirit of Chicago As America’s largest harbor cruise line, the Spirit of Chicago, located on Navy Pier, offers fun for everyone with dining, dancing, sightseeing and entertainments all rolled into one affordable cruise experience. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., 312-321-1241, www.spiritcruises.com Cruise Chicago Private group architectural and sightseeing tours given by a licensed docent aboard the Summer of George. Docked in the heart of Chicago at State St. and the river. Reservations required please. 330 N. Wabash Ave., 866-213-5568, www.chicagocruises.com Kanan Cruises Chicago’s newest charter vessel for group and private charters from 50 to 400 passengers along Chicago’s lakefront. Located at Navy Pier. Seats 300 on two dining decks, piano lounge, dinner, lunch and cocktail cruises. 7am–1am year round. 445 E. Illinois St., Ste. 440, 312-222-0088, www.kanancruises.com Tall Ship WINDY Sail aboard the fourmasted schooner Windy. View Chicago’s skyline on an adventurous afternoon sail on Lake Michigan or see the sparkling city reflection while sailing at night. Reservations not accepted. Call for weekly schedule. May–Oct. 10. 600 E. Grand Ave., 312-595-5555, www.tallshipwindy.com Wendella Sightseeing Boats As Chicago’s original tour boat company, Wendella has been showcasing Chicago to the world since 1935. Our experienced staff and expert tour guides, work hard to ensure that you capture the true essence of Chicago’s past, present and future. Wendella offers our signature 90-minute Combined Lake and River Tour; the 60-minute Chicago River Architecture tour; and our Chicago at Sunset Two-Hour Tour along with our Wine Tasting Architecture Tour. 400 N. Michigan Ave., 312-337-1446, www.wendellaboats.com Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline Perfect for families, grandparents and children, showcasing Chicago’s lakefront skyline and waterways with daily and nightly tours including commentary. Scheduled tours are 1 and 1/2 hours in length and combine sightseeing on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. See our website for schedules and pricing. Don’t miss our special Fireworks, Supernatural and daylong National Heritage Corridor Cruises. Groups of 20 or more phone 312-332-1368 for discount and reservations. Michigan Ave. and Wacker Dr., 312-332-1353, www.mercuryskylinecruiseline.com Mystic Blue Cruises Mystic Blue Cruises offers down-to-earth, casual fun and entertaining brunch, lunch, midday and dinner cruises. Enjoy incredible skyline views, DJ entertainment and dancing while feasting on our bountiful buffets, including creative salads, entrees and desserts. Cruise times vary. Please visit www.mysticbluecruises.com for current cruise schedule. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., 888-957-2327, www.mysticbluecruises.com Odyssey Cruises The largest fine dining cruise ship on the Great Lakes. Elegant two to three-hour lunch, brunch and dinner cruises offering distinctive cuisine, live entertainment and spectacular views of the Chicago Skyline. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., 312-321-7620, www.odyssey.com Seadog Ventures Seadog offers two great tour options — a 30-minute lakefront speedboat tour and a descriptive 75-minute architectural river tour of Chicago’s most famous structures. Departs multiple times a day from Navy Pier. Be sure to ask about our Haunted River Tours in October. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., 312-822-7200, www.seadogcruises.com Sightseeing – Buses American Sightseeing Chicago Specializd tours, programs, events, speakers, parties, interpreters and expert shuttle service to accommodate your requirements. Our staff has expertise in on-site services from the “basics to the ultimate” in tailormade arrangements to insure a memorable experience in Chicago for your attendees. 27 E. Monroe St., Ste. 515, 312-251-3100 Chicago Gray Line Operator of tours for individuals and groups. Custom-made tours for spouse programs. Charter buses for expo and conventions, shuttle bus services. All type of transfers provided including airports, rail terminals and attractions of museums and skydeck of Sears Tower. 27 E. Monroe St., 312-251-3107, www.grayline.com Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Co. Hop on! Hop off! All day long! See Chicago from a new height! Chicago’s best fully narrated tour stops at all of Chicago’s top attractions every 15–20 minutes. Unlimited boarding. Trolleys and London-style double decker buses. Charters available. Tours yearround. Historic Water Tower on Pearson at Michigan Ave., 773-648-5000, www.chicagotrolley.com In rtus ©Spe u stit J of te pg 46£ Two ways to get more information: call 1-877-CHICAGO or go to choosechicago.com ew ish Stu dies /CCTB http://choosechicago.com
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