Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise

Spring is here! It’s time to stop hiding from the cold weather and embrace the sunshine, warmer temperatures and the beautiful scenery of Chicago! And what’s a better way to enjoy springtime in the city than taking a river cruise and gazing at the picturesque architecture?

Come aboard Chicago’s First Lady, and take The Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) River Cruise. This 90-minute tour provides an overview of historic and modern architectural styles and includes many stories about the people who designed and built the city of Chicago. CAF certified docents will interpret more than 50 buildings along the Chicago River and teach both tourists and locals how the city grew from a small back-country outpost into one of the world’s most important crossroads in less than 100 years.

Chicago is known for its world-class architecture, and there is no better way to see it than on The Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise!

2012 St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Whether you’re Irish or not, wear as much green as you can, venture downtown and celebrate Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade!

Come early and watch a major feature of the parade—the dyeing of the Chicago River! A tradition since 1962 and dubbed as the “Irish Miracle,” motor boats carrying Chicago’s Journeymen Plumbers will drop 45 pounds of green dye into the river, creating a bright green phenomenon that lasts for several days. The dye formula is Chicago’s closely guarded secret, but it has been deemed as environmentally friendly to the Chicago River.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade kicks off at noon. Adults and children alike will enjoy three hours of colorful floats, marching bands, bagpipes and Irish Step dancers!

No matter what your heritage is the other 364 days of the year, everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day! So put on your favorite green outfit and celebrate the holiday with the city of Chicago!

For more information, visit Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade today!