Cruising The Chicago River & The Lake Michigan

One of the “must do’s” I had during my recent trip to Chicago was to go on a Cruise in Chicago River and Lake Michigan. I ‘ve read a lot about the city’s rich and breathtaking architectural landmarks which can be seen up close when you hop in one of the river tours. So I didn't let the opportunity pass by while I was there. 

a view of the Navy Pier from our ferry

There were different types of tours to choose from depending on your personal preference and of course your budget. We took the 90-minute Chicago Architectural River tour and it was just perfect! Our boat departed from the Navy Pier, which is another interesting place to see when you're in Chicago and will also be featured in one of my future blogs.

   

The tour offers a live narration highlighting Chicago’s interesting history and architectural heritage. The expert and funny tour guide led us through the main branch of the Chicago River and through the Chicago Lock out to Lake Michigan. The lake looked like as it was as wide as the ocean and as deep as the blue sea. You will be amazed with how they are able to maintain the cleanliness of the lake which remains to be main source of the city's water supply.

One of the many bridges along the river

According to what I've heard from our tour guide, the river flows backward - away from 

lake.  The reversal of the Chicago River was a pioneering, massive public works effort that saved the Chicago region from waterborne diseases caused by sewage contamination of its drinking water supply. The City's sewers discharged human and industrial wastes directly to its rivers, which in turn flowed into the lake. 

A particularly heavy rainstorm in 1885 caused sewage to be flushed into the lake beyond the clean water intakes. The resulting typhoid, cholera, and dysentery epidemics killed an estimated 12 percent of Chicago's 750,000 residents, and raised a public outcry to find a permanent solution to the city's water supply and sewage disposal crisis. Who would have thought that such a colossal problem would result to an out of the box solution to which the residents to Chicago and its millions of visitors would truly appreciate and enjoy. 

The tour ended with a quick speed boat ride within the picturesque Lake Michigan which I find really cool! It was a very tourist friendly ride and I believed entertained everyone in our boat young and old alike particularly those with a desire to experience first hand, the beauty of Chicago's remarkable skyline.