December boat tour info (Chicago: hotel, buy, live)

[ffayyca]

Hi, my family will be visiting Chicago the week before Christmas. I thought all the boat tours would be closed during the winter until I find this one is still running https://www.viator.com/en-CA/tours/C...e/d673-32280P1. Does anyone know if the boat is open roof or not? I have a five year old boy who would love to ride it but 1.5 hr in the cold might be too much.

[beaniemac]

Originally Posted by ffayyca

Hi, my family will be visiting Chicago the week before Christmas. I thought all the boat tours would be closed during the winter until I find this one is still running https://www.viator.com/en-CA/tours/C...e/d673-32280P1. Does anyone know if the boat is open roof or not? I have a five year old boy who would love to ride it but 1.5 hr in the cold might be too much.

if the weather is mild like today (46 degrees) I wouldn't be averse to this. but in december, it's likely to be cold. for instance, it's going to be almost 50 this weekend, but early next week, it's dropping into the teens with negative wind chills.

[BOBNCHI]

I am not sure which company is doing the Viator Tours, though it seems it's the CAFC.

I found that the website for CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE FOUNDATION CENTER indicates the season is now over.
The website for Shoreline Tours indicates the tours end on the 11th. I would call or email to be sure.

[ChiGuy2.5]

Don't buy tickets in advance. I highly doubt they will fill up this time of year. Make it a game time decision once you know the weather forecast.

Also, no matter what the temps are outside be sure to dress really warm. The lake always runs colder than the air temps!

[ffayyca]

Thank you. Looks like Wendella tour from https://www.viator.com/en-CA/tours/C...r/d673-76126P1. Anyone know if they are good or not?

[backtochitown]

I live a block from river and still see em running...the boat tours offer inside seating you know (nearer to bar)...awesome experience...we live here and still do a few times a year...pretty much all the boat tour companies are good now...

[ffayyca]

Thank you very much!
One more question, our hotel is near Magnificent Mile. For observation deck view in the night, is it still Willis tower or is there another spot that's closer and better?

[backtochitown]

Originally Posted by ffayyca

Thank you very much!
One more question, our hotel is near Magnificent Mile. For observation deck view in the night, is it still Willis tower or is there another spot that's closer and better?

Hancock is good too.

[DavePa]

Originally Posted by ffayyca

Thank you very much!
One more question, our hotel is near Magnificent Mile. For observation deck view in the night, is it still Willis tower or is there another spot that's closer and better?

https://360chicago.com/

https://360chicago.com/hours-and-pricing/

Nice Tourist video going to the
John Hancock observatory and some other things.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmCq...ature=emb_logo


I think the views from there are better. You see the whole North lakefront and more of the lake.
Also there is Signature Lounge bar on the 96th floor free to get in with views. But Cocktails are pricy.

[AlwaysBeachin]

We went in December 2 years ago; it was chilly, but they served hot chocolate. I forget which tour agency, but we departed right by the Apple store.