Shoreline Sightseeing is a family owned and operated fleet touring business in Chicago, Illinois. The company was established in 1939, and began with only one boat and offered Lake Michigan tours that showed off the Chicago skyline. Shoreline Sightseeing Tours, now in its third generation of family ownership, has a fleet of nine vessels and eight water taxis.
By 1996, Shoreline had brought the first water taxi vessels to Chicago and in 1999; the company began offering Architecture Cruises on the Chicago River. Between the years of 1999 through 2003, the company increased its fleet number by commissioning three brand new touring vessels; the Star of Chicago, Evening Star and the Bright Star. Additionally in 2005, the company obtained two more custom vessels, the Celebration and Voyager.
The Bright Lights/Big City Tour is the newest Architectural Tour offered by Shoreline Sightseeing. The tour is 75 minutes in length and combines architecture with fireworks. The boat leaves from the Ogden Slip at Navy Pier with experienced and entertaining guides that take guests along the historical and architectural landmarks throughout Chicago. Guests hear the story of the Great Fire of 1871, and how the city became the home of skyscraper. The vessel takes people past buildings designed by famous architects like Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, Helmut Jahn and Mies van der Rohe. There is a cash bar, complementary guides and a map to serve as souvenirs of the experience.
Throughout the summer season, Navy Pier celebrates the city of Chicago with a fireworks display every evening on Wednesday and Saturday. Shoreline Sightseeing offers the best way for guests to view the fireworks and fireworks are scheduled on Memorial Day weekend and extend through Labor Day weekend. The vessels leave port a half an hour prior to the fireworks display beginning, there are extra tours held on Sunday over Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend.
Shoreline Sightseeing Skyline Tours are designed for early-risers or for those who like a night on the town occasionally. During the main summer season, the company offers a Sunset Cruise every night; times will vary by the day and should be checked out when tickets are purchased. The Skyline Boat Tours run from April through mid-October and the cruise lasting a half an hour, takes guests along the lakefront sights and attractions in Chicago.
The water taxis are a great way to go sightseeing from place to place in a whole new way. The commuter service runs between the Sears Tower, Union Station and the Michigan Avenue Bridge. The Shoreline Water Taxi service runs from May through the middle of August and the new Michigan Avenue Dock is open daily during the regular operating season.
With many years in operation, the Shoreline Sightseeing Company offers guests an interesting and exciting way to get around and see the sights and sounds of Chicago. The company has transported an immeasurable amount of people on daily commutes, and tourists from around the world. All of the company touring vessels are designed to ferry guests around in the safest, most comfortable way possible and have the perfect Chicago experience.
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