Chicago Excursions

Make the most of your time in Chicago by joining fellow attendees for one of four optional evening excursions on Wednesday, September 23. Choose from an architectural river cruise, a Chicago Cubs game at historic Wrigley Field, or one of two guided bus tours exploring Chicago’s colorful history.

These excursions offer an opportunity to experience the city and spend time with colleagues outside the meeting program. 

Before You Purchase

All four excursions take place at approximately the same time on Wednesday evening, so please review the schedules carefully when purchasing tickets for yourself or others.

Space is limited, and tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis only until each excursion is sold out.

All excursion ticket purchases are final. No refunds will be issued under any circumstances. Please confirm your excursion selection, number of tickets, timing, and transportation arrangements before completing your purchase.

Excursions at a Glance

ExcursionTimeTransportationCost
Architecture River Cruise Board at 6:15 PM; depart at 6:30 PM Transportation to and from the dock is not provided $140 per person
Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field Game begins at 6:40 PM Transportation is not provided; a one-day CTA transit pass is included for those who choose to use public transportation $80 per person
Chicago Crime Bus Tour Bus loads at 5:45 PM; tour begins at 6:00 PM Departs from and returns to Hilton Chicago $90 per person
Prohibition Barrel Bus Tour Bus loads at 5:45 PM; tour begins at 6:00 PM Departs from and returns to Hilton Chicago $205 per person

 

Architecture River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady


 

 

 

Cost: $140 per person
Capacity: Limited to 150 guests; tickets are available only until sold out
Boarding: 6:15 PM
Departure: 6:30 PM
Duration: Two hours
Transportation: Transportation is not provided. Guests are responsible for traveling to and from the dock.
Departure location: 112 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago

What’s Included

  • Private charter aboard Chicago’s First Lady

  • Architectural narration by a Chicago Architecture Center docent

  • Dinner featuring Midwestern barbecue favorites from Harry Caray’s

  • Soft drinks, beer, and wine

Enjoy an unforgettable evening on the Chicago River aboard a private charter of Chicago's First Lady. This two-hour architectural cruise features expert narration from a Chicago Architecture Center docent, who will share the stories behind the city's world-famous skyline, iconic buildings, and diverse architectural styles.

Guests will enjoy unobstructed views from the open-air upper deck, along with a full beverage service including soft drinks, beer, and wine, and a dinner featuring classic Midwestern barbecue favorites from Harry Caray’s.

Please dress for the weather; sunglasses and hats are highly encouraged. The cruise operates rain or shine. Boarding begins at 6:15 PM for a 6:30 PM departure.

Before Purchasing

This excursion takes place at the same time as the other Wednesday evening excursions. Please review the schedule carefully before purchasing tickets for yourself or others.

All excursion ticket purchases are final. No refunds will be issued under any circumstances.

Purchase Architecture River Cruise Tickets

Chicago Cubs at Historic Wrigley Field

Cost: $80 per person
Capacity: Limited to 150 guests; tickets are available only until sold out
Game time: 6:40 PM
Transportation: Transportation is not provided. Guests are responsible for traveling to and from Wrigley Field. A one-day CTA transit pass is included for those who choose to use public transportation.
Location: Wrigley Field

What’s Included

  • Ticket to the Chicago Cubs vs. Miami Marlins game

  • One-day CTA transit pass for optional use

Experience one of Chicago’s most iconic traditions with an evening at Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs and one of the most celebrated ballparks in Major League Baseball. Opened in 1914, Wrigley Field is more than a stadium—it is a living piece of baseball history and a must-see destination for visitors to Chicago.

Step into the legendary “Friendly Confines” and immerse yourself in an atmosphere unlike any other in sports. From the famous red marquee welcoming fans at the entrance to the hand-operated scoreboard and the ivy-covered outfield walls, Wrigley Field blends historic charm with the excitement of live Major League Baseball. Whether you're a lifelong baseball fan or attending your first game, the energy of the crowd, the traditions of the ballpark, and the vibrant surrounding neighborhood create an unforgettable Chicago experience.

This excursion includes a game ticket and a one-day CTA transit pass for convenient travel to and from the stadium. Food and beverages are available for purchase throughout the ballpark, allowing guests to enjoy classic Chicago baseball fare while taking in the game. Game start is at 6:40 PM.

Before Purchasing

This excursion takes place at the same time as the other Wednesday evening excursions. Please review the schedule carefully before purchasing tickets for yourself or others.

All excursion ticket purchases are final. No refunds will be issued under any circumstances.

Purchase Chicago Cubs Tickets

Chicago Crime Bus Tour

Cost: $90 per person
Capacity: Limited to 35 guests; tickets are available only until sold out
Bus loading: 5:45 PM
Tour begins: 6:00 PM
Departure and return location: Hilton Chicago
Transportation: Round-trip transportation is provided from Hilton Chicago.

What’s Included

  • Guided tour aboard a climate-controlled coach

  • Stories about Chicago’s gangsters, mobsters, criminals, and law enforcement history

  • Visits to historic crime scenes and landmarks

  • Opportunities to leave the bus for photos at several locations

Step into the gritty world of Chicago's most notorious gangsters, mobsters, and criminals on this fascinating Chicago Crime Bus Tour. Travel through the city aboard a comfortable, climate-controlled coach as expert guides bring Chicago's infamous underworld to life with captivating stories of crime, corruption, and law enforcement during the Prohibition era and beyond.

Visit legendary crime scenes and historic landmarks while learning about infamous figures such as Al Capone, John Dillinger, Frank "The Enforcer" Nitti, H.H. Holmes, and the agents known as The Untouchables. Explore key locations tied to Chicago's criminal past, including the site of the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, the Biograph Theater, Holy Name Cathedral, and the Cook County Criminal Courthouse.

Along the way, you'll travel through some of Chicago's most iconic neighborhoods, including River North, Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Old Town, Streeterville, the Loop, and the Magnificent Mile, with opportunities to step off the bus for photos at several historic locations.

Blending history, mystery, and true crime, this unique excursion offers an entertaining and memorable look at a side of Chicago that helped shape the city's legendary reputation.

Only water may be brought onto the bus. Food and beverages are not included.

Before Purchasing

This excursion takes place at the same time as the other Wednesday evening excursions. Please review the schedule carefully before purchasing tickets for yourself or others.

All excursion ticket purchases are final. No refunds will be issued under any circumstances.

Purchase Chicago Crime Bus Tour Tickets

Prohibition Barrel Bus Tour

Cost: $205 per person
Capacity: Limited to 35 guests; tickets are available only until sold out
Bus loading: 5:45 PM
Tour begins: 6:00 PM
Departure and return location: Hilton Chicago
Transportation: Round-trip transportation is provided from Hilton Chicago.

What’s Included

  • Guided Prohibition-era tour aboard the Barrel Bus

  • Dinner at the historic Green Door Tavern

  • One drink at the speakeasy

  • Time to socialize with fellow attendees

Step back into the Roaring Twenties and experience Chicago's notorious Prohibition era aboard the city's unique Barrel Bus. Led by an entertaining and knowledgeable guide, this immersive excursion takes you through the streets where bootleggers, gangsters, and speakeasies flourished, bringing to life the stories, scandals, and larger-than-life personalities that shaped one of the most fascinating chapters in Chicago history.

Travel to infamous locations connected to the city's criminal underworld while hearing tales of legendary figures such as Al Capone, Johnny Torrio, Jim Colosimo, Dion O'Banion, Bugs Moran, Hymie Weiss, and other colorful characters who battled for power during an era of organized crime and illicit alcohol. The experience combines guided storytelling with time to relax, socialize, and enjoy the company of fellow attendees.

The evening also includes dinner at the historic Green Door Tavern, one of Chicago's most famous former speakeasies and a fitting setting to conclude your Prohibition-era adventure. One drink at the speakeasy is included.

Guests may bring their own alcoholic beverages onto the bus.

Before Purchasing

This excursion takes place at the same time as the other Wednesday evening excursions. Please review the schedule carefully before purchasing tickets for yourself or others.

All excursion ticket purchases are final. No refunds will be issued under any circumstances.

Purchase Prohibition Barrel Bus Tour Tickets