Shoreline Sightseeing has been running business in Chicago since 1939. The company has stayed within the family, just like it started and how it has been going. We proudly showcase the beauty and history of Chicago to locals and tourists. With our scenic tours, guests experience breathtaking views of the city’s iconic skyline, learn about its rich architectural heritage, and enjoy the serene waters of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River.
Get a glimpse of what the company was like throughout the years from how we started to where we are now!
The Beginning
For a quick backstory, Mr. Charles Collopy, or Mr. C, was the previous sole owner of Shoreline. His mother was the youngest of nine children. Two of the boys were James and Jim Martin.
The company began in 1939 during the depression. Jim Martin started at the old Edgewater Beach Hotel and Shedd Aquarium. The company went from “Shoreline Marine Company” to “Shoreline Sightseeing.”
The company started with a speedboat. At night they’d bring it over for 25 cents a piece for tours. During the day, the speedboat would dock at Grant Park and Shedd Aquarium. Once they realized that more foot traffic and passengers were at Grant Park, they solely started running from there instead of the old Edgewater Beach Hotel.
Shoreline’s First Large Touring Vessel
In 1949, Uncle Jim Martin bought the Blue Dog in place of the speedboats as the company’s first large touring vessel.
Around 1950, Uncle George Martin, a lawyer, joined Shoreline. The brothers started it as a partnership. Soon after, they formed a corporation when Uncle George joined. He managed the business for the next 25 years.
Pictured: Blue Dog running as a water taxi service on Lake Michigan in June 2023.
The Need for More Boats
Uncle George bought the first cruiser, the Shoreline. The Shoreline no longer operates, but it held up to 100 passengers. The company started giving longer cruises in Grant Park.
As business grew, there was a need for another boat. Uncle George had the Marlyn built in 1960. The name is a contraction between Martin and Lynch. Many people who hear or read the name Marlyn, think it derives from the fish, which is not true.
The Marlyn came as a 300 passenger vessel. For nearly 25 years, it was the biggest passenger vessel on Lake Michigan. Its our first tour boat to display our well known red, white, and blue of our fleet.
A New Addition to the Team
In 1961, Mr. Charles Collopy joined George. He focused on Shoreline and the Marlyn. The Marlyn ran at the Shedd Aquarium and Buckingham until it closed.
After the war, Mr. C finished school and joined the corporate world for 25 years. George and him then discussed Mr. C taking over the business since Uncle George was ready for retirement. His almost dying words were, “Don’t buy anymore boats and don’t raise the prices.”
About 5 years after Mr. C took over, the thought of needing a bigger boat came to mind! Shoreline II which carried 350 passengers. The pier was remodeled in 1995 or 1996 got a contract which was a competitive bid and they won and since then the company has kept growing with 11 touring vessels and 7 water taxis.
Shake A Leg Around the City
In 1996, Shoreline added water taxis to help guests get to and from Chicago’s most famous landmarks. A few years later in 1999, the popular Architecture Tour debuted, departing from Navy Pier.
Shoreline named the water taxis in a punny way. Some names include, Shake A Leg, Gotta Go Now, ASAP, and Lickety Split to name a few. All fun ways to say “Hey we’ll get you to your destination fast!”
The New Generation
A new generation took over in 2002, as Mr. C’s sons, Chip and Matt, became owners of Shoreline Sightseeing. Both sons started off as deckhands for the company in 1979, so they knew their way around the boats!
Soon Shoreline grew to Chicago’s largest fleet with 11 major touring vessels and 7 water taxis. In 2016, Shoreline added the Michigan Avenue Dock to support even more Architecture Tours. In 2019, Matt Collopy retired, making Chip Collopy the sole owner of Shoreline Sightseeing.
Today, we are happy to have 7 docks, some serving a dual purpose of where our tours depart and our water taxi service. We enjoy showing tourists and Chicago locals the beauty of the city, through tours, history, and visits to famous landmarks!
Thank you to all our customers and visitors from around the country and different parts of the world. With you we are able to keep growing and running to show you the beauty of Chicago! Shoreline has remained committed to providing memorable experiences, evolving offerings while staying true to family-owned roots!
