Wendella celebrates 50 years

Wendella Chicago Water Taxi has transported millions of commuters between Michigan Avenue and the Union and Ogilvie train stations since its launch it 1962. According to their website: “Wendella was founded in 1935, at the northeast corner of Navy Pier by Albert Borgstrom, a Swedish immigrant. Albert knew that people wanted more than just the small speedboat rides that were popular at the time. A carpenter by trade, he rebuilt a 65-ft. wooden yacht named Wendela (later changed to Wendella for pronunciation), added seating for about 100 passengers; included a narrator well-versed in Chicago’s architecture and history; and charged 25 cents for a 30 minute boat ride.”