DuSable Bridge, Chicagoland Travel Guide

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An iconic Chicago bridge with stunning architecture, rich history, and panoramic city views, connecting the Loop and the Magnificent Mile.

The DuSable Bridge, formerly the Michigan Avenue Bridge, is a landmark bascule bridge in downtown Chicago. Spanning the Chicago River, it connects the Loop to the Magnificent Mile. Named after Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, Chicago's first non-native settler, the bridge is renowned for its architecture, sculptures, and pivotal role in the city's history.

A brief summary to DuSable Bridge

333 Michigan Ave, Chicago, Magnificent Mile, Illinois, 60601, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring DuSable Bridge.

Visit the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum to see the bridge's inner workings and learn about the Chicago River.
Take a stroll on both the upper and lower levels of the bridge for different perspectives of the river and cityscape.
Observe the relief sculptures on the bridgehouses to learn about key moments in Chicago's history.
Check out the bridge lift schedule in spring or fall to witness the bridge in operation.

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Explore DuSable Bridge on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near DuSable Bridge, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the Magnificent Mile, walk south on Michigan Avenue. The DuSable Bridge will be directly ahead, spanning the Chicago River. Enjoy the views of the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower as you approach. No costs involved.
Public Transport

From Union Station, take bus 151 towards Michigan Avenue. Get off at Michigan & Wacker. The DuSable Bridge will be a short walk north. The bus fare is $2.25.
Taxi/Ride-Share

From Navy Pier, a taxi or ride-share to the DuSable Bridge will take approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is $10-$15. Drop-off is typically near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive.

Discover more about DuSable Bridge

The DuSable Bridge, an iconic structure in the heart of Chicago, carries Michigan Avenue over the Chicago River. More than just a crossing, it's a symbol of the city's ingenuity, history, and architectural ambition. Originally known as the Michigan Avenue Bridge, it was renamed in 2010 to honor Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, the city's founder.Completed in 1920, the DuSable Bridge was a key component of Daniel Burnham's 1909 Plan of Chicago, designed to modernize the city. The bridge is a double-deck, double-leaf trunnion bascule bridge, a pioneering design for its time. This allows both upper and lower levels to carry vehicular traffic. The bridge can be raised to allow ships to pass, with bridge lifts occurring around 50 times each year.The bridge's four bridgehouses are adorned with relief sculptures that depict scenes from Chicago's past. These sculptures represent French explorers, early settlers, the Fort Dearborn Massacre, and the city's rebuilding after the Great Chicago Fire. The bridge offers stunning views of the Chicago River and the city skyline. The McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum, located in one of the bridge's tender houses, allows visitors to view the bridge's gears and learn about the Chicago River's history.