Chicago River: A Liquid Artery of History and Architecture
Experience Chicago's iconic skyline and rich history with a stroll or cruise along the Chicago River, a true urban masterpiece.
The Chicago River, a dynamic waterway weaving through the heart of Chicago, is more than just a river; it's a symbol of the city's transformation and ingenuity. From its humble beginnings as a marshy stream to its engineered reversal, the river has played a pivotal role in Chicago's growth, industry, and identity. Today, it offers stunning views of the city's iconic architecture and a vibrant riverfront experience.
A brief summary to Chicago River
- Illinois, US
Local tips
- Take an architecture river cruise for an in-depth look at Chicago's iconic buildings and their history.
- Stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk for dining, recreation, and stunning city views.
- Visit during the annual dyeing of the river green for St. Patrick's Day, a unique Chicago tradition.
- Check the schedules for bridge lifts, a fascinating spectacle as the city's movable bridges are raised to allow ships to pass.
Getting There
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Walking
The Chicago Riverwalk provides easy pedestrian access to many points along the river. From Michigan Avenue, descend to the Riverwalk via stairs or elevators. Follow the path east or west to explore different sections of the riverfront. No cost for access.
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Public Transport
Many bus and train lines service the downtown area near the Chicago River. From Union Station or Ogilvie Transportation Center, walk east towards the river. Several 'L' train stations (Red, Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Purple, Pink lines) are within walking distance. Check the CTA website or app for schedules and fares. A single ride is $2.50.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxi and ride-sharing services (Uber, Lyft) are readily available throughout Chicago. Request a drop-off at a location along Wacker Drive or near a Riverwalk entrance. Expect to pay around $10-15 for a short trip within the downtown area, depending on traffic.
Discover more about Chicago River
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Chicago River
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Explore the Chicago River – a scenic waterway showcasing breathtaking architecture and vibrant urban life in the heart of the Windy City.
Site of Old Fort Dearborn
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Step back in time at Old Fort Dearborn, Chicago's historic military landmark, and explore the roots of American history.
Jack Brickhouse Statue
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Visit the Jack Brickhouse Statue in Chicago, a tribute to the legendary broadcaster and an iconic symbol of baseball history in the city.
Mather Tower
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Discover Mather Tower, a historic neo-Gothic skyscraper in Chicago's Loop, showcasing architectural splendor and rich heritage.
Plaza of the Americas
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Explore the Plaza of the Americas, a historical landmark in Chicago offering vibrant culture, shopping, and dining experiences in a picturesque setting.
Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Tours
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Experience the thrilling tales of Chicago’s gangsters and hauntings with the Gangsters and Ghosts Tours, uncovering the city's dark and fascinating history.
Carbide & Carbon Building
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Explore the Carbide & Carbon Building, a stunning Art Deco landmark in Chicago's Loop, rich in history and architectural beauty.
Chicagohenge
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Experience Chicagohenge, a breathtaking urban phenomenon in Chicago where the sun aligns perfectly with the city's skyline during the equinoxes.
Heald Square Monument
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Explore the Heald Square Monument, an iconic historical landmark in Chicago, where history, art, and culture unite for an unforgettable experience.
Thirty Five E Wacker
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Explore the stunning architecture and rich history of Thirty Five E Wacker, a must-visit landmark in Chicago's Loop.
Chicago River Walk at State St
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Explore the vibrant Chicago River Walk, an urban oasis blending stunning skyline views, art, and dining along the scenic riverbank.
Page Brothers Building
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Explore the Page Brothers Building: A Stunning Historical Landmark in Chicago's Loop, Showcasing Architectural Elegance and Rich Heritage.
Millennium Park Welcome Center
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Explore Chicago's Millennium Park Welcome Center, your essential resource for discovering the city's cultural gems and iconic attractions in a stunning urban setting.
Millennium Monument
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Experience the artistic legacy of Chicago at the stunning Millennium Monument, a landmark in the heart of Millennium Park.
Dearborn Street Bridge
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Discover Chicago's architectural gem, the Dearborn Street Bridge, offering stunning views and a unique glimpse into the city's rich history and vibrant culture.
Unmissable attractions to see
Chicago Architecture Center
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Explore Chicago's architectural heritage at the Chicago Architecture Center, where history and design come to life through interactive exhibits and guided tours.
DuSable Bridge
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Experience the historic DuSable Bridge in Chicago, connecting the vibrant Magnificent Mile to the serene waterfront with stunning views and rich history.
McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum
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Explore Chicago's architectural treasures at the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum, where history and waterways converge.
Pioneer Court
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Discover Pioneer Court, a stunning plaza in Chicago that combines art, architecture, and nature for an unforgettable urban experience.
400 N Michigan Ave
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Discover the Magnificent Mile in Chicago: a vibrant hub of shopping, dining, and culture, where history meets modern luxury along the iconic Michigan Avenue.
Wendella Tours & Cruises
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Discover Chicago's stunning skyline and rich history with Wendella Tours & Cruises, offering scenic boat tours on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.
Shoreline Sightseeing
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Experience Chicago's stunning skyline and rich architecture on a memorable boat tour with Shoreline Sightseeing for an unforgettable adventure.
The Wrigley Building
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Explore the architectural beauty and historical significance of The Wrigley Building, a Chicago landmark along Michigan Avenue.
Chicago Magnifico
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Experience the vibrant charm of Chicago at Chicago Magnifico, a must-visit tourist attraction offering culture, entertainment, and stunning views.
MUSEUM OF ICE CREAM
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Explore the whimsical world of ice cream at the Museum of Ice Cream in Chicago, a delightful blend of art, culture, and frozen treats.
Tribune Tower
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Discover Tribune Tower, an iconic Gothic skyscraper in Chicago, blending rich history with stunning architectural beauty along Michigan Avenue.
Essential places to dine
The Purple Pig Restaurant
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Experience Mediterranean flavors at The Purple Pig Restaurant in Chicago – where every dish tells a story.
Michael Jordan's Steak House Chicago
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Experience top-tier steaks and vibrant sports culture at Michael Jordan's Steak House in Chicago – where culinary excellence meets legendary athleticism.
Billy Goat Tavern (Millennium Park)
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Discover Billy Goat Tavern: A historic Chicago grill serving iconic burgers in a vibrant atmosphere near Millennium Park.
Labriola Chicago
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Discover authentic Italian cuisine at Labriola Chicago - where every dish tells a story of tradition and flavor.
Elephant & Castle
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Discover the charm of British pub culture at Elephant & Castle in Chicago's Loop – where great food meets lively ambiance.
The Evie
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Discover The Evie: A vibrant American restaurant in Chicago offering fresh seafood, succulent steaks, and innovative sushi dishes in an inviting atmosphere.
Doc B's Restaurant (River North)
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Experience the vibrant flavors of American cuisine at Doc B's Restaurant in River North - where delicious food meets great cocktails.
State and Lake Chicago Tavern
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Experience vibrant American cuisine at State and Lake Chicago Tavern - where great food meets lively atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Yardbird Table & Bar
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Discover Yardbird Table & Bar: A vibrant destination for Southern-inspired cuisine and fine wines in Chicago's Near North Side.
Siena Tavern
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Discover authentic Italian cuisine at Siena Tavern, where tradition meets modern flair in the heart of Chicago.
the Albert
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Experience upscale American dining at The Albert in Chicago's vibrant Streeterville neighborhood—where culinary innovation meets local flavor.
Il Porcellino
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Discover authentic Italian flavors at Il Porcellino in Chicago's Near North Side—where every meal feels like a trip to Italy.
Double Clutch at Millennium Hall
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Experience the vibrant flavors of Chicago at Double Clutch in Millennium Park, where every meal is a celebration of local culinary artistry.
Millennium Hall
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Experience the vibrant flavors of Chicago at Millennium Hall - where culinary creativity meets local charm.
Casa Bonita at Millenium Park
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Experience authentic Mexican cuisine at Casa Bonita in Millennium Park - where vibrant flavors meet cultural ambiance.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bye Bye Chicago
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Explore Bye Bye Chicago for unique souvenirs and gifts that capture the spirit of the Windy City. A must-visit for every traveler.
Kyrgyzstan
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Explore the heart of Kyrgyzstan through its unique gifts and handcrafted treasures at this charming shop, perfect for every traveler.
I Love Chicago
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Discover unique Chicago gifts and souvenirs at I Love Chicago, the ultimate destination for local treasures and memorabilia.
The Shops at North Bridge
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Discover a retail haven at The Shops at North Bridge, where shopping meets dining in the heart of Chicago's vibrant atmosphere.
Raw Edge Magnificent Mile - Modern Artisan Boutique
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Explore Raw Edge Magnificent Mile for unique artisan gifts that capture the essence of Chicago's vibrant culture and creativity.
Gift Shop
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Discover unique souvenirs and local crafts at this charming gift shop in Chicago's vibrant Streeterville neighborhood, perfect for every traveler.
After School Matters Gift Shop
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Explore the After School Matters Gift Shop: A unique Chicago destination for handcrafted gifts that support local youth programs.
Souvenir City Chicago
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Explore Souvenir City Chicago for unique gifts and authentic Chicago memorabilia, perfect for tourists seeking to capture the spirit of the Windy City.
Chicago Souvenir Company
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Explore Chicago Souvenir Company for unique and authentic memorabilia that captures the spirit of the Windy City.
Marshalls
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Explore the vibrant shopping experience at Marshalls in Chicago, where style meets savings in a wide range of clothing and accessories.
YoGoe
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Explore YoGoe Gift Shop in Chicago Loop for unique, locally sourced gifts and souvenirs that capture the spirit of the Windy City.
Buddy
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Explore Buddy Gallery in Chicago Loop – a unique boutique and art gallery showcasing local craftsmanship and creativity.
P.O.S.H.
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Explore P.O.S.H., Chicago's unique gift shop, offering eclectic home goods and memorable souvenirs that capture the spirit of the Windy City.
ikram
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Discover unique women's clothing in Chicago at Ikram, where fashion meets elegance in a chic boutique setting.
Chicago Athletic Association Gift Shop
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bar Pendry Chicago
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Eno Wine Bar
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Indulge in an exquisite selection of wines and gourmet pairings at Eno Wine Bar, a chic destination for wine enthusiasts in Chicago's Streeterville.
Upstairs at The Gwen
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Emerald Loop Bar & Grill
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MBar - Millennium Station
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Experience the vibrant spirit of Chicago at MBar - a modern bar offering unique cocktails and a lively atmosphere in Millennium Station.
Rossi's
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Experience the vibrant nightlife at Rossi's Bar in Chicago's Near North Side, where great drinks and an inviting atmosphere await.
Reviver
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Experience the vibrant American dining scene at Reviver, a stylish bar offering crafted cocktails and delicious cuisine in downtown Chicago.
RAISED | An Urban Rooftop Bar
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Broken Shaker at Freehand Chicago
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Bunny Slope
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The Berkshire Room
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Experience the elegance of The Berkshire Room, Chicago's premier lounge offering exquisite cocktails and a chic atmosphere in the Near North Side.
320 River Bar
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Discover the vibrant atmosphere and exquisite flavors at 320 River Bar, a must-visit bar and restaurant in the heart of Chicago.
Watershed Bar
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Discover Watershed Bar in Chicago, where creative cocktails meet a cozy ambiance in the heart of the city.
Three Dots and a Dash
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Experience tropical cocktails and an enchanting ambiance at Three Dots and a Dash, Chicago's premier cocktail bar.
The Boss Bar
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Experience the vibrant nightlife at The Boss Bar, a top destination in Chicago for cocktails, live music, and unforgettable memories.
