McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum
Discover the Rich History at McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum
DuSable Bridge: Chicago's River Gateway
An iconic Chicago bridge connecting the Loop and Magnificent Mile, honoring the city's first non-native settler and showcasing its history.
The DuSable Bridge, formerly the Michigan Avenue Bridge, is an iconic Chicago landmark that spans the Chicago River, connecting the Loop and the Magnificent Mile. Named after Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, Chicago's first non-native settler, this double-deck, bascule bridge is a testament to the city's architectural and engineering prowess.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to DuSable Bridge
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
333 Michigan Ave, Chicago, Magnificent Mile, Illinois, 60601, US
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Getting There
Walking
The DuSable Bridge is easily accessible on foot from many downtown Chicago locations. From the Magnificent Mile, simply walk south on Michigan Avenue. From the Loop, head north on Michigan Avenue. The bridge spans the Chicago River between the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower on the north, and Wacker Drive on the south. Pedestrian walkways are available on both sides of the bridge.
Public Transport
Several CTA bus routes serve the DuSable Bridge area. Bus routes 2, 3, 6, 20, 29, 146, 147, and 151 all have stops within a short walking distance of the bridge. The closest 'L' stations are on the Red Line (Grand or State/Lake) and the Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple Lines (State/Lake). A single ride on CTA bus or train is $2.25-$2.50.
Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout Chicago. A short taxi or ride-share trip to the DuSable Bridge from nearby locations in the Loop or Magnificent Mile typically costs between $7 and $15, depending on traffic and distance.
Parking
Several parking garages are located near the DuSable Bridge. Some options include Millennium Park Plaza (151 N Michigan Ave) and Michigan Plaza (225 N Michigan Ave). Parking rates vary, but typically range from $15 to $40 for a few hours, depending on the garage and time of day. It is recommended to book parking in advance using apps like SpotHero or ParkChirp.
Local tips
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Visit the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum to see the bridge's gears in operation during the spring and fall bridge liftings.
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Take a walk along the bridge to admire the relief sculptures on the bridgehouses, depicting key moments in Chicago's history.
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Enjoy the panoramic views of the Chicago River and the city skyline from the bridge's pedestrian walkways.
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Explore the nearby Magnificent Mile, Chicago's premier shopping and entertainment district.
Discover more about DuSable Bridge
The DuSable Bridge is more than just a crossing; it's a historical monument and a vital artery in Chicago's transportation network. Completed in 1920 as part of Daniel Burnham's Plan of Chicago, the bridge was designed to link the city's north and south sides with a grand boulevard. Its double-deck design, with roadways on both levels, was considered pioneering for its time.The bridge's four bridgehouses are adorned with relief sculptures that depict significant moments in Chicago's history, including the explorations of Marquette and Joliet, the settlement of Jean Baptiste Point du Sable and John Kinzie, the Fort Dearborn Massacre, and the city's rebuilding after the Great Fire. These sculptures offer a glimpse into the city's past and its evolution into a world-class metropolis.Today, the DuSable Bridge continues to serve as a gateway to the Magnificent Mile, Chicago's premier shopping and entertainment district. Visitors can stroll along the bridge's pedestrian walkways, taking in panoramic views of the Chicago River and the city skyline. The McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum, housed in one of the bridge tender houses, offers a unique opportunity to learn about the bridge's mechanics and the history of the Chicago River.
A brief summary to DuSable Bridge
Use DuSable Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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