Dearborn Street Bridge: A Chicago Landmark
A historic Chicago River bridge offering passage and views in the heart of the city's downtown.
The Dearborn Street Bridge is more than just a functional structure; it's a piece of Chicago's history and a testament to the city's engineering prowess. Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, it connects the Near North Side with the Loop. The bridge spans the Chicago River, facilitating the flow of traffic and pedestrians between the city's vibrant neighborhoods. The first movable bridge in Chicago was constructed on this very site in 1834. This original bridge, though innovative for its time, proved to be unreliable and was eventually dismantled. For nearly fifty years, there was no bridge at Dearborn Street, until the old Wells Street Bridge was moved to the location in 1888. In 1907, it was replaced by a Scherzer rolling lift bascule bridge. The current bridge was dedicated October 27, 1963. The present-day Dearborn Street Bridge is a bascule bridge, a design that allows the bridge to be raised for ships to pass underneath. This design is essential for maintaining both land and water traffic in the bustling city. The bridge's single bridgehouse is easily identifiable. The American Institute of Steel Construction honored the bridge with the 1963 "Most Beautiful Steel Bridge" award in the Movable Span category.
Local tips
- Walk along the Chicago Riverwalk for stunning views of the Dearborn Street Bridge and other architectural landmarks.
- Visit at night to see the bridge illuminated, creating a beautiful reflection on the Chicago River.
- Check the bridge lift schedule to witness the impressive operation of the bridge raising to allow boats to pass.
A brief summary to Dearborn Street Bridge
- Chicago, Near North Side, Illinois, 60654, US
Getting There
-
Walking
From the Chicago Riverwalk, access the bridge via stairs or ramps. From nearby landmarks like the Wrigley Building or Michigan Avenue, walk west towards Dearborn Street. The bridge is easily accessible on foot and provides a direct connection between the north and south sides of the Chicago River. No costs are associated with walking across the bridge.
-
Public Transport
Several CTA bus routes serve the Dearborn Street Bridge area. The 'L' train also has multiple stations within walking distance. The Monroe Station on the Blue Line is located on the southwest corner of the One South Dearborn plaza. The Red Line's Monroe and Washington Stations are a block away on State Street. Bus fares are $2.25, and 'L' train fares are $2.50. Transfers are free for up to two additional rides within two hours.
-
Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout downtown Chicago. A short taxi ride from a nearby location, such as Millennium Park, to the Dearborn Street Bridge will likely cost between $8 and $15, depending on traffic and distance. The base fare for a taxi is $3.25, plus $2.25 per mile and time elapsed. Be aware of potential surge pricing during peak hours.
-
Parking
Several parking garages are available near the Dearborn Street Bridge. Garages like Theatre District Self Park Garage and Greenway Self Park are within walking distance. Parking rates typically range from $15 to $40 for a few hours, with daily rates reaching upwards of $40-$75. Street parking is limited and can be difficult to find.
