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DuSable Bridge: Chicago's River Gateway

Experience Chicago's iconic gateway: the DuSable Bridge, where history, architecture, and stunning city views converge on the Magnificent Mile.

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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 permanent non-native settler, this double-deck bascule bridge is a testament to the city's architectural and engineering prowess.

A brief summary to DuSable Bridge

  • 333 Michigan Ave, Chicago, Magnificent Mile, Illinois, 60601, US
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Visit the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum to see the bridge's gears in operation during the spring and fall bridge lifts.
  • Take a stroll across the bridge at sunset for breathtaking views of the Chicago River and skyline.
  • Explore the Chicago Riverwalk, located beneath the bridge, for waterfront dining and recreational activities.
  • Check out the bas-relief sculptures on the bridge's bridgehouses, which depict significant moments in Chicago's history.
  • Join an architecture river cruise that departs near the bridge to learn about Chicago's iconic buildings.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Wrigley Building, walk south on Michigan Avenue towards the Chicago River. The DuSable Bridge will be directly in front of you, spanning the river. The walk is approximately 2 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Chicago, take any bus or train that stops near Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive. The DuSable Bridge is located at the intersection of these two streets. CTA bus and train fares are $2.25 and $2.50 respectively. A 1-day CTA pass costs $5.

  • Taxi/Ride-sharing

    From anywhere in downtown Chicago, a taxi or ride-sharing service to the DuSable Bridge will typically cost between $8 and $15, depending on traffic and distance.

  • Parking

    Several parking garages are located near the DuSable Bridge. Parking rates typically range from $15 to $40 for a few hours. Use apps like SpotHero or ParkChirp to find and reserve parking spots in advance.

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Discover more about DuSable Bridge

The DuSable Bridge is more than just a functional structure; it's a symbol of Chicago's history and innovation. Completed in 1920 as part of Daniel Burnham's Plan of Chicago, the bridge was designed to improve transportation and enhance the city's riverfront. Its Beaux-Arts style, reminiscent of the Alexander III Bridge in Paris, adds a touch of elegance to the cityscape. The bridge's double-deck design, with roadways on both levels, was considered groundbreaking at the time of construction. This allows for efficient traffic flow, separating faster, non-commercial vehicles on the upper level from slower commercial traffic on the lower level. The bridge is a trunnion bascule bridge, a type of movable bridge with counterweights that allow the bridge to be raised for boat traffic. Adorning the bridge's four bridgehouses are bas-relief sculptures that depict significant moments in Chicago's history. These sculptures represent French explorers, early settlers, the Fort Dearborn Massacre, and the rebuilding of the city after the Great Chicago Fire. The McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum, located in the southwest bridgehouse, offers visitors a chance to learn more about the bridge's history and operation. Today, the DuSable Bridge remains a defining image of Chicago, appearing in movies, television shows, and news broadcasts. It serves as the central landmark for the annual St. Patrick's Day dyeing of the Chicago River and the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival.

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