CHICAGO RIVERWALK

Last weekend (The Memorial Day weekend) marked the official opening of the newly improved Chicago Riverwalk. While the sidewalks along both the north and south shores of the main branch of the Chicago River have existed and open to the public for decades, it's the new Riverwalk on the south side of the river that is most popular this time of year.

The north side is a little more challenging because it is not continuous, but still worth exploring. On the south side you can walk on Upper Wacker Drive or go down to the river level. The 3 blocks west of LaSalle Street are currently under construction. Eventually, you will be able to walk the entire length of the main branch of the river all the way to Lake Michigan. And there are lots of fun things to do along the way.

First, taking a stroll and enjoying the magnificent architecture along the river is worth your time. As I always say, admire the outsides, but go into the lobbies too! You miss so much of the beauty when you skip the interiors. Some of my favorites along the river are the Merchandise Mart on the north side of the river between Franklin and Wells Streets, the Reid-Murdoch Center (pictured below) on the north side of the river between Clark and LaSalle Streets, The LaSalle-Wacker building at the south side of the river at the southwest corner of LaSalle and Wacker, and 2 buildings at Michigan Avenue: the London House Hotel on the south side of the river and The Tribune Building on the north side.

Remember always introduce yourself to security guards, explain you are there to admire their lobby and ask if photos are permitted.

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Don't forgot to take some time to admire our unique bridges. For example, the Wells Street bridge is a double-decker bridge. It carries motor vehicles and pedestrians on the lower level and the CTA "L" trains on top. For more information about our bridges go to Chicago Loop Bridges. 

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​Don't forget to take some time to admire the bridgehouses. Once manned 24 hours a day/7 days a week, now the bridges only go up on Wednesdays and Saturdays in the spring and fall at the beginning and end of the sailing season. This is a unique site to see the sailboats passing under each bridge. For the schedule of bridge lifts go to the City Of Chicago website.

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On the south side of the river on Upper Wacker Drive is a memorial to the more than 800 people who died when the SS Eastland excursion boat capsized on July 24, 1915. Every year on that date there is a memorial service at the rivers' edge to remember those who lost. In the lobby of the Reid-Murdoch Building is another memorial with pictures and information about the disaster. For more information go the the Eastland Disaster Historical Society website.






Now lets take a walk at the river's edge, but let me first share the rules. The riverwalk is open from 6AM to 11PM (23:00). Pets must be on a leash. Skateboarding is not allowed. Access is located at every bridge, but for those who can not manage steps, accessible ramps can be found on the west side of Clark Street and the East side of State Street.


Each of the six blocks from Lake Street to State Street were designed with distinctive themes and purposes. From LaSalle Street to Clark Street is The River Theater.  Between Clark and Dearborn Street is The Cove. The Marina runs from Dearborn to State. Currently under construction are The Swimming Hole (LaSalle to Wells); The Jetty (Wells to Franklin) and The Boardwalk (Franklin to Lake).

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Between State Street and Wabash is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial which lists all the Chicagoans who lost their live during that conflict. 

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Watch for the information plaques along the way. They provide information and fun fact about the Chicago River, the local floral and fauna and ecology. 

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​And don't forget about public art. This bronze piece by Ju Ming is called Gentlemen. It is located on the AMA plaza on the north side of the river between State and Dearborn Streets. It has become a popular place for a photo op with the "Gentlemen".

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On the south side of the river at Michigan Avenue is the McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum. It's a very affordable $5 admission, but FREE on Sundays.

​This is the best location to be to see the bridges go up and down.in the spring and fall. Wait outside and watch the State Street bridge go up and down, then go into the Museum and watch the inner workings of the bridge as the Michigan Avenue Bridge is raised and lowered. For the schedule of bridge lifts go to the City Of Chicago website.

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Keep walking east of Michigan Avenue on the south side of the river to head to Lake Michigan. You will see across the river the Nicholas J. Melas Centennial Fountain. The fountain operates from May until October. Every hour on the hour between the hours of 10AM and 2PM (14:00) and from 3pm (15:00) to midnight  a water cannon shoots an arc of water over the river. You can find videos of the fountain and the water cannon on YouTube.

Keep walking east and as you walk under the Lake Shore Drive bridge you will see the mosaics by Elllen Lanyan that illustrate the history of Chicago and the Chicago River in pictures, called the Riverwalk Gateway.

STEALS AND DEALS

You've probably heard about our famous architectural boat tours. There are several companies and I can tell you from much experience, there are great and not so great docents (tour guides) on all the companies. If I were you I'd pick a cruise that goes on the river AND the lake. That way you get to go through the Chicago lock which is a unique experience. In the past, once a year the Wendella Boat company have offered FREE rides during the Open House Chicago weekend in October.

But if you have young children or a cruise is not in your budget, consider taking one of the river taxis. This is not a guided tour, but a short boat trip on the river. It's a unique experience and an opportunity to see the city from the river. There are several companies and routes on the river and one taxi travels on Lake Michigan between Navy Pier to the Museum Campus. Some offer a day pass which offers unlimited rides all day. 

So that's it for today. Take some time to enjoy the Chicago River and Riverwalk.

 
All information was correct at the time of this post, but before you come, please check the DCASE website cityofchicago.org/dcase to get the most up-to-date information.
 
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