Chicago Riverwalk, Illinois, United States

5Taylor B 5:00 PM Aug 23, 2022

Enjoying nature in an astounding urban setting
The Chicago Riverwalk is a linear park along the south bank of the main branch of the Chicago River, extending from Lake Michigan and Lake Shore Drive westward to Lake Street and Wolf Point. It contains restaurants, bars, cafes, small parks, boat and kayak rentals, tour boats and river cruises. Other attractions include Ellen Lanyon's Riverwalk Gateway at Lake Shore Drive and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza at State Street. Whether jogging, biking, strolling or just sitting under shade trees, locals and visitors alike can enjoy the tranquility of the Chicago River and nature in an astounding urban setting. But's there more. The Riverwalk's expansion is ongoing. Still to come are plans for a final extent beyond Wolf Point Towers, northward to the proposed Bally's casino near the intersection of Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street. Construction of the Riverwalk began in 2001. More recreational options for Chicago's "Second Lakefront" are expected to include floating gardens, a bridge and fishing piers. Architecturally, it is one of the city's most impressive landscapes with the Michigan Avenue Bridge, Tribune Tower, Wrigley Building, Trump Tower, Marina Plaza and the Merchandise Mart included among the spectacular views. Or just sit on the terrace and watch the boats go by. Tourists are encouraged to begin their visit at the McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum at the southwest Bridgetower at Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive.

4Bee80204 5:00 PM Oct 6, 2021

Fun activity
It’s fun to walk along the river on the Riverwalk path. There’s vendors you can book an architecture cruise from, rent kayaks, day cruise, rent bicycles, dine at. We also saw the U.S. Navy Submarine Memorial, a historical information display about submarines which passed through the area on their way to war after Pearl Harbor. And children’s play areas. There were kids playing with their parents which was heartwarming. It’s warm when the sun is beating down so make sure to hydrate and wear sunglasses and a hat if necessary. There are portable toilets if you need provided by the businesses for their customers mostly. Hand sanitizer stations are scattered about. It can get crowded and hectic with people getting on board the boats and kayaks. Watch out for bicyclists as some ride quite fast. Fun to sit in the rest areas on the benches provided and people watch or have a drink at a restaurant and look out on the river. A few restaurants are O’Brien’s Riverwalk Cafe and The Northman Beer and Cider Garden. Would be nice if you could walk all the way to Navy Pier but you need to exit the riverwalk and get to the road level before getting on another path to continue the journey. The Riverwalk is open from 6am to 11pm. It is a 1.25 mile long path and is divided into four areas - The Confluence, The Arcade, The Civic and The Esplanade. The path allows you to enjoy the Chicago river at your own pace.