The Chicago Riverwalk is a 1.25-mile pedestrian path along the Chicago River, offering dining, recreation, boat tours, and stunning architecture views, with distinct districts like Marina Plaza and The Cove for various activities, accessible from Wacker Drive between Lake Michigan and Lake Street, open daily 6 AM to 11 PM. It’s a vibrant urban park featuring restaurants, kayak rentals, public art, and connections to architecture boat cruises, making it a prime spot for experiencing the city’s unique waterfront.
Key Features
- Districts: Includes Marina Plaza (restaurants), The Cove (kayaking), River Theater (vertical access), The Jetty (wetlands), and The Confluence (connecting to Lake Michigan).
- Activities: Walk, dine, kayak, enjoy craft beer, catch boat tours (architecture, skyline), see public art, or relax by the water.
- Views: Offers unique perspectives of iconic buildings like Marina City and the city’s urban canyon.
Planning Your Visit
- Hours: 6 AM – 11 PM daily.
- Location: South bank of the Chicago River, running from Lake Michigan west to Lake Street.
- Access: Accessible from street level at major intersections and via CTA Blue and Red Lines.
What to Do
- Eat & Drink: Find outdoor bars, cafes, gelato, and restaurants like City Winery and Chicago Brewhouse.
- Explore: Rent kayaks at The Cove or board architecture boat tours for skyline views.
- Relax: Visit floating gardens at The Jetty or find seating in The Cove.
