Chicago, the famous “Windy City,” is always vibrant and full of exciting things to explore, no matter the season. From magnificent skyscrapers and grand architecture to countless museums, lush green parks, upscale restaurants, and lively music venues, Chicago has it all to captivate visitors. Among these attractions, the Chicago Riverwalk stands out as a gem along the riverbank, a nearly 2-kilometer-long pedestrian path embracing the river from Lake Street to Lake Michigan. Once a bustling industrial area, it has transformed into a charming public space, divided into four distinct sections: The Confluence, The Arcade, The Civic, and The Esplanade. As the City of Chicago website describes, “The Chicago River is an invaluable natural asset flowing through an urban center renowned for its architecture, and the Chicago Riverwalk offers unparalleled access to this historic waterway.”
Embrace a Different Perspective of the Chicago River by Kayak
If you’re looking to explore the Chicago Riverwalk in a unique and novel way, try kayaking on the Chicago River. Rent a kayak from Urban Kayaks and discover the city’s beauty from a completely different angle. Even if you’ve never kayaked before, don’t worry! Guided kayak tours are available to help you get acquainted and fully enjoy the journey. In particular, a sunset kayak tour will be an unforgettable experience, as you witness Chicago sparkling magically in the twilight.
Kayaking on the Chicago River
Kayaking is not only a fun sport but also a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in nature right in the heart of a bustling city. Gliding gently on the river, you’ll feel a sense of peace and relaxation, temporarily escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life. From a water-level perspective, the familiar skyscrapers appear even more majestic and impressive than ever. You can freely explore the river’s bends, admire the historic bridges, or simply relax and enjoy the fresh air.
For those who love exploration and want to delve deeper into Chicago’s history and culture, a guided kayak tour is an ideal choice. Experienced local guides will share fascinating stories about the Chicago River, the city’s development, and the unique architectural structures along the riverbanks. You’ll not only admire the exterior beauty but also gain a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural values hidden within each landscape.
Furthermore, kayaking is also a great activity for fitness and connecting with friends and family. Paddling together, navigating small waves, and admiring the surrounding scenery will create memorable moments and strengthen bonds between everyone. You can organize a picnic on the kayaks, or simply chat and enjoy private time on the water.
Combine Art and Culture Experiences Along the Riverwalk
The Chicago Riverwalk is not only famous for kayaking but also a vibrant art and culture space. Along the riverside path, you’ll have the chance to admire unique public artworks displayed as part of the city’s Public Art Program. These artworks deeply reflect Chicago’s identity, celebrating the city’s history, cultural diversity, and creative spirit. Among them, the colorful street mural “The People in Your Neighborhood” by Don’t Fret and the symbolic “The Radiance of Being” by Kate Lynn Lewis are must-sees. You can freely visit and enjoy the art from 6 AM to 11 PM, completely free of charge.
Chicago Riverwalk path
Another artistic highlight not to be missed at Riverwalk is Art on theMART. This is the world’s largest permanent digital art projection, transforming the 2.5-acre façade of theMART building into a giant art canvas. Since its launch in 2018, Art on theMART has presented innovative animated works by national and international artists to the public. You can enjoy these unique art projections for free from the Chicago Riverwalk, on the Wacker Drive section between Wells Street and Franklin Street.
If you are traveling with family and have young children, visit Extraordinary Playscapes, an engaging exhibition by the Design Museum Foundation. This exhibition is a national educational program exploring the latest playground design ideas, while emphasizing the importance of free play for children’s development, community prosperity, and social equity. This is an ideal space for children to play, explore, and learn.
Explore Museums and Unique Architecture
For a different experience, take time to visit the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum. This museum is a unique space celebrating the Chicago River and the city’s impressive movable bridges. After closing during the winter, the museum reopened on May 13, 2023, ready to welcome visitors. The museum exploration journey begins at river level and takes you up five stories, helping you discover this historic building from the inside out. Here, you’ll learn all about the Chicago River, its history and development, and its important role in the city. The highlight of the tour is the museum’s rooftop, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the poetic river.
For bird lovers or those simply interested in learning about the natural world, the Chicago Riverwalk is a great place for birdwatching and immersing yourself in nature. On the first Friday of each month, at 8 AM from July to October, Audubon Great Lakes organizes monthly bird walks. You might have the opportunity to observe various bird species, including mallards, ring-billed gulls, house sparrows, and many others. This activity is suitable for beginners as well.
If you are passionate about architecture, don’t miss the opportunity to explore Chicago’s unique architectural beauty from the Riverwalk. The Chicago Architecture Center offers 90-minute architecture tours, helping you learn everything about the city’s skyscrapers and ultra-modern high-rise buildings. There are many different architecture tours to choose from, depending on your preferences and interests. If you are an architecture enthusiast, the Chicago Riverwalk is definitely a must-visit destination.
City cruise boat on the Chicago River
See Chicago from a River Cruise
To fully enjoy the beauty of Chicago from the Chicago River, take a two-hour cocktail cruise on the river. The Chicago River Sights & Sips Cruise is a great option for relaxing and sightseeing. This is an ideal opportunity to gather friends and family and enjoy a leisurely afternoon on the water. The cruise serves signature cocktails, wines, snacks, appetizers, and live DJ music.
If you want a romantic dinner on the river, choose the Premier Plus Dinner Cruise on the Chicago River. You’ll have a memorable evening enjoying dinner on the Chicago River, admiring the stunning scenery, and immersing yourself in vibrant music. The 2.5-hour cruise includes a three-course menu prepared by a professional chef, creative cocktails, and attentive service. You can choose indoor air-conditioned space or an open-air area. This cruise is perfect for couples or groups of friends.
Seadog boat on the Chicago River
For a more thrilling experience on the water, try the Chicago Seadog River & Lake Architectural Tour, a 75-minute journey that takes you to explore the city’s iconic skyline and get closer to architecture and famous landmarks. This lively tour departs from Navy Pier, is family-friendly, and includes live narration. A highlight of this tour is that it takes you from Lake Michigan, through the locks, all the way to the Willis Tower. You also get to experience a short speedboat ride on the lake. If you want to combine this experience with a museum visit, choose the Morning at the Museum- Exclusive Docent-led Tour of the Art Institute of Chicago & Seadog River & Lake Architectural Tour, a perfect combination of art, architecture, and river experience.
The Chicago Riverwalk has countless exciting things to explore, suitable for all interests and ages. With the warm weather arriving, this is the ideal time for you to enjoy all that the Riverwalk has to offer. Come and experience kayaking on the Chicago River, explore unique art, culture, architecture, and cuisine, to create unforgettable memories in this “Windy City.”