Things to do nearChicago River
The Chicago River winds through the core of Chicago, Illinois, offering scenic architecture tours, vibrant riverwalk dining, and a storied engineering history.
The Chicago River has shaped the city since its earliest days. In the 1800s it served as a vital commercial artery for lumber and grain. Most famously, engineers reversed its flow in 1900 to protect the city's drinking water, a feat still regarded as one of the boldest public works projects in American history.
Today the river is a living corridor for exploration. The Chicago Architecture Center operates popular boat tours along the main and north branches, narrating the story behind hundreds of buildings visible only from the water. On foot, the Riverwalk stretches nearly a mile along the south bank of the main stem, lined with kayak rentals, casual restaurants, and public art installations.
Every March the river turns a vivid green for St. Patrick's Day, a tradition dating back decades that draws large crowds to the downtown bridges. The rest of the year the water holds a quieter appeal, attracting cyclists, joggers, and anglers alongside the usual stream of commuters crossing its many movable bridges.
The Chicago River rewards those who slow down and look carefully at the city it helped build.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Chicago River
Board an architecture boat tour from the main stem for close views of landmark buildings like the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower.
Visit in mid-morning on weekdays when the Riverwalk is quieter and the light on the water is at its best.
Bring a light jacket even in summer, as the river corridor channels a steady breeze off Lake Michigan.
Try dining at one of the outdoor Riverwalk restaurants between Michigan Avenue and Lake Street for a meal directly above the water.
Walk the entire length of the Chicago Riverwalk from Lake Shore Drive to Lake Street to see how each section has its own distinct character.
Top tours & experiences near Chicago River
Chicago Historical & Architectural Lake & River Tour
Cruise Chicago’s lake and river on a historic fireboat with docent-led stories
Private 37-Foot Yacht Charter in Chicago
Cruise Chicago waters with up to 13 guests for a flexible three-to-four-hour outing
Charter a Private Yacht Cruise in Chicago
Cruise Chicago by private 47 ft yacht with space for up to 12 guests
Drive an 18' Pontoon on the Chicago River
Cruise the Chicago River for 2 hours on a private, self-drive pontoon
Drive a 22' Pontoon Boat on the Chicago River
Take the wheel on a 22 ft pontoon cruise on the Chicago River
Explore Chicago Loop Art Deco Walking Tour
Step inside Chicago’s Art Deco buildings on a 2-hour Loop walk
Kayak & SUP Rental on Lake Michigan in Chicago
Paddle Lake Michigan from Ohio Street Beach for two hours
1-Hour Kayak & SUP Rental in Chicago
Paddle Lake Michigan off Ohio Street Beach for an hour
Private Scenic Boat Cruise in Chicago
Charter a 48 ft Sea Ray Flybridge for up to 13 guests on Lake Michigan
Cruise Chicago on a Private Yacht Charter
Private Sea Ray yacht charter on Lake Michigan with 3–8 hour options
Cruise Chicago on a 37' Sea Ray Sundancer Charter
Private 37' Sea Ray Sundancer cruise for up to 13 guests
Private 3-4 Hour Chicago Bareboat Yacht Charter
Cruise on a 46 ft Sea Ray Express with up to 13 guests
Charter a 50' Sea Ray Sundancer in Chicago
Cruise Chicago by private boat on a 50 ft Sea Ray Sundancer, up to 13 guests
Explore the Chicago River on a 2-Hour E-Boat Rental
Pilot a 2-person Craig Cat and cruise the Chicago River skyline
3-Hour Chicago River Architectural Kayaking Tour
Paddle the Chicago River and learn downtown architecture in 3 hours
Paddle a 3-Hour Chicago Fireworks Kayak Tour
Night kayak tour to watch Navy Pier fireworks
Drive a 2-Hour Chicago River Fireworks Pontoon Rental
Self-drive pontoon on the Chicago River with Navy Pier fireworks
Chicago 56' Yacht Charter
Private yachting for celebrations, family gatherings, and corporate outings
1950s Boat Rental on Chicago River
Cruise Chicago’s river in a vintage 1950s Milo Craft
Chicago River Tiki Bar Cruise
Tropical river views, island tunes, and a full bar in Chicago
Chicago Skyline Tiki Cruise
Take in Chicago’s skyline from a floating tiki bar with a full bar on board
Chicago Sunday Mimosa & Bloody Mary Cruise
See Chicago by water from a floating tiki bar with Sunday drink specials
Chicago Sunday Mimosa & Bloody Mary Cruise
Cruise Chicago’s waterways aboard a floating tiki bar with Sunday drink specials
Chicago Night Kayak Tour
Paddle the Chicago River after dark with city lights and stories from your guide
Chicago Grateful Dead Tribute Cruise
Live Electric Brew jams aboard a historic Chicago fireboat
78' Power Catamaran Charter in Chicago
Host a private Chicago event with open-air decks and a professional crew
Chicago 52' Sea Ray Yacht Charter
Celebrate, cruise, and swim aboard a 52-foot Sea Ray
Chicago River 1-Hour Kayak Rental
Paddle the Chicago River past the Wild Mile and downtown skyline
Chicago River 2-Hour Kayak & Paddleboard Rental
Choose your paddlecraft for a self-guided outing on the water
Chicago River 2-Hour Kayak Rental
Paddle past the Wild Mile and Chicago's skyline in a single or double kayak
Chicago River 2-Hour Kayak Rental
Paddle Chicago River routes in a single or double kayak
Chicago River 1-Hour Kayak Rental
Paddle the Chicago River in a single or double kayak, from the Wild Mile toward downtown
2-Hour Kayaking Lesson in Chicago
Build foundational kayaking skills on calm Chicago River waters
Chicago River Tiki Yacht Charter
Tiki-themed private cruise with an open bar on Chicago waterways
Chicago River Tiki Bar Charter
Float down the Chicago River aboard a private tiki bar charter
Chicago 50' Party Boat Charter
Private Chicago river and lake charter with an included open bar
Tiki Party Boat Charter in Chicago
Cruise Chicago’s river and lake skyline aboard a private two-deck party boat