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 52' Sea Ray Yacht Charter
Celebrate, cruise, and swim aboard a 52-foot Sea Ray
Chicago 4-Hour Boat Charter
Cruise Chicago with a safety-focused captain experienced in commercial fishing
3-Hour Chicago Captain-for-Hire Charter
Chicago Skyline Cruise With an Experienced Captain
100-Ton Licensed Boat Captain for Hire in Chicago
Experienced licensed captain for your Chicago boat charter
Chicago 3-Hour Boat Charter With Captain
Shape your Chicago boat day with an experienced local captain
3-Hour Chicago Boat Charter With Captain
Experienced U.S. Coast Guard–licensed captain for your Sea Ray outing
Private 72' Classic Yacht Charter in Chicago
Celebrate aboard a restored classic with three levels and open-air spaces
Drive an 18' Pontoon on the Chicago River
Cruise the Chicago River for 2 hours on a private, self-drive pontoon
Paddle a 3-Hour Chicago Fireworks Kayak Tour
Night kayak tour to watch Navy Pier fireworks
Private 47' Yacht Charter in Chicago
Cruise Chicago by private 47 ft yacht with space for up to 12 guests
Ex-Navy Boat Tour of Chicago River & Lake Michigan
See Chicago from the water aboard a former Navy tactical boat
Lake Michigan Kayak & Paddleboard Rental in Chicago
Paddle Lake Michigan from Ohio Street Beach for two hours
Private 37-Foot Yacht Charter in Chicago
Cruise Chicago waters with up to 13 guests for a flexible three-to-four-hour outing
Hire a Captain in Chicago for a 3-4 Hour Charter
Cruise Chicago with a flexible captain for your 3–4 hour charter
Chicago Grateful Dead Tribute Cruise
Live Electric Brew jams aboard a historic Chicago fireboat
Chicago River Tiki Bar Cruise
Island tunes, skyline views, and a full bar on the Chicago River
Drive a 22' Pontoon Boat on the Chicago River
Take the wheel on a 22 ft pontoon cruise on the Chicago River
1950s Boat Rental on Chicago River
Cruise Chicago’s river in a vintage 1950s Milo Craft
Private Scenic Boat Cruise in Chicago
Charter a 48 ft Sea Ray Flybridge for up to 13 guests on Lake Michigan
Chicago Night Kayak Tour
Paddle the Chicago River after dark with city lights and stories from your guide