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.
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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 River 2-Hour Kayak & Paddleboard Rental
Choose your paddlecraft for a self-guided outing on the water
Drive a 2-Hour Chicago River Fireworks Pontoon Rental
Self-drive pontoon on the Chicago River with Navy Pier fireworks
Chicago Skyline Tiki Cruise
Take in Chicago’s skyline from a floating tiki bar with a full bar on board
Chicago 4-Hour Captain for Hire
Explore Lake Michigan by boat, from Playpen outings to Chicago river cruises
4-Hour Boat Charter in Chicago
Bring your group aboard for a captain-led Chicago outing
Private Lake Michigan Boat Charter
Hire a Polish-speaking captain for your rented Lake Michigan boat
Chicago River 2-Hour Kayak Rental
Paddle past the Wild Mile and Chicago's skyline in a single or double kayak
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 River 1-Hour Kayak Rental
Paddle the Chicago River in a single or double kayak, from the Wild Mile toward downtown
Chicago Lake Michigan & River Cruise
Chart a captain-led Lake Michigan or Chicago River outing tailored to your plans
Private 78' Power Catamaran Yacht Charter in Chicago
Host a private Chicago event with open-air decks and a professional crew
Chicago River Private Boat Charter
Private river cruising with Bluetooth sound and beverage credits on longer charters
Chicago 3-Hour Captain for Hire
U.S. Coast Guard-certified captain for your Lake Michigan charter
Chicago 50' Party Boat Charter
Private Chicago river and lake charter with an included open bar
Chicago 4-Hour Boat Charter
Bring your group aboard a rented vessel with a 100GT Masters Captain
Chicago Offshore Charter With Captain
Explore Chicago’s shoreline with an experienced captain
Chicago 4-Hour Boat Charter
Tailor a private Chicago boat outing with an experienced captain
Tiki Party Boat Charter in Chicago
Cruise Chicago’s river and lake skyline aboard a private two-deck party boat