Riverwalk

Updated April 5, 2026

Riverwalk is a highly acclaimed tourist attraction located in Chicago, United States. With a rating of 4.8 out of 5, it stands out as one of the top-rated tourist attractions in the area.

Location

You can find Riverwalk at E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601.

Visiting Riverwalk

Located in Chicago, United States, Riverwalk is a tourist attraction that visitors to the area may find worth exploring.

Planning Your Visit

The tourist attraction is located at E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601. GPS coordinates: 41.888222, -87.621990. Check locally for current opening hours and any admission fees before visiting.

Location

Places to Stay Near Riverwalk"A lot of things to do kayak, water taxi, cruises"

Find and Book a Tour

Explore More Travel Guides

The Chicago Riverwalk stretches for 1.25 miles right along the south bank of the Chicago River. It’s a true waterfront escape smack in the middle of downtown—one of those places where you can’t help but feel plugged into the city’s pulse.

This isn’t just a sidewalk by the water. The Riverwalk links you to Chicago’s architecture, dining, and recreation through six sections, each with its own vibe—think kayaking, floating gardens, or just grabbing a drink at a riverside bar.

What started as a humble extension of the lakefront trail has become one of Chicago’s favorite public spaces. You can actually walk all the way from Lake Michigan to Lake Street without ever leaving the water’s edge.

You’re not just strolling above the river—you’re practically on it. Tour boats drift by, bridges tower overhead, and the city’s skyline feels close enough to touch.

If you’re hunting for photo ops, or want to join a guided architecture tour, or just need a spot to sip something cold and watch the water, you’ll find it here.

There’s a little-known spot at The Jetty: floating wetland gardens. Believe it or not, you can even fish in the Chicago River here—never thought I’d say that about downtown.

And the best part? Exploring the whole thing is free. You can lose an hour or spend a whole day wandering from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza to the splashy zero-depth fountain at Water Plaza where kids run wild in summer.

Key Takeaways

• The Chicago Riverwalk is a free 1.25-mile waterfront path with restaurants, boat rentals, and distinctive themed sections.
• You can experience Chicago’s architecture from river level while enjoying activities like kayaking, dining, and guided boat tours.
• The Riverwalk features hidden gems like floating wetland gardens and connects downtown landmarks from the lake to Lake Street.

About Riverwalk

This 1.25-mile pedestrian path along the Chicago River’s south bank has gone from a forgotten stretch of concrete to a place where locals and visitors genuinely want to hang out.

Thousands of people show up daily to catch a glimpse of the city from water level. It’s not just hype—it’s a different perspective on Chicago.

History and Significance

The Chicago Riverwalk opened to the public in 2016. The whole thing came together in phases, and honestly, it’s wild to think how recently this was just overlooked riverbank.

Now, it runs from Lake Michigan at the Outer Drive Bridge all the way west to Wolf Point and Lake Street. The Riverwalk reconnected Chicagoans with their river—a river that built the city but was ignored for decades.

The design splits the space into four main districts: The Confluence, The Arcade, The Civic, and the Esplanade. Each one has its own mood and purpose.

If you walk east of DuSable Bridge, look for Andrea Carlson’s “You are on Potawatomi Land” banners. It’s a recent—and much needed—nod to the indigenous history that’s usually left out of city stories.

What Makes It Special

Standing at water level, you’re surrounded by some of the world’s best architecture. Seriously, you’re in the thick of it—buildings soar above you, and it feels like the city is built just for you to wander.

It’s open from 6 am to 11 pm. There’s something about the way the Riverwalk connects Upper Wacker Drive down to the river that just feels right—finally, the water isn’t walled off.

You can kayak under skyscrapers, hop on a water taxi, grab a bite at a riverside restaurant, or just meander and watch tour boats float by. There’s even the Vietnam War memorial tucked along the route—a spot that’s surprisingly peaceful.

What to See and Do

For a 1.25-mile stretch, the Chicago Riverwalk packs in a lot. There’s architectural boat tours, waterfront dining, public art, and yes—kayaking right through downtown’s skyscraper canyon.

Main Attractions and Highlights

The big draw? Architecture boat tours. The Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise is hands-down the best in town. You’ll hear stories about the city’s iconic buildings from guides who actually know their stuff. These 90-minute tours leave from Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive.

If you’d rather do the paddling yourself, Urban Kayaks rents out boats and leads guided tours. There are sunset paddles, fireworks tours on Wednesday and Saturday nights, and even nighttime trips that stop at Art on theMART.

Want to see how the city’s famous bridges work? The McCormick Bridgehouse Museum lets you peek inside a five-story landmark and see the gears up close. Climb to the top for killer views. The Chicago Architecture Center at 111 E. Wacker Drive has huge windows overlooking the river and giant models of the city’s most famous towers.

Public art is everywhere along the walk. There are rotating installations and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza near State Street—one of the largest memorials outside D.C.

Best Time to Visit

May through October is prime time. The weather’s good, and restaurants spill out onto the river with patios and pop-up bars.

City Winery sets up heated River Domes so you can dine outside even when it’s chilly, but most outdoor fun slows down once winter hits.

Weekday mornings are the quietest—before the lunch rush takes over. Art on theMART lights up the riverfront from March to December, so if you’re planning an evening stroll, keep an eye out for the show.

Birdwatchers, take note: Audubon Great Lakes leads birding walks every first Friday, July through October at 8 a.m. It’s a cool way to see the city wake up.

Visitor Information

The Chicago Riverwalk is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. It runs the full 1.25 miles along the south bank of the Chicago River, and it’s totally free.

Getting there is easy, whether you’re hopping on public transit or just wandering over from nearby sights. Still, a couple of insider tips can make your visit smoother.

Location and How to Get There

The Riverwalk hugs the south side of the Chicago River from Lake Shore Drive in the east to Lake Street in the west.

You can drop down to it from staircases at Michigan Avenue, Wabash, Clark, LaSalle, and Franklin.

CTA is your friend here—the Red Line to Lake or Blue Line to Washington both put you within a quick stroll of the main entrances. Michigan Avenue near DuSable Bridge is probably the most popular spot to start.

If you’re already downtown, just walk toward the river and look for the stairs. A lot of people don’t realize you can also hop on the Chicago Water Taxi, which makes stops right along the Riverwalk.

Parking downtown? Honestly, don’t bother unless you have to—street parking is expensive and hard to find. Stick with transit or your own two feet.

Tips for Visitors

Most restaurants and vendors along the Riverwalk stick to a seasonal schedule, opening from May through October. City Winery is the rare exception—you’ll spot their cozy heated domes glowing even when the wind bites.

If you’re aiming for a peaceful stroll, try weekday mornings. On weekends, especially when the sun’s out, the place fills up fast.

The Riverwalk is mostly wheelchair and stroller accessible, though I won’t sugarcoat it—some ramps are a bit steeper than you’d hope. Shade can be hard to find, so don’t forget sunscreen and a bottle of water.

Trust me, comfy walking shoes are a must if you’re thinking about tackling the full 1.25 miles. Your feet will thank you later.

Here’s a little secret: wander west past Franklin Street and you’ll hit quieter stretches with some of the best architectural views in Chicago. If you’re here for Art on theMART, grab your spot on the jetty between Wells and Franklin about 20 minutes before showtime. It’s the sweet spot for catching the projections without fighting the crowds.