Chicago River

The most popular way to explore the Chicago River is on a climate-controlled cruise. Chicago architecture tours by boat are particularly popular if you want an overview of the city’s architectural standouts from an ideal vantage point. You can combine your cruise with a Chicago city tour, food tour, South Side tour, speedboat ride along Lake Michigan, or access to the Willis Tower. Kayak tours are also popular. Alternatively, take in views of the Chicago River with a stroll down the Chicago Riverwalk from Wolf Point, where the north and south branches converge.

• River cruises fill up fast in summer, so buy tickets or book a tour well in advance.

• Boat tours depart rain or shine. As weather can change quickly in Chicago, be prepared for rain or temperature fluctuations.

• You don’t need any experience to kayak on the Chicago River; tour guides provide short lesson before each kayaking tour begins.

Running through the center of downtown Chicago and dividing the Loop from River North, the Chicago River is hard to miss. Most river cruises depart from below the DuSable Bridge at the corner of Wacker Drive and Michigan Avenue. If you’re using public transportation, take the El to State/Lake.

The best seasons to explore the Chicago River are late spring, summer, and early fall, as most river cruises don’t operate during winter. The city dyes the river bright green for St. Patrick’s Day, an event that traditionally takes place on the Saturday before March 17. If you're visiting on a Wednesday or Saturday during the summer, book a fireworks cruise to see fireworks over Navy Pier.

A boat ride on the Chicago River is largely about appreciating Chicago history and architecture. Look out for the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, the corncob towers of Marina City, and the Merchandise Mart, once the largest buildings in the world. The Willis Tower is a South Branch highlight and was the tallest building in the world when it was completed as the Sears Tower in 1973.

The most unusual characteristic about the Chicago River is that the river actually runs backwards from its original mouth in Lake Michigan. Engineers designed to river to run the opposite way of its natural flow. Also, the Chicago River runs right through Chicago, allowing people to get great views while wandering the city.

No, swimming is prohibited iin the Chicago River. There are many reasons the water is unsafe to swim in, ranging from hazardous bacteria to boat traffic. Plus, even though the Chicago River is cleaner today than it used to be, you should still steer clear of swimming in the water.

While visiting the Windy City, you may notice that the Chicago River is especially blue. The river is blue because the river’s clay bottom, lake water, and algae all mix to present a bluish color. This is most evident on warmer days, especially in the summertime.

Yes, the Chicago River does indeed have fish that call it home, and you can go fishing in certain areas. The types of fish you’ll find include carp, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, catfish, and rock bass. You can also catch (and see) crayfish there, too.

Some of the best boat tours along the Chicago River are architecture boat tours, which typically take place on large, open-topped boats and share the stories behind the city’s skyscrapers and architectural landmarks. Other options include dinner and cocktail cruises, sunset excursions, and boat trips that continue to Lake Michigan.

Yes, kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding are popular activities on the Chicago River, and there are numerous rental and tour options. To do so safely, you must follow certain rules, including wearing a lifejacket, paddling close to shore, and steering well clear of large vessels in this very active waterway.

No. While some people do swim in the Chicago River—and the waterway has come a long way since the polluted days of the 20th century—it’s still not recommended to do so, especially after big storms. However, the river is generally safe enough for kayaking, canoeing, and other aquatic recreation.

There are a number of famous and historic bridges that cross the Chicago River. Probably the best-known is the DuSable Bridge, a movable bridge located where Michigan Avenue crosses the waterway. Other highlights include the Outer Drive Bridge, the last bridge before Lake Michigan, and the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Bridge.

There are many key landmarks along the Chicago River, especially its main stem in the heart of the city. Highlights include the Chicago Riverwalk; historic buildings like the Merchandise Mart, Wrigley Building, and Tribune Tower; architectural icons like the Marina Towers; and iconic bridges like the DuSable Bridge.

To access the main stem of the Chicago River by public transportation, you can take the El to Clark/Lake station (served by the Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple lines); take Metra commuter trains to Millennium Station; use local bus lines; or even take a water taxi service.