A pedestrian promenade along the south bank of the Chicago River with waterfront cafes, kayak rentals, public art and skyline views.
The Chicago Riverwalk is a pedestrian promenade along the south bank of the main branch of the Chicago River in The Loop, running from Lake Michigan west to Lake Street, in Chicago, Illinois. Access points are at Michigan Avenue, State Street, Clark Street and Wells Street, where stairs lead down from the bridges, and the walkway sits below street level, which cuts traffic noise and frames the surrounding towers.
The path is divided into themed sections, often called rooms, that were redeveloped from the 2000s onward. The Marina and the Cove contain waterfront cafes, bars and restaurants with outdoor seating, and the Cove has kayak rentals, so visitors can paddle past the skyscrapers in warm months. The River Theater has stepped seating facing the water, and the Water Plaza and the Jetty add fountains and floating gardens. Public art and plaques describe river history, including the 1900 reversal of the river's flow. Commercial cruises including the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise depart from nearby docks, and water taxis connect to other parts of the city.
A walk along the whole route takes about an hour, longer with a meal or kayak rental. The Riverwalk is typically open daily from around 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM and is free to enter. Late afternoon and early evening in warm months are the most popular times, when the cafes fill and the buildings catch the sun, and the busiest periods are summer weekends and event evenings. In winter, many concessions close and the stairs and boardwalk can be icy, though the skyline views remain. Morning walks are much quieter and well suited to photography. The nearest transit is the CTA Red Line Lake station, plus the State/Lake stop for the Brown, Orange, Pink, Purple and Green lines, with Millennium Station for Metra a short walk away. Visitors should note that vendor prices are tourist-level and plan accordingly.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily, typically 6:00AM-11:00PM |
| Typical visit | 1-2 hours |
| Best time | Late afternoon and early evening in warm months |
| Getting there | CTA Red Line to Lake; stairs at the Michigan Ave, State St, Clark St and Wells St bridges |
| Address | Wacker Dr between Lake St and State St (access at Michigan Ave), Chicago, IL 60601 |
Location
Wacker Dr between Lake St and State St (access at Michigan Ave), Chicago, IL 60601
41.8877, -87.6240 View on map
Highlights
- Waterfront promenade beneath the Loop's skyscrapers
- Kayak rentals and cafes at the Marina and the Cove
- River Theater steps and public art along the water
- Departure area for architecture river cruises
- Free access with views of the river and bridges
Tips for visiting
- Walk in the morning for quiet paths and good light on the buildings.
- Late afternoon in summer is lively but crowded, especially on weekends.
- Use the stairs at the Michigan Ave, State St, Clark St or Wells St bridges to reach the water level.
- Many concessions close in winter, and the walkway can be icy.
- Combine with a river cruise or a visit to nearby Millennium Park.
When to visit
Late afternoon and early evening in warm months; mornings are quieter and better for photography.
Accessibility
Elevators and ramps serve parts of the Riverwalk, notably near Michigan Avenue, and the main walkway is level. Some access points are stairs only, so wheelchair users should check routes in advance on chicagoriverwalk.us.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to walk the Chicago Riverwalk?
Walking the full length takes about an hour, and visitors often spend one to two hours including a meal or rest stop.
Is the Riverwalk worth it for kids?
Yes. The water views, boats, fountains and open walkway suit families, though children should be supervised near the water's edge.
Is photography allowed?
Yes. Photography is allowed along the public promenade, with the best skyline views from the bridges and the water-level walkway.
Does it cost anything to visit?
Access is free. Food, drinks, kayak rentals and cruises are paid separately.