Last Updated: June 2026
The Chicago Riverwalk is a 1.25-mile pedestrian path along the south bank of the Chicago River, and it’s one of my favorite places in the city to spend a few hours — playing tour guide for visiting friends or just taking a peaceful walk with great skyline views. Running right through the heart of downtown from Lake Shore Drive to Lake Street, it’s packed with restaurants, public art, historic bridges, kayak rentals, and the affordable Water Taxi, and the path itself is completely free.
If you’ve only walked a block or two of it, you’re missing most of what makes it special. I’ve covered Chicago for Fox 32 Chicago, and this guide pulls together everything I send people to — the best restaurants, how to get on the water, where to catch Art on theMART, and the quiet corners most visitors stroll right past. Each spot comes with its address, season, and the practical details you actually need to plan a visit.
In a Nutshell
- What it is: A free 1.25-mile pedestrian path along the south bank of the Chicago River, from Lake Shore Drive to Lake Street.
- Hours & cost: Open daily 6 a.m.–11 p.m., free to walk; most restaurants and activities are seasonal (May–October).
- Best for wine & views: City Winery — full menu, wine on tap, and a retractable glass enclosure.
- Best budget activity: The Water Taxi to Chinatown — a scenic ride for a few dollars.
- Best free experience: Art on theMART — the world’s largest digital art projection, viewed free from the Riverwalk on Wed–Sun evenings.
One thing worth knowing before you plan a day: the Riverwalk is broken into distinct sections, each with its own character, and almost everyone clusters in the busy restaurant stretch while the quieter, more interesting corners sit a short walk away. Below I’ll cover where it is, the best things to do, where to eat, the seasonal events, and the practical tips to make the most of a visit. For the secret spots specifically, our companion guide to hidden gems on the Chicago Riverwalk goes deeper.
Where is the Chicago Riverwalk?
The Riverwalk runs along the south bank of the Chicago River from Lake Shore Drive on the east end to Lake Street on the west, threading through the center of downtown. It’s easy to reach from many downtown streets — look for the staircases at Michigan Avenue, Wabash, State, Clark, LaSalle, Wells, and Franklin. You can also take the CTA (Red Line to Lake or Blue Line to Washington, both a short walk away) or hop off the Water Taxi, which stops right on the Riverwalk at Michigan Avenue.
- 📏 Length: 1.25 miles (Lake Shore Drive to Lake Street)
- ⏰ Hours: Daily, 6 a.m.–11 p.m.
- 💰 Cost: Free to walk
- 📅 Best season: May–October, when restaurants and activities are open
- ♿ Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller accessible, with elevator access at Michigan Avenue
- 🚇 Nearest L: Red Line to Lake or Blue Line to Washington
The districts of the Riverwalk
You’ll see the Riverwalk described two ways, and both are official, so it helps to know the difference. The Chicago Architecture Center and the Riverwalk’s own site group it into four architectural districts — the Confluence, the Arcade, the Civic, and the Esplanade — while the City of Chicago also names six block-by-block “rooms” (the Marina, the Cove, the River Theater, the Water Plaza, the Jetty, and the Boardwalk). The districts are the easiest way to picture the layout:
- The Confluence: The western focal point near where the river branches meet — sweeping views and a prime vantage for Art on theMART.
- The Arcade: A shaded stretch beneath historic bridges, with cafes and art displays — the best escape from summer sun.
- The Civic: The quieter, more contemplative portion, home to the McCormick Bridgehouse Museum and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza.
- The Esplanade: The most active area, packed with restaurants, bars, seating, and the kayak launch — where most visitors spend their time.
Knowing the layout helps you pick your pace — buzzy restaurant energy in the Esplanade, or quiet and shade toward the Civic and Arcade.
12 best things to do on the Chicago Riverwalk
1. Grab wine and dinner at City Winery
City Winery is my go-to when I want to kick back with a glass of rosé and people-watch. It serves locally made wine on tap, craft beer, and a seasonal food menu that goes well beyond bar snacks — lamb meatballs, burrata, and surf and turf among them. The retractable glass enclosure means you can enjoy the river views even when the weather doesn’t cooperate, and there’s a dog-friendly patio plus dockside service for boaters.
- 📍 11 W. Riverwalk South, Chicago, IL 60601
- 🚇 Nearest L: State/Lake or Clark/Lake
- ⏰ Seasonal, with heated River Domes extending into late fall
- 💰 $$–$$$; dog-friendly patio
Pro Tip: City Winery brings back its heated River Domes in the fall — one of the only ways to dine on the Riverwalk once the weather turns. They’re a private, timed experience and they sell out fast, so book well ahead and confirm current pricing on their site.
2. Rent a kayak or take an architecture tour
For a new perspective on the city, Urban Kayaks offers rentals and guided tours right from the Riverwalk, including their popular historic architecture paddle and sunset tours. Single and tandem kayaks are available, and their happy-hour paddle pairs with a drink at TacoRio next door. For a more traditional outing, the Chicago Architecture Center’s world-famous boat tours depart nearby from Wacker Drive.
- 📍 Urban Kayaks, 435 E. Riverwalk South, Chicago, IL 60601
- ⏰ Seasonal (roughly May–October); rentals and guided tours
- 💰 Rental and tour pricing varies — confirm current rates when booking
The Riverwalk kayak launch is best for experienced paddlers — beginners are asked to pair with someone experienced or take a lesson first. New to kayaking? Urban Kayaks’ calmer lakefront location at Monroe Harbor is the gentler option. For the full lineup of operators, see our guide to Chicago boat tours.
3. Feel the tropical vibes at Island Party Hut
Island Party Hut is where you go to feel like you’re on vacation without leaving downtown — tiki huts, frozen drinks, steel-drum music, and a laid-back Caribbean atmosphere right on the river. Try the jerk chicken tacos or coconut shrimp with a Mai Tai and catch live music at the Oasis Bar. It’s strictly seasonal (spring through early fall) and all seating is outdoors.
- 📍 355 E. Riverwalk South, Chicago, IL 60601
- 🚇 Nearest L: State/Lake, then walk east
- ⏰ Spring–early fall, outdoor only
4. Discover public art and Art on theMART
There’s art around nearly every bend of the Riverwalk, from large-scale sculptures to murals — but the showstopper is Art on theMART, the largest permanent digital art projection in the world. After sunset, contemporary art is projected across the 2.5-acre river-facing facade of the Merchandise Mart, free to watch from the Riverwalk. The best viewing spot is the Jetty between Wells and Franklin Streets.
- 📍 Viewed from the Riverwalk near Wells (across from the Merchandise Mart)
- ⏰ April–December, Wed–Sun evenings; show times shift seasonally — check the schedule
- 💰 Free
5. Grab a bite at the Riverwalk restaurants
The Riverwalk has become a real food destination, with options for every mood. A few favorites: O’Brien’s Riverwalk Café (45 E. Riverwalk South) for relaxed sit-down service and live jazz; Tiny Tapp & Café (55 W. Riverwalk South) for all-day dining from morning coffee through happy hour; The Northman Beer & Cider Garden (233 E. Riverwalk South) for craft beer, cider, and free Pergola Stage music; Sweet Home Gelato (151–155 W. Riverwalk South) for handmade gelato next to the splash pad; and TacoRio, the casual taco-and-margarita spot beside Urban Kayaks.
For the full rundown with what to order at each, see our guide to the best Chicago Riverwalk restaurants.
Pro Tip: Most Riverwalk restaurants are seasonal (May–October) and weather-dependent, with City Winery the main exception thanks to its heated fall domes. Always check ahead before building a visit around a specific spot.
6. Visit the McCormick Bridgehouse Museum
This hidden gem lets you step inside a historic bridge tower and see how Chicago’s famous movable bridges actually work. Starting at river level and spiraling five stories up, you’ll pass the massive gears that move the DuSable Bridge and reach 360-degree views at the top. For a small extra fee you can book a bridge-lift viewing and watch the bridge rise from inside the tower — an only-in-Chicago experience.
- 📍 99 Chicago Riverwalk / 376 N. Michigan Ave. (southwest bridge tower), Chicago, IL 60601
- ⏰ May–October, Wed–Sun, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- 💰 Pay-what-you-can (suggested $8 adults, $6 seniors/students/kids 6–12); guided tours and bridge-lift viewings extra
7. Relax at the River Theater
This stepped-wood seating area between Clark and LaSalle feels like a small amphitheater built right into the riverbank — ideal for relaxing, picnicking, or watching boats drift by. Shaded by honey locust trees, it’s one of the most peaceful spots on the Riverwalk and a perfect place to catch a sunset.
- 📍 Riverwalk between Clark and LaSalle Streets
- 💰 Free
8. Explore the floating gardens
These floating wetland islands, concentrated around the Jetty, are part of the city’s ongoing effort to clean and green the Chicago River. They draw birds, butterflies, and even turtles — a surprising bit of nature in the middle of downtown. For a much larger version of the same idea, the floating eco-park called the Wild Mile sits a short trip north near Goose Island.
- 📍 Near the Jetty (Wells to Franklin Streets)
- 💰 Free
9. Pause at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza
Just east of State Street, this quiet, beautifully designed memorial has wide granite steps and peaceful river views — one of the largest Vietnam memorials in the country outside Washington, D.C. It’s a welcome place to rest and reflect, a few blocks removed from the busier restaurant sections.
- 📍 Riverwalk just east of State Street
- 💰 Free
10. Take the Water Taxi
The Chicago Water Taxi is one of the best-kept transit secrets downtown — and one of the most affordable. The scenic ride runs between Michigan Avenue and Chinatown, with a stop at Ogilvie/Union Station along the way, and it doubles as low-cost sightseeing from the water. Bikes are welcome on board, and discounted fares are available for seniors, kids, and active military.
- 📍 Boards on the Riverwalk at Michigan Avenue
- ⏰ Daily late May–September, with limited weekend service in spring (weather permitting)
- 💰 Single ride and all-day passes available — confirm current fares on the official site
Take it to Chinatown’s Ping Tom Memorial Park for dim sum and a stroll — a fantastic budget-friendly day trip that skips downtown traffic entirely. Our guide to things to do in Chinatown has ideas for the other end of the ride.
11. Find the hidden Mosaic Bench
Near the Franklin Street bridge, this tucked-away, colorful tiled bench is easy to miss — and perfect for a photo. Keep an eye out as you walk the quieter western portion of the Riverwalk, where the crowds thin and the pace slows.
- 📍 Near the Franklin–Orleans bridge, west end of the Riverwalk
- 💰 Free
12. Explore the historic landmarks
The Riverwalk passes some of Chicago’s most significant architectural and historical landmarks. Watch for the Wabash Avenue Bridge (1930, with original Art Deco metalwork), the Merchandise Mart (once the largest building in the world by floor area, now home to Art on theMART), the Reid Murdoch Center (a gorgeous 1914 building with an iconic clock tower), and Marina City — the famous “corn cob” towers, best photographed from the Riverwalk near City Winery.
Events and special experiences
The Riverwalk hosts events throughout the year that make it worth repeat visits:
- St. Patrick’s Day River Dyeing (March): The river is dyed bright green in one of the city’s most iconic traditions — best viewed from the Riverwalk near Michigan Avenue, so arrive early.
- Art on theMART (April–December): Free digital projections on the Merchandise Mart facade, Wed–Sun evenings.
- Architecture boat tours (peak May–Oct): Multiple operators depart from the Riverwalk; our Chicago boat tours guide compares them.
- Summer live music: The Northman hosts free Pergola Stage sets daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with more at Island Party Hut and O’Brien’s.
- New Year’s Eve: A downtown fireworks celebration launched along the river in 2025, with bridge fireworks and Art on theMART projections — expected to continue as a tradition.
Tips for visiting the Chicago Riverwalk
- Hours: The path is open daily 6 a.m.–11 p.m. year-round, though most restaurants and vendors run May–October (City Winery’s domes extend into late fall).
- Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for the full experience; weekday mornings are quietest, weekends get busy in warm weather. Evenings (Wed–Sun) for Art on theMART.
- What to bring: Sunscreen and water (shade is limited on most stretches) and comfortable shoes for the full 1.25 miles.
- Getting there: Transit is easiest — CTA Red Line to Lake or Blue Line to Washington. Downtown parking is expensive and limited.
- For families: The splash pad near Sweet Home Gelato is a hit on hot days, and the River Theater steps are great for a picnic.
Before you go, check the City of Chicago’s official Riverwalk page for the latest on seasonal openings, events, and hours.
The Chicago Riverwalk is always changing, which is part of what keeps it fun to explore. Whether you’re planning a full day of kayaking, dining, and art-hunting or just want to wander for an hour with a gelato cone, there’s something here for everyone — and the quieter you go looking, the more you’ll find.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — the path is completely free to walk. You only pay if you choose to dine, rent kayaks, visit the Bridgehouse Museum, or take a boat tour. The walkway, public art, and Art on theMART projections are all free.
It’s 1.25 miles, running from Lake Shore Drive on the east to Lake Street on the west along the south bank of the river. A leisurely walk takes about 30–45 minutes, longer with stops.
Late May through September, when restaurants, kayak rentals, and the Water Taxi are all operating. Weekday mornings are quietest. For Art on theMART, go Wednesday–Sunday evenings after dark.
Easiest by CTA — Red Line to Lake or Blue Line to Washington, then walk to the river. Staircases descend at Michigan, Wabash, State, Clark, LaSalle, Wells, and Franklin, and the Water Taxi stops on the Riverwalk at Michigan Avenue.
Yes — dogs are welcome on the path, and several spots including City Winery and The Northman have dog-friendly patios. Keep pups leashed and bring water on hot days.