Rush Street, thoroughfare in Chicago, United States
Rush Street is a thoroughfare in Chicago that spans from its origins as a residential avenue to its current role as an entertainment district. The street contains a mix of surviving historic buildings, newer commercial structures, and establishments focused on dining and nightlife.
The street became a prestigious residential address in the 1880s and 1890s when Chicago's leading families built grand homes there. After the Michigan Avenue bridge opened in 1920, traffic patterns shifted away from the area, leading to the loss of many original mansions and their replacement by commercial buildings.
The street was once the social center for Chicago's wealthy families, especially the McCormicks, who shaped its character for decades. Though the grand homes are mostly gone, a few remaining mansions and the street's layout still echo that bygone era of wealth and influence.
The street is publicly accessible at any time for walking and observation, with no special requirements or tickets needed. Several of the historic buildings can be viewed from the street level, and some still bear plaques or markers identifying their historical significance.
A curious sign above a doghouse reads "What's good for a dog is good for me," a peculiar relic that hints at the quirky history of the place. Such unexpected details scattered along the street add character and remind visitors of the eccentric past that shaped this corner of Chicago.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
