Chicago Riverwalk

The Chicago Riverwalk is a paved pathway running along the south bank of the Chicago River, lined with restaurants, seating areas, and public art throughout its length. The path stretches between Lake Street and Lake Michigan, with the water and surrounding buildings in view at every turn.

The Riverwalk developed over recent decades as Chicago transformed its relationship with the river, shifting from an industrial waterway to a public gathering space. This transformation reflected broader changes in how cities were reimagining their waterfronts as places for recreation and community.

This waterfront path has become a gathering place where people from the city and beyond walk, eat, and simply enjoy being by the water. The scattered art and memorial spaces give the promenade its local identity and encourage visitors to stop and take in the views.

The path is open daily for pedestrians and connects to multiple access points from bridges that cross the river at walkway level. It is best explored on foot at a relaxed pace, allowing time to discover the different sections, restaurants, and places to sit along the way.

Visitors can observe the underside of some bridge structures from the walkway, revealing the engineering that keeps this transportation hub running. This view from below is often overlooked but provides an unexpected perspective on how the city's infrastructure works.