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10 Things You Should Absolutely Do on The Chicago Riverwalk

One of the most well-known tourist attractions is the award-winning Chicago River Walk, a perfect picturesque spot to visit, reflecting the beautiful cultural diversity and scenic views of the city. This beautiful place transformed the lively city from an industrial site to a waterfront oasis, making it one of Chicago's popular attractions. Here are some of the top-most Chicago River things to do that'll keep you engaged in admiring the serenity:

Kayaking at Chicago River:

One of the exciting Chicago River activities includes Kayaking at the Chicago River, where Chicago offers surprisingly many recreational opportunities and outdoor areas—kayaking through the skyscraper canyon on a clear calm river takes you on a whole new world of tranquility. You may find many rental Kayak tours on the urban side of the River Walk.

Choose from different guided tours whether you opt for a fireworks tour which happens every Wednesday and Saturday, a historic tour to know more about this lively city, a sunset tour to soak in the scenic views, or a night tour to take a look at the nightlife of this beautiful city which stops by the Art on the MART, where you might experience the city views of iconic buildings and historical landmarks

Dine to Remember:

One of the best Chicago River Walk things to do may include a dining experience to remember and cherish forever. Odyssey Chicago River Experience is an utterly distinctive kind of experience all year long. Giving a nostalgic 360-degree view from a cutting-edge glass-enclosed vessel.

You can opt for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from an extensive range of dishes, as you cruise through a multi-story ship, serving a three-course plated dinner on a cruise with stunning scenic views, a dance floor, and provided DJ to turn on your groove.

Island style Party:

Some cool Chicago River Walk activities may include partying at Island Party Hut Tiki Bar and Grill, which offers live music to make you dance on the beats, string lights, and other activities that may include exciting games like Bimini Island Ring Game, Bocce ball, and corn hole and has a full party scene to enjoy for both visitors and locals. Their ambiance gives off some tropical vibes.

Their extensive bar menu offers tropical drinks with flavorful fusions such as refreshing margaritas and Mai Tais paired up with some wholesome meals like slow-smoked meat and burgers.

You can book this amazing island hut for your events or parties to raise the bar by taking a ride on the island Party boat also known as the Floating Tiki Bar which leaves from Monroe Harbor and River Walk, offering mid-day and night-time cruising experiences.

Enjoy Birds Watching on The Jetty:

Things to do at River Walk may include bird watching, for those who are nature-loving and interested in animal life. Numerous species such as Rock Pigeons, Ducks, European starlings, herring gulls, Ring-billed, Peregrine Falcons, and American robins can be spotted along the Chicago River Walk. A cove with numerous piers and floating wetland gardens is all that represents the Jetty.

A bird-watching walk alongside a river is hosted annually from July to October at 8:00 PM at Audubon Great Lakes where you may take your binoculars along so you can witness the stunning views it has to offer.

Get on Eye Level with Skyscrapers:

Opened on August 31, 2018, as the Chicago Architectural Center's new headquarters, the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) stands as the crown jewel along the Riverwalk. Situated at One Illinois Center (111 E. Wacker Drive), this building, designed by the Modernist maestro Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, is perched above the dock for the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise aboard First Lady Cruises.

It is located right in the magnificent skyscraper gallery on the second story overlooking the great Chicago River Walk with 40-foot windows, and scenic views of Michigan Avenue Bridge.

Fishing:

Add fishing to the list of Chicago River Walk activities, which is free of cost. What you may need is an Illinois fishing license and your fishing equipment. Some great fishing spots may include the Jetty at Wacker Drive, Franklin, and Lake Shore Drive close to the Late Street Bridge. It is such a lovely space to enjoy with your families, relax in there, and have a little fish party.

Go on the Architecture Boar Tour:

Take an architectural boat tour and get to know some intriguing tales of the city's beauty and recognizable structures. This tour is ranked among the best city tours taking the visitors to cool picturesque spots and guides related to the cultural heritage and historical landmarks concerning the different architectural styles and biographies of the artists and creators.

They offer indoor and outdoor seats as well as a full bar service to cater to the visitors with some cool drinks alongside a 90-minute tour ride that leaves from Chicago River Walk at Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive.

Admire Public Art:

The River Walk is transformed into an outdoor gallery with a great blend of seasonal and permanent public art displays. One of the show's prominent and catchy art pieces is on the Mart, an art installation on a larger area of about 3 acres. The collection of evolving art is displayed from March to December all year round.

Sip Wine at City Winery:

Some of the fun Chicago River Walk activities may include wine tasting at City Winery, a one-of-a-kind waterfront patio, and explore their comprehensive menu including some delicious delights such as paninis, cheese plates, salads, and much more in combination with some fruity punch fuzzy drinks, cocktails and beers.

Get on The Top of Bridge-House Museum:

Another suggestion to add to Chicago River Walk activities is to climb up to the top of the Bridge-house Museum which is a 5 story building and honors Chicago's moveable bridges. This museum will take you along to the historical significance of Bridge House and offer amazing panoramic 360-degree views of the city.

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  • Alex Dormer

    Alex is a successful travel blogger; he gives great tips to travel enthusiasts regarding how they can save money on their vacations. He's been to 40 + countries, and he mainly focuses on how to cut down costs during travel. 

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