18 Attractions to Explore Near Chicago River
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Chicago Architecture CenterThe Chicago Architecture Center is a vibrant hub for discovering amazing architecture and design in Cook County, Illinois. It offers highly interactive exhibits from renowned local architects, tours led by expert docents, engaging programs for all ages that explore the cultural significance of various buildings and sites around the city, and even an impressive shop full of unique souvenirs to commemorate your visit.
RiverwalkRiverwalk, is an oasis of vibrant activity situated alongside the banks of the Chicago River. Visitors can explore beautiful waterfront trails that stretch for over 25 miles and feature picnic areas, benches, bike-friendly paths and spectacular views of the skyline. Along their journey they can find restored wetlands, striking sculptures, historical sites and an abundance of wildlife which all contribute to making this a truly unique experience. Special events are also held throughout the year.
DuSable BridgeThe DuSable Bridge is a monument of rich history. First constructed as a toll bridge in 1859, it served to bridge a physical gap between the northern and southern sides of the Chicago River. In 2010, after 150 years of service and over 3 million cars crossed, the beloved old swing-style bridge was replaced with a modern-style bascule lift bridge. Despite its age, not all aspects of the old bridge have been lost — its moveable arms are still in operation today!
McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River MuseumThe McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum is an exciting destination for those interested in local history and science. Located on the Chicago River, this museum showcases five levels of the iconic movable bridge, which can be seen operating from a unique Glass Gallery located on the fifth level. The first and second levels contain exhibits about Chicago River history and engineering, with interactive displays guiding visitors through the city’s changing landscape.
The Wrigley BuildingThe Wrigley Building, is an iconic building that is a must-see for architecture and history lovers. The building began construction in 1920 and was completed only two years later in 1922. Designed with inspiration from Spanish baroque style, the Wrigley Building features an ornately decorated exterior including white terracotta walls and marble accents. Inside its lobby you can find an intricately painted ceiling made of Guastavino tiles where famous artists have held concerts in the past.
Tribune TowerTribune Tower, is an iconic building with a rich history. It is the headquarters for the Chicago Tribune newspaper and was designed by Howells & Hood. The design of its neo-Gothic style was based on models from 14th-century French churches. In addition to its distinctive look, Tribune Tower contains pieces from more than 150 of the world’s most famous structures like the Taj Mahal and The Great Pyramid of Giza.
The Chicago TheatreThe Chicago Theatre is America’s oldest and largest still-standing authentic atmospheric theatre, built with majestic Baroque-style architecture in 1921. Including balconies and other ornate features, it offers a unique experience for visitors who desire to be awed by its beauty as well as entertained by world-class performers. It has hosted an impressive array of talent over the years – from silent films and vaudeville acts during the 1920s all the way up to today's biggest recording artists.
Chicago Cultural CenterThe Chicago Cultural Center, is a public artistic and cultural attraction dating back to 1897. It features diverse, ever-changing displays of artwork, music, theater performances and lectures that represent the city’s vibrant culture. From its grandiose lobby to its two stunning stained glass domes, local visitors and tourists alike stop in for tours to marvel at the breathtaking architecture. The nearby Buckingham Fountain on Lake Michigan provides some of the best views in town.
Jay Pritzker PavilionThe Jay Pritzker Pavilion is an impressive outdoor concert venue and one of the main attractions of the renowned Millennium Park. Originally designed by Frank Gehry, it boasts a stunning steel exoskeleton canopy, which gently shelters its enormous grass seating bowl. With 4,000 fixed seats and the capacity to accommodate over 11,000 people on its expansive lawns, It also allows for a wide variety of performances from classic orchestras to spectacular festivals throughout the year.
Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating RibbonMaggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon is a breathtaking experience that marries art and recreation. Two side-by-side ribbons of ice are winding pathways, creating a unique pattern amid the beauty of nature. Guests can choose from 400 free-skate sessions in the winter and roller rink sessions in warmer months, providing a year-round activity for the whole family. With iconic views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline to marvel at.
Cloud GateCloud Gate, is an iconic sculpture by Indian-born British artist Anish Kapoor. The stainless steel bean-like structure was created to be a modernist revelry to Chicago's skyline and has become beloved among locals and tourists alike. Its 110 ton form rises 12 metres from the ground and is 33 metres wide making it the largest public sculpture in the world. Visitors can walk around, touch and take pictures with the sculpture as it captures reflections of the cityscape surrounding it.
McCormick Tribune PlazaThe McCormick Tribune Plaza, is a modern forty-story skyscraper that was completed in 1991 and is now a landmark for the region. Visitors to this popular destination can enjoy an array of amenities such as an open-air plaza, an ice rink for public skating and the McCormick Tribune Bridge. The Plaza also has luxury stores on its ground level, allowing visitors to shop throughout their visit. At its top are two observation decks where people can take in unparalleled views of the city skyline.
Millennium ParkMillennium Park, a stunning landscape spanning 24.5 acres opened in 2004 to commemorate the turn of the millennium, this spectacular public park features stunningly designed gardens and sculptures, inspiring architecture, and an array of interactive exhibits and landscapes. From the mesmerizing reflective Crown Fountain and the underground BP Pedestrian Bridge to the stirring Lurie Garden and serene Pritzker Pavilion known for its impressive acoustics and world-renowned performances.
The Richard H. Driehaus MuseumThis Museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the history of Chicago's opulent Gilded Age. The museum building itself was once the home and studio of noted 19th century architect, Julius Huber. Inside, visitors can view the collections of sculptures and paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries as well as fine pieces from Europe and America. Additionally, interesting design elements from a variety of historic styles can be seen inside including Renaissance Revival and Second Empire.
Magnificent MileThe Magnificent Mile is an iconic stretch of many of the city's finest attractions and entertainment. From world class luxury shopping to lakefront park amenities, the Magnificent Mile is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Windy City. Magnificent Mile covers 13 blocks along Michigan Avenue that are filled with some of Chicago's most recognizable landmarks and landmark stores, including the John Hancock Center, Water Tower Place Shopping Mall and Tribune Tower.
Maggie Daley ParkMaggie Daley Park, offers an oasis of beauty and fun within the heart of the Windy City. Featuring a skating ribbon that wraps around a large centerpiece of lagoons and lily pads, walking paths, and lots of open space, the park is filled with opportunities for outdoor recreation. Here visitors can take part in rock climbing, mini golfing, tennis courts, a field house cafe and play garden. To experience some of nature’s gifts first hand there are also wildflower gardens.
Crown FountainThe Crown Fountain in Chicago’s Grant Park is a world-renown artwork created by Spanish-Mexican artist Jaume Plensa. The fountain consists of two 50-foot glass brick towers that are covered with LED screens and light up at night to create a mesmerizing experience for visitors. On the heads of the towers, water streams from the mouths, cascading down into a reflecting pool below. During the day, images of local citizens are projected onto the LED screens accompanied by music.
Lurie GardenLurie Garden is a magnificent 5 acre public garden, which boasts a wide array of perennial and annual plants, shrubs, trees, and grasses that bloom throughout the Spring and Summer months. The garden allows visitors to view native plants while appreciating the beauty of the prairie landscape. Natural sand dunes are featured throughout the garden – creating a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The Garden also houses several art pieces that compliment nature’s scenery.
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Chicago RiverThe Chicago River is an iconic part of Illinois. Starting out as a small stream near Lake Michigan before passing through both downtown Chicago and several urban and rural neighborhoods, the river has been a vital part of the county's history. From providing transportation routes for settlers to being looked upon as a source of recreation in its most recent iteration, the body of water has experienced immense change over the years.