Chicago Riverwalk is a public pedestrian path along the south bank of the Chicago River, running between Lake Street and Lake Shore Drive. Its 1.25-mile route brings you close to downtown towers, bridges and passing boats, with places to sit, public art and riverside dining along the way. Walk the coves at your own pace, stop for a meal or drink, or see the architecture from the water on a boat tour or kayak. The path is a free way to explore the city on foot.
A route beside the river
The Chicago Riverwalk follows the south bank of the Chicago River through downtown, between Lake Street and Lake Shore Drive. Its 1.25-mile path gives you a lower, waterside view of the buildings and bridges that define this part of the city. Boats pass through the river while walkers move between small parks, seating areas, art and places to eat.
The route was built in stages, with much of the work completed in the 2010s. It turned a former industrial waterfront into public space. The Riverwalk is divided into four districts: the Confluence, the Arcade, the Civic and the Esplanade. You can walk the full stretch or choose a shorter section and pause along the way.
Architecture, art and places to pause
The buildings are a central part of the walk. From the river’s edge, you can look up at downtown architecture and take in views framed by the bridges, including DuSable Bridge. The changing angles make the route useful for a close look at the city’s buildings, as well as for photographs.
There is room to stop rather than keep walking. Benches and other seating let you watch boats and people passing by, while public art, murals and sculptures add points of interest along the path. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza is a place for quiet reflection. Art on theMART projects digital artwork onto the Merchandise Mart’s river-facing side; the projection can be seen from the Riverwalk at night.
Walking, dining and getting on the water
You can explore the Riverwalk without paying for a boat trip. Along the route, restaurants, bars and cafes give you options for a meal or a break beside the water. The setting changes through the day: daylight is useful for looking closely at the architecture, while evening brings illuminated buildings and reflections on the river.
For a different perspective, look into boat tours or kayak rentals available along the Riverwalk. A tour lets you see the surrounding buildings from the water; kayaking puts you at river level. These activities, along with dining and places to sit, make it easy to build a longer downtown visit around the path. If you want to add another nearby stop, Millennium Park is suggested as a companion to the walk.
FAQ
Is Chicago Riverwalk free to visit?
Yes. The Riverwalk is a public path, and walking along it is free.
Where does Chicago Riverwalk run?
It follows the south bank of the Chicago River between Lake Street and Lake Shore Drive.
What can you do at Chicago Riverwalk?
Walk beside the river, see public art and downtown architecture, stop at riverside restaurants, or take a boat tour or rent a kayak.
