Exploring the Chicago Riverwalk!

A photo of a group of kayakers on the Chicago River, in the background many iconic buildings are shown from both the River North and Loop neighborhoods.

Some might say the Riverwalk is the best way to see the architecture of Chicago, and I am inclined to agree with them. Completed in 2016, the recent addition of the Riverwalk has made the Chicago River much easier to access and experience for people in the city. Whether you want to sit down and relax, or maybe take a scenic route on your walk to the L, the Riverwalk is a really cool piece of infrastructure to take advantage of

The Riverwalk runs from the start at Lake Michigan all the way to Lake Street which is where the river forks in three directions. It totals 1.25 miles in length and runs under 9 different bridges. I always see the river when I am taking the train between campuses, so it’s nice to have the ability to go and see it up close on the Riverwalk. It only takes around ten minutes to walk over from the Loop campus, and it’s a great spot to stop and study if the weather is nice!

A selfie taken by a DePaul University student on the Chicago Riverwalk, his reflection can be seen in the mirror above.
A photo of a few buildings on the Chicago River, the main one in focus is 333 West Wacker, the office building where Ferris Bueller’s dad worked in the movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

I have brought up architecture earlier, and it’s because I really believe that the Riverwalk is the place to go if you want the full Chicago architecture experience. You can find a view of most of the iconic Chicago buildings from somewhere along the Riverwalk. Because the path follows the curve of the river, you get to see the city from different directions and angles and really get a sense for where everything is relative to the river. Pictured to the left is the 333 West Wacker building, and it’s actually where Ferris Bueller’s father worked in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. That photo was taken from the Riverwalk and is just one example of the iconic buildings to be seen from the path.

The other fun part about the Riverwalk is everything that’s attached to it. First off, there are all of the areas to sit and relax, and the steps are a really popular spot for people who work in the Loop to come and have lunch or just take a break from their office jobs. Additionally, there are a few different restaurants and shops along different parts of the path, and there was even free fishing going on the last time I was there, entirely put on by the city. You can also rent kayaks and take a guided tour on the river, or join one of the architectural or party boat cruises that are always going up and down the river and into Lake Michigan.

A photo of some of the iconic buildings in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, namely the Wrigley Building and the Tribune Tower.

I am a huge fan of the Riverwalk, and I am so happy that the city made the effort to build it and support it with all of the fun stuff that goes on along the path. Whether you are in the city every day and are looking for a nice place to sit, or are only here for a short while and want to see as much as you can, the Riverwalk is a great spot that deserves recognition.

 

                                    ~Jeff

Take a tour of the Lincoln Park campus!