Chicago Riverwalk Audio Guide

Chicago Riverwalk: what does the audio guide cover?

1. 01

   Welcome to the Chicago Riverwalk

   Welcome to the Chicago Riverwalk, a vibrant 1.25 mile long pedestrian trail that stretches along the south bank of the Chicago River from Lake Michigan to Lake Street. You are currently standing in what locals call Chicago's Second Shoreline, a sunken urban canyon that offers a completely different perspective of the city away from the busy street traffic of Wacker Drive above. As you walk, notice how you are literally beneath the street grid, nestled between crystal clear water and some of the world's most famous skyscrapers. This space was once an industrial shipping lane, but today it is home to nature, art, and leisure. It serves as a living museum, showcasing how a city can reinvent its relationship with its natural environment. Take a breath and let the energy of the river guide you as we explore the stories etched into these steel and stone walls.

2. 02

   The Impossible River: A Feat of Engineering

   One of the most fascinating things about the water you are walking beside is that it is flowing the wrong way. In the year 1900, engineers completed one of the most audacious projects in human history: they reversed the flow of the Chicago River. Originally, the river drained into Lake Michigan, carrying the city's waste directly into its primary source of drinking water. This led to serious public health crises, including outbreaks of typhoid and cholera. The solution was to dig a 28 mile long canal called the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, which was deeper than the river itself. This effectively used gravity to pull the water away from the lake and toward the Mississippi River system. This massive undertaking involved moving 42 million cubic yards of earth—more than was excavated for the Panama Canal. In 1999, the American Society of Civil Engineers named this system a Civil Engineering Monument of the Millennium. As you walk, remember that you are witnessing a rare moment where humanity successfully redirected nature's design to save a city.

3. 03

   Concrete Corn and Glazed Gems

   As you look up, you will see a masterclass in architectural history. Perhaps the most striking buildings are the twin cylinders of Marina City, often nicknamed the corn cobs because of their unique shape and the 65 stories of outdoor balconies. Designed by architect Bertrand Goldberg and completed in 1967, these were meant to be a city within a city, featuring a movie theater, a bowling alley, and even a marina at the base to encourage people to move back to the downtown area. Contrast their dark concrete with the gleaming white of the Wrigley Building nearby. Covered in over 250,000 glazed terracotta tiles in six different shades of cream, the Wrigley Building was inspired by the Giralda bell tower in Seville, Spain. If you are exploring with wheels or a stroller, keep in mind that the Riverwalk is fully accessible via ramps located at major intersections like State Street and Clark Street, making it easy to admire these giants from every angle.

4. 04

   The Six Civic Rooms

   The Riverwalk is not just a path; it is divided into six distinct rooms, each with its own theme and personality. You might find yourself in The Marina, bustling with boats and restaurants, or The Cove, where kayakers often launch their human powered crafts into the gentle current. One of the most technologically thoughtful sections is The Jetty, located between Wells Street and Franklin Street. Here, you will see floating wetland gardens and piers designed to educate visitors about river ecology. These floating islands provide a revitalized habitat for native fish and bird populations, helping to turn a once polluted industrial waterway into a thriving ecosystem. If you are looking for a place to rest, head to The River Theater, a massive set of staircase seating that connects Upper Wacker Drive to the water’s edge. It is the perfect spot to sit under the shade of trees and watch the world go by. The Riverwalk is officially open from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m., providing plenty of time to experience the shifts in light and energy.

5. 05

   Before You Head Off

   Your journey along the Chicago Riverwalk does not have to end at the next bridge. As evening approaches, keep an eye on the side of the massive Merchandise Mart building across the water. It hosts Art on the MART, the world's largest digital art projection, covering over 2.5 acres of the building's facade with rotating contemporary art. You might also want to look closely at the bridges themselves. Chicago has one of the highest concentrations of movable bascule bridges in the world—a French term meaning seesaw. These engineering wonders still open and close to allow tall ships to pass through. Explore the museum inside the McCormick Bridgehouse at Michigan Avenue to see the massive gears that make it all possible. Every step you take reveals another layer of history, from the early portage routes of Indigenous people to the modern digital canvas. Take your time, look across the water, and wonder: what will this river be a hundred years from now?