The amazing Chicago Riverwalk is a 1.5 mile walkway along the south bank of the Chicago River. It attracts not only tourists but a place for the locals to enjoy as well.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel is the reason we get to enjoy the newest addition to the riverwalk.
Completed in 2016, his vision was to have 6 different rooms, divided by our awesome bridges. Each room would be different in landscape and have their own unique identity.
The Riverwalk does extend eastward today as well but we will focus on these uniquely designed rooms.
On this tour we are going to walk each room and enjoy the beauty they offer us.
Starting at the Wabash Bridge.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza (between Wabash and State Street)
This plaza is the earliest installation and was dedicated on Veteran's Day in 2005 and is not one of the newer 6 rooms but a great place to start.
The main feature is the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial which honors 2,900 Illinois military members who gave their lives in Vietnam.
Look on the West side of the wall to view the medallions that were part of the earlier memorial. Spend some time enjoying the reflectioin pond and the waterfall.
The Marina (between State and Dearborn)
As the the name states this is the place where you will find a variety of uses, including docks for recreational boats and public seatinig facing the river. A great view of the Marina Towers, possibly why this room is named the Marina.
This area also offers you the option to stop and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the river traffic and enjoy a glass of locally produced wine, cocktails or beer at the City Winery. If you want to guarantee a seat make a reservation.
The Cove (between Dearborn and Clark)
This room offers a more casual space with a surface that slopes towards the waterway, think of it like a concrete beach. This surface is easy to clean with a simple spray down. You will find canoes and kayaks like to dock here. The plants along the water are native landscaping and can survive the river's rise during major storms.
This room offers Tiny Tapp serving light food from fries, flatbreads and burgers. You can also sip on a drink or coffee.
River Theater (between Clark and LaSalle)
This is a great room to grab your own coffee, doughnut or lunch and grab a seat of the theater like stairs and watch the boats and people walk by. There is a ramp for wheelchair access to the riverfront as well as stairs that take you back up to Wacker Drive.
Water Plaza (between LaSalle and Wells)
A room for the kids offering a zero-depth fountain with arching sprays inviting the children to play.
Jetty (between Wells and Franklin)
Do you want to learn about ecology and watch the fish in this educational room.
Piers support a series of floating wetlands and gardens that rise and fall with the river level.
Brews & Bites offers iconic polish sausage, bratwurst or currywurst with craft beers.
This is also a great place to view the Art on The Mart.
Riverbank (between Franklin and Lake)
Our last room is the western anchor of the Riverwalk. It is the point where the river has an intersection and winds north and south. Offering Adirondack chairs to just chill or bring your own blanket. Over the years it has also become an outdoor art gallery.
A gently sloping ramp serves wheelchairs and strollers and gives you to access to the upper drive.
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