August Adventures on the Chicago River

The Chicago River system is the heart of Chicagoland. Its North and South Branches form the boundaries between neighborhoods like River West, River North, and the West Loop, and they meet in the city before emptying into Lake Michigan. 

The river serves as a hub for outdoor recreation and adventure, and traveling by water is one of the best ways to experience the city from a new perspective. These are some of our real estate agents' favorite ways to experience the Chicago River. 

• Chicago River Walk - 306-370 W Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60654
  Extending 1.25 miles along the south bank of the Chicago River within the Loop, the Chicago Riverwalk is a pedestrian pathway with some of the best views of Downtown. The Riverwalk also offers access to a diverse range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, including waterfront cafes with outdoor seating. From its western terminus at Lake Street, the Riverwalk extends eastward along the riverbank to Lake Michigan. 
  
  
• Kayak Chicago - 1220 W Le Moyne St, Chicago, IL 60642
  From downtown Chicago up through both branches of the Chicago River in the suburbs, one of the best ways to explore the Chicago River is by kayak. There are many public parks and launch points, as well as kayak outfitters and rental companies along the way. Kayak Chicago is one of the best places to start, offering kayak rentals and classes as well as guided tours of the river. 
  
  
• Goose Island - Chicago, IL 60642
  Formed by the North Branch of the Chicago River and the North Branch Canal, 160-acre Goose Island was created in the 19th century. Once primarily an industrial area, Goose Island is poised to be one of Chicago's most exciting up-and-coming neighborhoods, with development already underway. Nestled between West Town and Near North, and convenient to recreation sites like the Wild Mile, it's a splendid place for waterfront living.
  
  
• Chicago Water Taxi - 400-410 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
  Serving all three branches of the Chicago River, Chicago Water Taxis offer a fun and unique way to travel around the city. The taxi service's fleet of black and yellow boats is familiar to most Chicagoans, and service is available annually from March to November. From the downtown dock off Michigan Ave, Chicago Water Taxis go as far as Chinatown, and a one-way ride between any two docks is just $10.
  
  
• Wilmette Harbor - 20 Harbor Dr, Wilmette, IL 60091
  Just a few miles north of Chicago in the community of Wilmette, Wilmette Harbor is a hub for boating and sailing on Lake Michigan. Home to the luxurious Wilmette Harbor Club, the harbor sits at the mouth of the North Shore Channel, a 7.7-mile canal that connects to the North Branch Chicago River. Also adjacent to the harbor is Gilson Park, a 60-acre green space with a public beach and waterfront dog park.
  
  
• North Branch Forest Preserves - Chicago, IL 60630
  As the North Branch Chicago River meanders through suburban neighborhoods like North Park and Forest Glen on the Northwest Side of Chicago, much of its shoreline is encompassed by a series of lush forest preserves. Offering some of the best opportunities for hiking, fishing, and paddling in the Chicago area, preserves like LeBagh Woods and Forest Glen Woods span hundreds of acres and are connected by the extensive North Branch Trail System.

Contact us today to learn more about exploring Chicagoland. Our real estate agents are here to be your guides to living life to the fullest in each of Chicago's unique neighborhoods.