Welcome to Chicago! There's no city like it and the Chicago River is one of many places that showcases its exquisiteness and allure. Vast architecture can be found along the path here; Encompassing complete beauty and incredible historic views. Chicago is tenacious, a city that can never be sidelined. Growing up here was the absolute best, and it will always be home. read more

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A charity swim this morning to benefit ALS on the Chicago River. Safety teams in kayaks paddled alongside the swimmers, who were chosen for their open-water swimming experience, while lifeguards lined the Riverwalk to help swimmers who could not complete the course. Only 3 of the 263 swimmers didn't finish. It took some an hour to go a mile through the downtown loop with orange floats gliding across the river. It was funny to see them walking through downtown Chicago in robes with medals around their neck, what an accomplishment! The last time that Chicago sanctioned a group swim in the river was 1927, a tradition thwarted by the loads of industrial and human waste that were routinely dumped in the water. It has taken decades of cooperation between environmental groups and elected officials , including at least four mayors, to clean up the river. I understand there are now dozens of species of fish, eagles overhead & otters playing along the banks now. read more

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Beautiful beautiful city gem, and picturesque. Highly used and tranquil. I am so happy that I was able to catch great views of this town's staple. read more

Chicago River - Beautiful views from River Roast. - Boating Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We walked from our drop off point near historic Union Station to our hotel located near Grant Park and enjoyed the scenic views of the Chicago River. We were fortunate to arrive during daylight hours to allow for taking in more of the cityscape views. This was a crisp chilly day in late October, so the river was fairly calm and clear with no traffic. Looking forward to future visits and taking a cruise when it's warmer. read more

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Everyone should see the river then green at least once for St Patty's. It's such a fun time to be in Chicago. Of course there is a lots of drinking but you don't feel like you're walking around with a ton of intoxicated individuals. On the contrary you will see many families with their younger watching the city dye the river and taking plently of pics. In addition there ton of street performers as well. A must see if you're in the during the St Patty's Holiday! read more

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I happened to be in Chicago for St. Patty's Day. Nothing like seeing the famous Chicago River turned green, and it gets really green for a few days. So impressive to see all the great architecture just hugging the river, like the Chicago Tribune Building and the Trump Building. I highly recommend doing a river tour where they tell you about all the history and buildings. read more

Chicago River - Boating Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The Chicago River is a natural part of the city! It's fun to look down as you are walking over it. I've also taken a riverboat architectural tour on the river and that is such a cool experience! I always enjoy the Chicago River. read more

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So this is the famous river that turns "Green" during St. Patrick's day! Yes, lucky me as I was visiting & staying in downtown Chicago, and the Chicago River was just blocks away from my hotel. A little know facts about this famous river - 1. The Chicago River runs 156 miles from start to finish, with three main branches - North Branch, Main Stem, & South Branch. 2. The Chicago River is the only river system in the world that flows in reverse. This was needed, as in the old days raw sewage & other pollutants were dumped into this river, and these elements flowed into Chicago's primary source of drinking water. By reversing the river flow, this protected Chicago's main source of drinking water. 3. In celebration of St. Patrick's Day, the river is annually dyed green in downtown Chicago. They have been doing this for the last 60 years. 4. The Deepest point of the Chicago River is 21 feet deep. 5. The Chicago river has a distinctive blue color that is the result of the river's clay bottom, lake water, and algae: a lovely blue-green, best seen on warm weather days. The lake water has only been part of the river's composition since the river was reversed in the 1900's. 6. The Chicago River doesn't completely freeze. Certain sections along the North Branch, for instance, freeze almost every year. If the surface of the main stem in downtown Chicago freezes, the city operates an ice breaker to free up the waterway for safety purposes. 7. The City of Chicago prohibits swimming in the Chicago River, as it's deemed "unsafe waters". The river has long been considered unsafe to drink or swim in, and even a quick dip in it may be harmful on its own. 8. There is fish in the Chicago River as Perch, Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Salmon, Trout, Steelhead, Sheepshead, Carp, Catfish and Panfish can be caught year round in this river. I'm not sure if I would eat it, but you can certainly catch, then release it back to the river. 9. The Chicago River was very crucial in Chicago's development as a major center of the lumber, and meatpacking industries during the nineteenth century. 10. Today, the Chicago River has 38 movable bridges spanning it, down from a peak of 52 bridges. These bridges are of several different types, including trunnion bascule, Scherzer rolling lift, swing bridges, and vertical lift bridges. Ain't Google a wonderful thing???? There are many more facts about the Chicago River, but I thought I'd point out the more interesting facts. If you ever have a chance to walk along the Chicago River, you can't help but notice the beautiful building architecture, & skyline of this beautiful city! read more

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Basically the best looking thing about Chicago. Especially when it's green. If you didn't know, it's dyed green for the St. Patrick's Day festivities and parade. Cool to see this done. The dye is plant based, so it doesn't hurt any wildlife. Follow the course of the river and you see how it's an important part of the city. It flows north-south for a bit, then bends and goes east-west toward the lake. This played a role in how the city grew and what is where. Notice how Wacker Drive follows course along it. On the river you'll see a few methods of public transportation. Among these, the Chicago Water Taxi is most popular. This gives you good views of the scenery and skyline. Most people are interested in the colors for St. Patrick's Day. The river is dyed between Columbus and Orleans Streets. It takes place the Saturday before actual the St. Patrick's Day. The dye will turn the river bright green in an hour. Check it out any time of year, not just St. Patrick's Day. It's kind of taken for granted. Try kayaking in the cold like those crazy ass people. read more

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I finally made it to Chicago this year to see the city dye its river a Shamrock green. It's a food coloring & so it's nontoxic & the fish show no signs of abnormal behavior, when the dye is introduced to the river. It was a fun event & I'm glad I went to Chicago for it. If the weather was very cold, I would've just canceled my hotel reservation & hoped the weather would be warmer next year. But, this year the weather was great; sunny & in the 60s. The architecture along the river is stunning. It was incredibly crowded & honestly, it was probably overcrowded. There were a lot of people that don't seem to get out much in the crowd. But, probably a lot of those people were over drinking alcohol too. Again, I'm glad I did it, but I won't be doing it again. It is a one & done lifetime event & I'm Irish I will return to Chicago though, & I will also return to Chicago's magnificent river again. It's a very special place. read more

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How does one write a review on a river? I guess I'll give it a try. I have always wanted to see the Chicago River dyed green ever since I heard about it, and I was finally able to see it. They do it annually for St. Patrick's Day, and I was advised by my friend that it is a plant-based dye and does not cause any damage of harm. Well, it was everything I imagined... a green river! I was finally able to cross it off the ol' bucket list. read more

Chicago River - Boating Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I'm from Chicago but this was my first time going downtown to see the river dyed for st patricks day. The color was so vivid and beautiful. It was a great experience. read more

Chicago River - Boating Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Chicago River runs right through the city ! It's green on St Paddy's day and the place to be every day of the year! Fun fact you can kayak, walk the river walk and see lots if beautiful buildings on the architectural cruise! Highly recommended! Lots of tourists too !' read more

The Chicago River is beautiful to see. There are lots of things to see and do on the Chicago River. Take a walk along the River Walk. There are art installations, cafes with food and drink and a great opportunity to people-watch. You can rent a kayak, a bike, or other things to go up and down the Chicago River and the Riverwalk. Make sure you look up and take in all of the Fantastic architecture that Chicago is known for. You can also take one of several Chicago River Cruise options. You can take an architectural boat cruise, speed boat cruise, or a leisurely lunch or dinner cruise. There are several companies and votes to choose from. Stroller, bike, or boats along the Chicago River all the way to Navy Pier. There you will find many additional options for entertainment as well as drinks and dining. The Chicago River is a must-see for anyone visiting Chicago, as well as Chicago residents. read more

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The Chicago River has much to offer: Taking one of the boat or kayak excursions gives a phenomenal perspective of the buildings and sites along the winding river. Walking along the Riverwalk on either side offers individuals or groups to enjoy the boats passing by, take a run or walk, enjoy food and drinks at various establishments. WHAT I LOVE: *I LOVE THAT IT IS COLORED GREEN EACH ST. PATRICK'S DAY! NEWSFLASH: The BIG "CLEAN-UP" appears to be in progress and YES my friends, it appears to be "swim worthy" of sorts! LATEST NEWS: September 18-for the next two weeks the draw bridges will be lifted so that boats can dry dock for the winter season and many boats will be traveling along the Chicago River from Lake Michigan! Should be a fun site to see! read more

Chicago River - Enjoying Garrett Popcorn on the Chicago River via the Riverwalk down the steps in front of The Apple Store-September 2019 - Boating Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The Chicago River is no doubt, a really cool river. Now, there's a sentence I never thought I'd say... I lived in Chicago for roughly three years and worked in the Merchandise Mart, which is located in River North, alongside the gorgeous river. My office window looked right out to it and I loved every minute of it! The views, no matter the time of year, are amazing. Whether the river is green for St. Patrick's Day or blue (when the Cubs won the World Series), it's always nice to look at. The riverwalk is amazing! You can grab food from a restaurant nearby and pop a squat on a nice day. Even if you aren't eating, maybe you just need some fresh air... well there's plenty of places to sit and enjoy the scenery. If you're looking to explore even further, there's options to kayak on a nice day, you can book an architecture tour (which is great if you're from outta town), and there's a ton of restaurants with patios right along the river as well. It's honestly really clean, sometimes there's installation art to enjoy, and the bridges are really cool. It's neat to see them go up when a larger vessel is coming through. Definitely enjoy the Chicago River if you're in the Windy City. Grab your insta-worthy photos and soak it all in. read more

Definitely a beautiful River. I was staying at the Hyatt when I was in Chicago. My room was overlooking the Chicago River and I have to say it is much more spectacular at night than in the day time. The River runs through downtown but because of the way Chicago downtown is designed, you can walk along the river without having traffic being a distracters to your mood. There are stairs that go down to the Riverwalk and you can walk along the river there. Yes you can hear the traffic above you but at least you don't see it. It is very relaxing and definitely good exercise to enjoy a jog or a walk here. There are benches and areas for you to sit if you get tire. There is no way you will miss the Chicago River if you are downtown. It is super wide and very visible. read more

Chicago River - Boating Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Never a dull moment. Beauty is everywhere, all you have to do is look around. Historic buildings and landmarks, statues to street art. You could people watch, and gear accents from all around the world. Plus lots of boats and jet skies, canoes and water with such a pretty blue greenish color. Tourist USA by the bunch. There are several restaurants to choose from on the river walk and also on the upper levels. Or you can pack for a picnic too. Such a pleasant place to stroll, jog or run. You must make a stop here or you will regret it if you go home without pictures. Anywhere you take a pic, there is surely a nice backdrop for you to impress your family and friends back home. After all, this is a one of a kind city. The Chicago River Walk is quite long, but not all areas are open. There is a lot of construction going on and done has just been finished. So you need to know that it does not have access all the way around. Plus I would recommend you come along with a group as Chicago has been getting more and more dangerous. read more

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Beautiful river right in the heart of downtown. Great scenic walk to enjoy the beautiful architectures of Chicago skylines, with some spunky bars and restaurants by the river. During St Patrick's Day, the the river turns bright green and this is a real special sight. Do try to see this for yourself and grab some selfies here. read more

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The Chicago River touches Lake Michigan, Chicago landmarks, and our hearts. It is a very touching river with a few amazing facts. The first fact: Every St. Patrick's Day Weekend the river is dyed green. The second fact: Civil Engineers reversed the natural flow of the river. The river originally flowed into Lake Michigan. As Chicago grew, concurrently water pollution became a major concern. Civil Engineers performed their magic and "tadah" the river flowed away from Lake Michigan toward the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal toward the Mississippi River and into the Gulf of Mexico. The third fact: The Chicago River is a system of rivers. It includes the main stem that flows east to west from Lake Michigan to Wolf Point in downtown; the North Fork, South Fork, and canals. The fourth fact is that the Chicago River is a one of a kind attraction for relaxing and recreation. It would be difficult to review the totality of the Chicago River system. For purposes of this review, it focuses on the Chicago River from Ping Tom Memorial Park to Wolf Point on along the South Fork to Lake Michigan on the Main Stem. This is the Chicago River that flows through downtown and the shore of Chinatown. This is the Chicago River that the river cruises and water taxis travel. There are three means of exploring the Chicago River. There is the water taxi, tour boats, and the Chicago Riverwalk that parallels it from North Franklin Street where the main stem, North and South Forks merge to Lake Shore Drive. My first impressions of the Chicago River were walking the Chicago Riverwalk between State Street and Lake Shore Drive. This is a river of dreams passing through a canyon of magnificent towers reaching toward the sky. Towering over the Chicago River are the Marina Towers, Trump Tower, Hyatt, Wrigley Building, and University of Chicago. Historic bridges carrying major streets including Michigan Avenue and State Street framed the canyon. Water taxis and tour boats were the transportation floating through this Venice in the Windy City. By the time that I set eyes on Centennial Fountain, I was decided on seeing the river by water taxi. The water taxi treated me to seeing a Chicago River from China Town to the Wrigley Building. Using the water taxi I saw the transition of the shoreline from woods and industry to the magnificent skyline of Chicago. I'd see the transition from powerlines to the Willis Tower standing as landmarks along the South Fork. Here the canyon is taller and closer to the river. The adjacent landmarks include the Chicago Merchant Exchange, Civic Opera House, and Willis Tower along the shoreline of the Loop. The third time I saw the Chicago River was by a tour boat. The tour treated my eyes to the places I mentioned before with the exception of making it as far south as China Town. The tour boat also brought my eyes beyond the easternmost reaches of the river onto Lake Michigan. This is where the canyon develops into the open spaces of parkland and water a football throw from the Navy Pier. On account of the engineering that reversed the flow of the river, only a certain amount of it could be released at a time. A gate holds traffic until the gate opens to release some water from Lake Michigan. The open spaces of Lake Michigan is the perfect ending to a river that touches our hearts. read more

Just happened to be in Chicago for St.Patty's Day, and see the famous Chicago river turned green for a few hours. So impressive to see all the great architecture just hugging the river, like the Chicago Tribune Building and the Trump Building, Even tho there were crowds of people here, you could always fine a place to view the river and all the excitement. read more

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Had so much fun for St. Patty's! Having never been here to see the green river before I was surprised at how green it got! And how quickly! We planned for stay for about an hour thinking it would take a while to dye that much water green, but it was like 20 minutes! I loved seeing how they did it and we got some awesome photos. Hope to come again! read more

Chicago River - Boating Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The Chicago River is like no other. It flows from the lake right through the heart of the city and is very scenic. No matter where you stay in Chi Town, at some point you need to check out the river no matter what side or area. There are many different tourist boat tours or shuttles offered at various points along the river. The one which was recommended to us was the architectural boat tour, but we ended up running out of time to do that. This is a great photo opp and Icon of the city. They even dye it green for St Patricks day! read more

Chicago River - Boating Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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last week weather was ideal .. first time i did the river walk .. so pretty and relaxing. and fun. Restaurants and bars and places to sit and enjoy the scenery and vibe. read more

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What can I say. Its part of Chicago. Gotta love it. It's yucky and nice at the same time. It's green and it's blue depending on the season. It carries passengers to the lake and it's a nice waterway from one side to the other side of the city. You can go kayaking there and take cruises and taxis. Love my city and that includes our river. read more

I enjoyed the river and the Riverwalk. The path is tranquil. The scenery is nice. We were there late and it did seem like there was plenty of security and police presence. With the murder rate and the stuff my uncle told my son, he was scared to stay down there too late. I felt uneasy in some of the areas that were dimly lit late at night. The Riverwalk is a nice path on both sides of the Chicago River. There are some touristy things to do and places to eat, drink and be merry. read more

Everyday during our week stay in Chicago, we would see the Chicago River. Enjoyed either sitting at or strolling along the Riverwalk. Gave us great views of the river and the goings on upon it. Many folks were kayaking, canoeing, taking cruise tours, using the water taxi, and using their own boats. Did not see anyone swimming. Would not recommend it cause the river seemed quite dirty upon closer inspection. One quick note. The Chicago River runs backwards. Instead of flowing towards Lake Michigan, it flows towards the Mississippi River. The Chicago River is not to be missed when visiting this wonderful city. read more

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***Chicago River helps give Chicago (one of the best looking cities in the U.S.) its unique look*** Chicago is known for its great architecture. All kinds of architectural styles are featured in Chicago (and styles are even merged in some cases like the Chicago Tribune Building). What makes Chicago buildings even more special though is the Chicago River. Architecture tours are available by boat on the Chicago River and viewing these great buildings from such a different and rare perspective makes for a unique experience. There is also both a feeling of adventure as well as closeness when walking across the many bridges over the Chicago River. With the tour boats, water taxis and sail boats (that can result in the raising of the bridges), something fun and worthwhile always seems to be going on in the city. The bridges also really show how connected the city is--getting from the north side to The Loop is a quick walk. The water everywhere really opens up the city--the Chicago River and Lake Michigan where the water feels very ocean-like since you cannot see where the water ends and the other side begins. Whether jogging or simply walking through the city, the river, bridges and Lake Michigan combine to create a sense of freedom and excitement. There are many great reasons to visit Chicago, but its look (with a large part due to the Chicago River) might just top the list. Parking along the river can be very difficult though there are nearby (and expensive) parking structures. read more

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Once again, a review that brings back so many great memories for me. Especially now, when my dad is going through the motions of Huntington's Disease so walks down memory lane are a frequent conversation piece for us. One of our trips to Chicago, my dad took me, my mom, and my younger sister on a boat tour down the river and out in to Lake Michigan. The views were absolutely stunning! And even though it's been years since I've been in Chicago and seen the river, I'm pretty positive it's just as awesome now as it was then. read more

I can't believe that Chicago has such a distinguishing feature in the city itself that adds so much flare to the city's culture like a river. The Bay Area doesn't have a river ... and even if it did, it probably wouldn't be as cool as this Y-shaped stream snaking through the heart of Chicago in between the ginormously tall buildings of downtown Chicago. I love that there are side walk cafes and beautifully appointed architecture adorning the side of the river. The architectural cruise is definitely a must take to take in all that the river has to offer. The river goes out into Michigan Lake on one side and you have an amazing view of Navy Pier from the end of the river where the Spiral has supposedly sprung (perhaps I'm wrong, haven't been there in 2 years!). The Chicago river is truly one of a kind and it's a must see if you're in Chicago. read more

Cool ass river with lots happening on it! Want to take a boat cruise and learn about the awesome architecture of Chicago? Hope on one of the awesome cruises on the river! Want to grab a drink and people watch? Hit up one of the pubs on the river and enjoy a drink while watching people and staring into the river! Want to go for a run and not have to many people around? Toss on your shoes and run down the canal paths! Want to kayak? I have no idea where to rent a kayak but saw people in them! Want to go for a swim? Ok I can't condone swimming in the river :P I hear they can change the direction of the river flow and on top of that they dye the river GREEN FOR ST PATTY'S!!! So much to do and so easy to get around along this wonderful little river. If you have a boat I'm going to say I'm really jealous. read more

Beautiful walk with beautiful views. Treat yourself to Chicago river taxi ride which picks up and drops off at Wacker/Lasalle area. read more

Chicago River - Beautiful walk - Boating Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Im a native Chicagoan and self proclaimed RIVERRAT.I spend quite a bit of time every year on the Chicago River.Wether its from shore,boat or kayak I always love spending time at the Chicago River.The best part of the river is obviously the main stem in downtown Chicago.But the south and north branches are also interesting.I've made friends on the river who are ALSO riverrats.A couple of them do business on the Chicago River.One is a charter captain and another owns a boat rental business.One thing is for sure.....We are all part of the river.So many really good restaurants with wonderful views along the bank.You could hop on a boat for REAL CHEAP at Chinatown's Ping Tom park that will take you downtown.Last time I checked it was like $5.You could also get an all day pass and it could bring you back to Chinatown.Or you could get on downtown and go have dinner in Chinatown and the boat will take you back downtown.Great way to see the river is by boat.You could even rent a boat and drive it youself.Navy Pier fireworks by boat is a Chicago MUST at least once in your life.You could do it by kayak as well.Checkout BBQ PONTOON BOATS or URBAN KAYAK.Definitely worth it.Enjoy your time in Chicago!! read more

One of the essential aspects of Chicago's beauty as a city. Standing on any of the bridges you have a wonderful view of the great buildings around you. You can also pay for boat or kayak tours at a number of places. How can you not stop by for the river being dyed green around St. Patrick's Day? It is a total mess with people already drunk beyond belief at the 10am start time but it is something you must see at least once. read more

Chicago River - St. Patrick's Day - Boating Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Finally Review #700! After being stumped for two weeks, I decided to go with something big...The Chicago River! First, water is what keeps people alive...you use water to travel, to trade or do business and to drink...but please don't drink the Chicago River unless you want to visit one of our nice hospitals. A long time ago the Indians used portages to travel across land to get to various parts of the river. There was life all along the river...fish for food and animals for fur. That of course brought the fur hunters who could easily travel up and down the river with there catch. Eventually people came to settle. The first settler built his farm at the mouth of the Chicago River...of course he did and his name was Jean Baptiste Point du Sable. He settled on the river in the 1780's. Can you imagine what that was like considering how crowded our river is right now? It must have peaceful and relaxing...until someone attacked you. Well fast forward over 200 years and our river is still full of life. The Chicago river system is over 156 miles long...that is huge. We have boats going up and down. I enjoy jumping on a water taxi and taking it to Chinatown. It is so much fun to travel that way. I wish we had even more stops on the water taxi then just 4 or 5...I think I could ride it all day. As you ride on the river, you can look up at all of the incredible buildings towering overhead...it is such an amazing feat of architecture. The bridges are also amazing. I recently was at a trivia contest and the question was which city has the most bridges. People guessed Portland and they were wrong. The correct answer was Chicago and I got a big smile on my face. My city is pretty cool. Even Dave Matthews and his band love the Chicago River too. Do you remember that they stopped there tour bus on a bridge and dumped there toilet into the river and on a tour boat full of tourists. That sounds like fun...not! Sometimes I like to stand on the bridge and wave at the tourists and yell, "Look out here comes the Dave Matthews Bus!" That has led me to a fun attraction idea for the river. You know how when you go to Universal Studios and the fake earthquake happens. They splash you with water and burn off your facial hair from the hot explosions. We need to do that in Chicago. I believe the famous bridge needs to be called the "Dave Dump Experience". Imagine how much fun that would be...as the boat approaches a brown watery substance starts falling from the bridge. Now that would be hilarious and I think a great tourist attraction. I have a call into the tourism office but I have not heard back from them. But I am not holding my breath but I would be if I was under Dave Matthews Bus. On Saint Patrick's Day some guy in a boat turns the river green. It looks amazing and is so much fun. I fondly remember one year when I saw a seagull who was sitting in the water and when he took off to fly his whole bottom was green. I know that some activist is going to be mad at me but it was really funny. I understand it is a food coloring so I am sure it just washed off the next time he landed in some non-green water. The greatest feat of the Chicago River is that in 1900 they reversed the flow of the Chicago River and that was very smart. Everyones poop and pee was flowing into Lake Michigan and that is where we got our fresh drinking water comes from. That lead to people getting sick, so they sent the icky dirty water towards St. Louis. St. Louis occasionally tries to sue Chicago over this but really. We haven't tried suing them for winning the World Series twice in the last 4 years. Stop being such a championship hog and let the Cubs win a few. That dirty water eventually ends up going down the might Miss and into the Gulf of Mexico. Why does my dirty water get to go on such a nice vacation? The present state of the Chicago river is getting better every day. Our current mayor has vowed to make the river clean. All I can say is good luck with that because that seems hard. I love seeing boats and barges going up and down the river. I also love seeing the kayakers but I am so worried that one of those boats is going to run therm over. Every once in a while I see crews rowing down the river but not in the winter. There is nothing like a water view & there are so many amazing places in Chicago to view the river and every place is spectacular. My favorite is at night & being in a high rise overlooking the river...seeing the water sparkle in the night sky with all of the city lights is breathtaking. It doesn't matter if you are a local or a visitor because the river has much to offer everyone. So jump on a tour boat and learn about the history of the city and the buildings that surround the river. Jump on a water taxi and take it to Chinatown or to the Museum Campus. Buy that Living Social for the kayaking adventure. Or just stand on a bridge and enjoy the views. The River has it all. read more

Chicago River - Only on St Patty's in Chicago! - Boating Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Whaaaaat?!! No one's reviewed the Chicago River yet?! The boat tours & the river taxi have reviews, http://www.yelp.com/biz/wendella-sightseeing-boats-chicago#hrid:G6jZhR5tdX-OdzoJdHogPw/src: but evidently not the River itself. Well, for my 1200th review, I gonna tell ya 'bout the River: It's more than 150 miles long, and flows through the heart of downtown Chicago, a.k.a. "the Loop". The River has quite a remarkable history. It used to flow into Lake Michigan, but the flow was actually reversed, to stop the pollution of the Lake by waste from the Union Stockyards as well as other industrial waste......years ago. I am old enough to remember when the River was a filthy mess, before current Mayor Richard M. Daley had it all cleaned up. His dad was Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley, btw. I'm not old enough to remember a time when a Daley was not mayor of Chicago, haha! But they've done a great job for the city over the decades. The generations of Irish mayors are responsible for the tradition of dying the Chicago River green on St. Patrick's Day, every year......quite a sight. As a kid, I spent many hours looking down on the River from my father's offices in the Wrigley Building, http://www.yelp.com/biz/wrigley-building-chicago#hrid:Cds2ZCeHiMA_Hm7pjJ9Q7Q/src:self At night, the River is all lit up by its many bridges, it's beautiful. More than 20 bascule (drawbridge) bridges cross the River. And yes, they raise the drawbridges when tall ships pass, too cool. The 1920 Michigan Avenue Bridge is my favorite, no surprise. It's the one next to the Wrigley Building, and it marks the beginning of the Magnificent Mile. This bridge is a Chicago landmark, and its historic bridgehouse is now a museum. I wish I had photos to post to this review! Well hell, I will just have to go back home to Chi with my camera.......... Lookin' forward to it...... read more

I love that fact that the Chicago River had its direction changed many moons ago! How many other rivers can say that, huh? Now it's a great space. If you are lucky enough to sit along the river you can see people kayaking, commercial barges, huge boats of fun loving visitors, smaller boats with more educationally minded folks taking architectural tours and rich people in all of their boats. Along the shores are people relaxing, eating in cafes or people watching. It is just a terrific aspect of Chicago and now that it is summer, one I want to enjoy more. Who's with me? But, um, let's not go swimming in it. I know they say that's the eventual goal but seriously, swim in it? read more

Dyed green on St. Patrick's Day !! So glad I was able to see this spectacular treat the weekend I was visiting. It didn't look that clean though so i'm not sure about people who wanna actually get into the river to touch it.. but it is a nice view to look at from afar ! read more

Chicago River - Dyed green for St. Patrick's day :) - Boating Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Best tranquil place to walk especially when the weather's super nice! Perfect hideout or getaway!

The river is definitely a distinctive part of the city. Kind of reminds me of the canals of Copenhagen. Taking a boat, riding along and looking at the skyscraper architecture is not a bad way to spend a couple of hours. However if you go up on said skyscrapers and look down, the color of the river is still a but murky. I can only imagine what it looked like pre 70s, pollution. The fact that they dug canals to pull it the opposite direction is quite a feat. The copying of San Antonio riverwalk style design is definitely an added bonus read more