Sarah W.

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.

Christian C.

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!

Chris G.

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.

Sherri H.

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.

Fran C.

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!

Steve A.

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.

Jennifer S.

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.

Jim H.

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.

Shani H.

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.

Jane V.

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.

Christina S.

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!

Denise W.

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.

Patricia J.

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.