For a unique perspective of Chicago, take a stroll on Chicago's Riverwalk. The Chicago Riverwalk runs along the south bank of the main branch of the Chicago River, forming a continuous walkway with food, drink and recreational activities connecting the lakefront with the heart of downtown.

Each of the six blocks from State Street west to Lake Street have distinctive styles and names, such as The Marina (from State to Dearborn); The Cove (Dearborn to Clark); The River Theater (Clark to LaSalle); The Swimming Hole (LaSalle to Wells); The Jetty (Wells to Franklin) and The Boardwalk (Franklin to Lake). The bridges over the river separate each block, allowing them to have a unique look and feel.

The eastern (and original) portion of the Riverwalk (east of State Street heading towards Lake Michigan) will take you past additonal boat docks, bars and eateries, ending at Lake Michigan. If interested, you can reach Navy Pier by walking north across the Lake Shore Drive bridge. (The walk across the bridge is not the most inviting, but you will get an exceptional view of the Chicago River looking west.)

Note that there is a smaller riverwalk on the north bank of the Chicago River from Michigan Avenue to Lake Shore Drive.

For those interested in self-guided walking tours of Chicago, a portion of the main Chicago Riverwalk is included as part of our FREE Loop / Architecture Self-Guided Walking Tour, while the smaller north bank riverwalk is included on our FREE Magnificent Mile Self-Guided Walking Tour. (See MetroWalkz Self-Guided Tours in "Tours" section of eVisitorGuide.)