The mayor first announced the $100 million Riverwalk three years ago, and it’s finally beginning to take shape. The newest expansion of the area is now open, complete with a Tiki Bar, rest areas, fishing, and of course beautiful views of the water & River North. There are six new portions of the walk separated into different aquatic-themed areas. Three of them opened this past Memorial Day weekend, and the other three are set to open in 2016. The walk will eventually run all the way from Lake Shore Drive past Franklin to Lake Street, though it currently runs from Lake Shore to LaSalle.
When completed, the reinvented Chicago Riverwalk will be the next great Chicago attraction and a world-class neighborhood asset. It has already begun to provide a dynamic new commercial space and uninterrupted route from Lake Street to the lake itself for both pedestrians and cyclists.
Aside from the amazing architecture, landscape, and pathways—here’s a breakdown of the newly opened areas:
The Marina (Between State and Dearborn)
- Multiple Restaurants & Vendors
- Upper Dining Terrace
- Built-in Bar along the edge
- Retail Space
- Public Seating
- City Winery
The Cove (Between Dearborn and Clark)
- Kayak Rental Retail Space
- Dock Space
- Human-powered Watercraft Area
- Flanders Belgian Beer & Fries, a Restaurant
The River Theater (Between Clark and LaSalle) Set to open in early June 2015
- Access from Upper Wacker to Riverwalk Level
- Wendella Water Taxi Access
The Marina Plaza is one of the larger tourist attraction areas. Here you can eat, shop, grab a drink, or just relax while enjoying the water. The Cove is a bit different, as the focus is primarily on getting out on the River and having fun while cruising around. This is the main area for getting out on and coming back in from the river. Lastly, the River Theater is a passageway from the busy street of Upper Wacker to the peaceful Riverwalk.
The following three new areas will be opening within the next year, though a specific timeline has not been provided just yet. These are:
The Swimming Hole (Between LaSalle and Wells)
- Primary Recreational Area
- Zero Depth Fountain
The Jetty (Between Wells and Franklin)
- Ecological Area
- Here you can learn about the Chicago River and what makes it tick
- Floating Gardens
- Fishing Piers
The Boardwalk (Between Franklin and Lake)
- Iconic Bridge from Upper Wacker to Riverwalk
- Surrounded by Floating Gardens and Landscaping
We’ll be providing more information on these areas as they begin to take shape, but it appears that the Swimming Hole will be the relaxing, tranquil area that visitors use to hang out by the river. It will be similar to the Marina Plaza but without the buzzing store action. The Jetty is focused on aesthetics and education. It holds small exhibits that detail the Chicago River’s ecological aspects, and there are floating gardens held loosely near the walk. The Boardwalk will provide access to the Riverwalk from the West side, echoing the River Theater’s function. It’s anticipated that this area will be more like the Jetty in terms of its setup.
Looking for pictures of the new Riverwalk? Look no further!
The Riverwalk is free and open to the public from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm daily. Concessions operate from mid-May to mid-October.
