Rosalind Cummings-Yeates 2023-01-12 05:38:36
Dive into the exciting offerings of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan by exploring waterside attractions, boat tours, and miles of beaches. CHICAGO RIVER Stroll the 1.25 miles of the Chicago Riverwalk to take in the full scope of riverside fun. Visit the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum and discover the gears and inner workings of the city’s famous moveable bridges. Absorb the serenity of the fountains and view commemorative markers at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza. Browse the locally made goods at the Community Marketplace. Enjoy the views, bites, and sips at the riverfront cafes and beer gardens. Head to the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) to learn how Chicago became known as “the city of architecture,” with interactive exhibits about our diverse neighborhoods, soaring skyscrapers, and influential architects. The CAC also offers tours, cruises, and programs to showcase Chicago’s iconic architecture. Get on the water to see the city in a whole new way. Choose the Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady for an engaging, docent-led tour of architectural gems. Wendella Tours & Cruises offers a variety of themed cruises, including beer and BBQ. Mercury Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline features an urban adventure cruise. Take a sunset brew cruise aboard a retired Chicago fireboat with Chicago Fireboat Tours. Float along the river in a glass-enclosed vessel with upscale dining and spectacular views of the Chicago skyline on an Odyssey Chicago River dinner cruise. Or paddle the Chicago River with Urban Kayaks, which provides guided kayak tours of Chicago history and landmarks. Close out your day with the dazzling spectacle of Art on theMART, a digital art display synced with music that spans 2.5 acres across the river-facing facade of theMART, making it the largest permanent digital art projection in the world. Head to the Chicago Riverwalk between Wells and Lake streets for the best view. LAKE MICHIGAN Take in the expansive glory of Lake Michigan along the scenic 18.5-mile path of Chicago’s Lakefront Trail. Grab some wheels at Bike and Roll Chicago and glide along the trail solo or opt for a guided bike tour. Stop by historic Navy Pier and soar 200 feet in the air for striking panoramas of Lake Michigan and the skyline on the Centennial Wheel. Hop on other rides like the carousel or the wave swinger at the waterside Pier Park. Relax by the tranquil fountain or catch a free performance at Polk Bros Park. See award-winning shows at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, home to The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare, one of the most flexible theatre venues in the world. Sip chilled brews and listen to free concerts at the Navy Pier Beer Garden, which is also a great spot to catch the twice-weekly summertime fireworks. A variety of sightseeing cruises launch from Navy Pier, including the thrilling speedboat rides with Chicago Seadog, tranquil skyline lake tours with Shoreline Sightseeing, and the theatrical fun of skyline sails aboard the four-masted schooner Tall Ship Windy. For elegant dining cruises, nothing beats the beauty of Lake Michigan’s azure waters. Board Odyssey Lake Michigan for a cruise filled with music and a plated menu, the Spirit of Chicago for buffet dining and interactive games, and Mystic Blue for casual cruising and dancing. On shore, enjoy stunning Lake Michigan views and tasty dishes at The Lakefront Restaurant, nestled inside the landmark Theater on the Lake. Play on one of Chicago’s many beaches that dot its 26 miles of lakefront. Dip into the lake at Oak Street Beach, popular for sunbathing and people watching. North Avenue Beach is noted for its sand volleyball tournaments. At 63rd Street Beach, catch free music at Reggies on the Beach. And Rainbow Beach offers one of the city’s best skyline views. Try water sports like stand-up paddleboarding with Chicago SUP and jet skiing with Jet Ski Chicago, both offered at North Avenue Beach. Or paddle away in a kayak from Chicago Water Sport Rentals at 31st Street Harbor. AUTHOR’S TIP Follow Chicago’s Lakefront Trail to Ohio Street Beach, one of the city’s most secluded beaches, tucked away just northwest of Navy Pier. Grab a drink at the beachside Caffè Oliva and enjoy the water views.
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