Chicago Riverwalk
A downtown river-level promenade out-and-back past the Riverwalk's public rooms, bridges, seating, art, and planted edges.
- Distance
- 2.5 mi · Out & back
- Time
- 50 min
- Surface
- Paved river-level promenade
- Grade / hills
- Promenade is generally level; access grades vary by entrance
Start
Riverwalk west entrance near Lake Street and Wacker Drive
Directions
Route
- Start at the west end of the downtown Riverwalk near Lake Street and the river's main branch.
- Follow the river-level promenade east beneath the downtown bridges, staying on the continuous public walkway.
- Continue through the named Riverwalk rooms toward the lakeward end of the promenade.
- Turn around at the east end and retrace the river-level route to Lake Street.
Good to know
The city describes the promenade as 1.25 miles, doubled here for the return. River-level sections use stairs, ramps, or elevators from Upper Wacker; seasonal businesses, construction, and bridge-area crowding can affect passage.