Blink and you might miss it: The Riverwalk, one of Chicagos best attractions is located across the River from the West Loop at Lake & Wacker. If you drive along Upper Wacker you might not realize this world of food, art and entertainment are just one floor below. Definitely try to spend some time in this local urban paradise!
One might claim, the city of Chicago exists because four hundred years ago, settlers found beautiful Lake Michigan (an excellent water source) with very specific marshy tributaries (Chicago River) and knew it had great potential for an industrial future.
In the 1600s it was already being used in trade routes. Eventually this unregulated Industry polluted the Chicago River to disgusting levels but eventually that was reversed and now you’ll find folks fishing off the Riverwalk (however they typically release after catching). Chicago visionary and creator, Daniel Burnham introduced a new civic vision of riverside promenades with the addition of the Wacker Drive viaduct.
The riverwalk has been under construction for the better part of 50 years, in 2015 construction was finally finished on the 1.25 mile stretch on the south bank and a local paradise was brought to life, with former Mayor Rahm Emmaunel citing it’s an initiative to reclaim the Chicago River for the ecological, recreational and economic benefit of the city.
The Chicago Riverwalk is 1.25 miles which stretches from Lake Michigan to Lake Street and has various attractions along the way. Their website counts 34 distinct features: starting from Lake Street, just down the steps at Wacker on Lower Wacker level…there is a large peninsula with Adirondack chairs, art and boat cleats!
Continue reading “Local Paradise : Chicago Riverwalk and a few homes for sale nearby!”
