Field guide
Chicago Riverwalk parking and official trail guide
Find official information for running or walking the Chicago Riverwalk trail. This guide covers the continuous path, its six distinct blocks, and public amenities.
The Chicago Riverwalk is a continuous pedestrian walkway located along the main branch of the Chicago River. It functions as a public amenity that connects the lakefront with the downtown area.
This guide provides details about the route based on official information, including the different sections of the path and the recreational features available.
Official facts at a glance
- Type of place
- continuous walkway and recreational amenity
- Type of place
- pedestrian walkway and public amenity
- Location
- along the main branch of the Chicago River, connecting the lakefront with the heart of downtown
- Thematic blocks
- six blocks from State Street west to Lake Street: The Marina (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 Marina features
- restaurant retail space and public seating
- The River Theater features
- vertical access between Upper Wacker and the Riverwalk level
- The Cove features
- kayak rental retail space and human-powered watercraft docking
- The Swimming Hole features
- area for recreation, which may include a water feature such as a zero-depth fountain
- The Jetty features
- location for learning about the ecology of the river, with floating gardens and piers for fishing
- The Boardwalk features
- site of an iconic bridge bringing people from Upper Wacker down to the Riverwalk level
- Memorial
- Vietnam Veterans memorial west of Wabash Avenue
Source: City of Chicago :: Chicago Riverwalk (chicago.gov). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
The Riverwalk route
The walkway runs from State Street west to Lake Street. The path is divided into six thematic blocks.
These blocks are The Marina, The Cove, The River Theater, The Swimming Hole, The Jetty, and The Boardwalk.
Features and access points
Each block offers different features. Amenities include public seating, restaurant and kayak rental retail space, and piers for fishing with floating gardens. A Vietnam Veterans memorial is located west of Wabash Avenue.
Vertical access from Upper Wacker Drive down to the Riverwalk level is available at The River Theater. An iconic bridge also provides access at The Boardwalk block.
Before you go
- The Riverwalk is a pedestrian walkway, so expect to share the path with others.
- Access to the walkway from the upper street level is located at specific points like The River Theater and The Boardwalk.
- Note that some areas are designated for specific activities, such as docking for human-powered watercraft or fishing.
- Public seating is available in The Marina section between State and Dearborn streets.
- The path is a continuous route connecting the lakefront and downtown.
Nearby options: running and active spots in Chicago. All cities: City running and hiking guides.