Looking for a scenic tour of Chicago? Try the Chicago Water Taxi!

Forget the busy lines and crowded sightseeing ferries and instead head to the bright yellow boats in the Chicago Water Taxi Fleet. For a fraction of the price and for more than twice the peacefulness, you can float down the river all the way to Chinatown, enjoying the views all the while. 

The Chicago Water Taxi has three stops along the Chicago River: a stop at Michigan Avenue, a stop at the Ogilvie Transportation Center and a stop in Chinatown. Boats travel up and down the Chicago River, stopping at each of the docks along the way. In between the docks there’s plenty to look at from the water, so there’s really no better way to get a scenic tour of Downtown Chicago than from the waters of the Chicago River!

Here’s the low-down on what to expect while riding the Chicago Water Taxi from the Michigan Avenue dock all the way down to the Chinatown dock!

Ride the Chicago Water Taxi down the Chicago River

Michigan Avenue dock

McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum

This historic bridge house on the south shore of the DuSable Bridge is a stunner to look at. Built in 1929 in the Beaux-Art style, this old bridge house-turned-museum tells the story of Chicago’s many movable bridges and, of course, the Chicago River itself!

Reid, Murdoch & Co. Building

The Reid Murdoch Building is a fascinating piece of Chicago history standing proudly along the Riverwalk and boasting a unique blend of architectural styles and past lives. 

Designed by George C. Nimmons, the building is a prime example of the Chicago School of architecture. Its red brick façade, decorative terra-cotta embellishments and steel and concrete skeleton showcase the style's emphasis on functionality and ornamentation.

Built in 1914 for grocery giant Reid, Murdoch & Co., the building housed not just offices but also warehouses for processing cheese and coffee and a humidor for rolling cigars. The building served as a makeshift hospital during World War I after the tragic Eastland disaster on the Chicago River, then in the 1950s the city acquired the building and used it for various municipal functions, including the traffic courts and State Attorney's office.

In 1998, Friedman Properties acquired the building and redeveloped it into office space. Today, it houses a variety of businesses and is a large piece of the Riverwalk’s vibrant community. 

Art on the Mart

With yearly programs starting in the spring, Art on the Mart is a massive art installation that projects contemporary art onto the riverfront façade of the Merchandise Mart, an equally impressive and locally significant piece of Chicago’s architecture and history. The Water Taxi goes right past this stunning piece of public art, so be sure to take an evening trip to be able to see this exciting display.

Chicago Riverwalk

The Chicago Riverwalk is a vibrant, meandering path that hugs the south bank of the Chicago River, stretching for 1.25 miles from Lake Michigan to Lake Street. 

It's more than just a walkway, though; it's a dynamic public space that pulsates with life, offering stunning views, diverse attractions and a unique perspective of the city. The path is dotted with restaurants, cafes, bars and kiosks catering to all tastes, so enjoy a fine-dining experience overlooking the water, grab a quick bite from a food truck or sip a cocktail on a riverside patio. Choose your own adventure!

The Wrigley Building

The Wrigley Building is a beacon of Chicago's architectural heritage, gracing the Magnificent Mile with its distinctive twin towers and terra-cotta splendor.

Built by chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr., the twin towers of the Wrigley Building were originally intended to house the corporate headquarters of the Wrigley Company, though the company only maintains offices in the south tower today. The architecture blends elements of Spanish Colonial Revival and French Renaissance styles, showcasing intricate terra-cotta detailing, ornamental towers and a sense of timeless grandeur that are common traits in such styles. However, to maintain the white terra-cotta's pristine condition, the entire building has to be hand-washed every few years in a meticulous process that requires specialized skills and equipment. .

This Magnificent Mile staple was one of the first skyscrapers in Chicago to install an air-conditioning system, making it a forerunner in building comfort and sustainability — not just an architectural marvel but a real city icon!

Terrace 16

Terrace 16 is a chic rooftop haven perched atop the Trump International Hotel & Tower, offering captivating city views, vibrant culinary experiences and a touch of luxury. The rooftop restaurant is great all year ‘round and adapts to the changing seasons; cozy fireplaces and warm blankets in the winter, lush greenery and refreshing cocktails in the summer!

The Corncobs

Also known as the "Marina City Towers" (which is their actual name, by the way), these Chicago landmarks with their distinctive cylindrical shape stand tall and unique above the city's Riverwalk.

Designed by architect Bertrand Goldberg and completed in 1967, Marina City was conceived as a "city within a city," offering residential apartments, office space, a theater, restaurants, shops and even a marina, all wrapped within the curved concrete forms of the towers.

Marina City was the first high-rise residential building built in the period following World War II and, as such, is credited with the rebirth of inner city life in the United States. It was also ahead of its time in terms of sustainability, incorporating features like solar panels and wind turbines long before they became mainstream.

Ogilvie Transportation Center dock

Ogilvie Transportation Center 

This landmark railway station, formerly known as Chicago & North Western Station, has been a key transport hub since 1911. Today, it serves as the terminus for the Metra commuter trains connecting Chicago to its many suburbs and beyond.

Lyric Opera House

On the other side of the River from the Ogilvie Transportation Center and across the Lyric Opera Bridge, this opulent venue showcases world-class opera, ballet and musical productions from companies across the globe. If you want a fancy night out, this is the place to go!

Chinatown dock

St. Charles Air Line Bridge

Built in 1919 by the American Bridge Company, this iconic bridge originally held the world record for the longest single-leaf bascule bridge, stretching an impressive 260 feet from its fulcrum. The innovative design allows the bridge to lift vertically, opening the waterway for passing ships going into town or further down the South Branch of the Chicago River. 

Today, the St. Charles Air Line Bridge carries both freight and passenger trains, serving vital transportation needs for the city and beyond. It's a crucial link in the Chicago Rail Network and an essential piece of regional commerce. Plus it looks really cool, so there’s that, too!

Fun fact: the bridge also features in Christopher Nolan’s “Batman: The Dark Knight” as the entrance to Batman’s Bat Cave!

Ping Tom Memorial Park

This stunning park will be one of the last sights you’ll pass by on the Water Taxi going into Chinatown, and you’ll actually disembark right in the park itself!

Ping Tom Park is a beautiful green haven in the heart of Chicago's Chinatown, offering a vibrant blend of natural beauty, cultural significance and community space with a design that draws inspiration from traditional Chinese landscape principles — meandering paths, bridges, pavilions and bamboo gardens.

The park is named after Ping Tom, a prominent Chinatown businessman and civic leader who tirelessly advocated for the neighborhood's revitalization. His dedication led to the park's creation in 1998, filling a long-standing need for green space in the community.

Chinatown Square Plaza

Chinatown Square Plaza is the bustling heart of Chicago's Chinatown, offering a vibrant mix of shopping, dining, cultural experiences and community gatherings. 

Situated at the intersection of Wentworth Avenue and Archer Avenue, Chinatown Square Plaza serves as the main entry point to the Chinatown neighborhood. The plaza itself is a two-story, open-air space designed to resemble traditional Chinese courtyards, creating a lively atmosphere with the hustle and bustle of the plaza blending seamlessly with the surrounding shops and restaurants. Twelve bronze sculptures of the Chinese zodiac animals are scattered throughout the plaza, adding a playful touch and representing the cultural significance of the zodiac in Chinese tradition.

Chicago's Chinatown Gateway

Just down South Wentworth Avenue is Chicago’s Chinatown Gateway, officially marking the entrance to Chinatown. The arch is adorned with two dragons symbolizing strength, wisdom and good luck — they stand guard over the archway and welcome visitors into the heart of the neighborhood.

Once you've crossed the threshold, you’ll get a chance to wander through the lively markets, savor authentic cuisine at local restaurants, visit historic temples and discover the beauty of Chinese art and culture in this slice of Chicago’s Chinese community!

Chinese American Museum of Chicago

If you’re looking for a deeper dive in the history of Chinese Americans in the Midwest, then be sure to check out the Chinese American Museum of Chicago (CAMOC) just a few blocks from Chinatown Square Plaza.

CAMOC's rotating exhibits explore diverse themes related to the Chinese American experience, from historical migrations and community development to personal stories and artistic expressions. The museum also offers a range of educational programs for all ages, including lectures, workshops and family activities, all of which delve into various aspects of Chinese American history and culture.

If you live anywhere in or around our luxury Chicago apartments and are looking for a way to tour your own city, then the Chicago Water Taxi is just the thing to visit! Look for one of the iconic yellow boats, hop on and enjoy the ride!

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Featured photo by Deborah L Carlson on Unsplash