Chicago Riverwalk Visit Plan: Walk the River, Then Ride the Water Taxi Route

Chicago Riverwalk Visit Plan: Walk the River, Then Ride the Water Taxi Route

The short answer: the best way to see the Chicago Riverwalk is to walk it in one direction and let Chicago Water Taxi bring you back. Start at the Michigan Avenue dock (400 N Michigan Ave, beside the Wrigley Building), cross the DuSable Bridge to the Riverwalk, stroll west to Lake Street, then walk a few blocks south along Wacker Drive and cross the Madison Street Bridge to the Ogilvie/Union dock and ride the boat back to Michigan Avenue, or keep going to Chinatown. You see the river from the path and from the water, and you never walk the same stretch twice. A one-way ride is $10 between any two docks.

Table of Contents

The Riverwalk and the Water Taxi at a Glance

Question Answer Source
Where do I board near the Riverwalk? Michigan Avenue dock, 400 N Michigan Ave, between the Wrigley Building and Trump International Hotel & Tower Michigan Ave dock page
Which route do I ride? The Main Branch: Michigan Ave, Ogilvie/Union, and Chinatown, with no transfer between them Main Branch route
How long is the ride? About 25 to 45 minutes end to end, depending on the dock pair Main Branch route
How much is it? $10 one way between any two docks; children 3 and under ride free; cashless Fares
When does it run? Generally March through the end of December, from mid-morning (weekdays) or late morning (weekends) until mid-evening FAQ
Does it run in the rain? Yes, rain or shine; every boat has a covered area FAQ

One expectation to set early: Chicago Water Taxi is ferry-style river transportation between fixed docks, not a narrated tour. If you want a guide telling the story of the buildings, the water taxi vs Wendella tour comparison explains the difference.

How the Riverwalk Connects to the Docks

The Chicago Riverwalk is a public path along the Main Branch of the Chicago River, running from the lakefront at Lake Shore Drive west to Lake Street, below the level of Wacker Drive. Two Chicago Water Taxi docks sit at its edges, which is what makes a one-way walk possible:

  • Michigan Avenue dock (east end of your walk). The official dock page places it along the riverwalk at 400 N Michigan Ave, between the Wrigley Building and Trump International Hotel & Tower, at the northwest corner of the DuSable (Michigan Avenue) Bridge. The dock is on the north bank, while the long, continuous Riverwalk runs along the south bank, so cross the DuSable Bridge to start walking west.
  • Ogilvie/Union dock (west end of your walk). The West Loop dock page puts it on the South Branch at the northwest corner of the Madison Street Bridge, next to 2 Riverside Plaza. From the Riverwalk's west end at Lake Street, walk south along Wacker Drive to Madison Street and cross the bridge; the dock is on the west bank.

The third Main Branch stop, Chinatown, is farther south in Ping Tom Memorial Park, beside the park's Pagoda. It is not on the Riverwalk, but it makes a great extension once you are on the boat.

What You Will Pass on the Riverwalk, East to West

The Riverwalk is built as a series of blocks, each with its own character. Walking west from Michigan Avenue, you will move through these sections:

  1. The DuSable Bridge and the Civic stretch (Michigan Avenue to Dearborn). The busiest part of the walk, with the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower across the water and the bridge's stone towers overhead.
  2. Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza (around State and Wabash). A quieter, landscaped space that is worth a pause.
  3. The Marina, the Cove, and the River Theater (State to LaSalle). Seating and food vendors at the Marina, kayak and canoe docking at the Cove, and the River Theater's broad steps, which climb up to Upper Wacker Drive. This is the stretch most people picture when they think of the Riverwalk.
  4. The Water Plaza, the Jetty, and the Boardwalk (LaSalle to Lake). A zero-depth fountain, piers with floating wetland gardens, and an accessible boardwalk that carries you to Lake Street, with Wolf Point and the meeting of the river's three branches just ahead.

Restaurants, cafés, bars, and boat rentals along the way are seasonal and set their own hours, so treat them as a bonus rather than the plan. The walk itself, from Michigan Avenue to Lake Street, is under a mile and takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes at an easy pace, longer if you stop at every bench.

The Walk-Then-Ride Loop, Step by Step

This is the plan we recommend for a first visit. It uses only the Main Branch, needs no transfer, and covers the river from two angles.

  1. Check the trip planner first. Departure times vary by dock and day, and the FAQ points riders to the trip planner on chicagowatertaxi.com for exact times. Note the last departure from Ogilvie/Union on your date.
  2. Start at 400 N Michigan Ave. Get your bearings at the dock, then cross the DuSable Bridge to the south bank.
  3. Walk west along the Riverwalk through the sections above until it ends at Lake Street.
  4. Walk south to the Ogilvie/Union dock. Follow Wacker Drive a few blocks to Madison Street, cross the Madison Street Bridge, and find the dock at its northwest corner.
  5. Ride back to Michigan Avenue, now seeing from the water everything you just walked past. Michigan Avenue is the end of the route, so everyone gets off there, per the Main Branch route page.

Want more river? At Ogilvie/Union, ride south to Chinatown instead. Explore the neighborhood (the Chinatown food and souvenirs guide has ideas), then ride the full route back to Michigan Avenue. That is two one-way rides and the whole Main Branch in both directions.

Three Ways to Plan Your Visit

Plan Route Rides Best for
The classic loop Walk Michigan Ave to Lake St, ride Ogilvie/Union to Michigan Ave 1 one-way ($10) First-timers with two or three hours
The full river day Walk the Riverwalk, ride Ogilvie/Union to Chinatown, then Chinatown to Michigan Ave 2 one-way ($20) A half day with lunch in Chinatown
Train arrival Arrive at Ogilvie or Union Station, ride to Michigan Ave, walk the Riverwalk west, take your train home 1 one-way ($10) Metra and Amtrak day-trippers

Fares are per person; children 3 and under ride free. The West Loop dock page explains the walk from each station: from Ogilvie, go north through the terminal and across the skybridge to 2 Riverside Plaza; from Union Station, follow Madison Street to the river.

The Main Branch Route, Stop by Stop

  • Michigan Ave (400 N Michigan Ave). Walkable to 360 Chicago, Millennium Park, the Art Institute, River North, Streeterville, and the Magnificent Mile. CTA: Red Line to Grand, or the elevated lines to State/Lake. Source: Michigan Ave dock page.
  • Ogilvie/Union (South Branch, at the Madison Street Bridge). Near the Financial District, the Lyric Opera House, and the Willis Tower Skydeck. CTA: Brown, Orange, Pink, or Purple Line to Washington/Wells. Source: West Loop dock page.
  • Chinatown (Ping Tom Memorial Park, 1700 S Wentworth Ave). Near the Chinatown Gate and the Nine-Dragon Wall. CTA: Red Line to Cermak-Chinatown, then south on Wentworth and east on 19th Street. Source: Chinatown dock page.

The Chicago Avenue dock is not part of this plan. It is served only by the North Branch route, with a transfer at Ogilvie/Union, on what the route page calls an extremely restricted schedule. The Main Branch guide covers the difference.

Fares and Tickets

According to the official fares page and FAQ:

  • One-way ticket: $10. One ride in one direction between any two docks. A return trip needs a second ticket.
  • Seniors: $5 (50% off). Persons with disabilities also get 50% off one-way tickets.
  • Active-duty military: free with valid ID.
  • Children 3 and under: free. Ages 4 and up need a ticket.
  • 10-Ride Commuter Pass: works out to $3 per ride, sold online only through an account.
  • Cashless: cash is not accepted.
  • No expiration date: tickets expire only by use.

Discounted senior, disability, and military tickets are bought in person at the Ogilvie/Union or Michigan Ave dock with ID. Everyone else can buy online, on board, at a Wendella kiosk, or at the Michigan Avenue or Ogilvie/Union ticket offices. More detail is in the fares and passes guide.

Season, Hours, and Weather

The water taxi season generally runs from March through the end of December. Service starts mid-morning on weekdays and late morning on weekends and runs until mid-evening, per the FAQ. That makes the walk-then-ride loop a daytime plan; for an evening version, see our Halloween and fall evening route.

The boats run rain or shine. Every water taxi has a covered area, three out of four are climate controlled, and the boats have restrooms. The Riverwalk itself is open-air, so on a wet day consider flipping the plan: ride first, then walk only the stretch you want. The rain or shine guide has more weather tips.

Strollers, Bikes, and Accessibility

  • Strollers and luggage are allowed, subject to inspection. At most docks, strollers are folded and carried across the boarding plank, and children get out first (FAQ). The boats have stroller space and changing tables (boat information).
  • Bikes are welcome when space permits, at the Captain's discretion (boat information). A bike-and-boat Riverwalk day works best outside busy times; see the kids, bikes, and luggage guide.
  • Food and drink: outside food and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed on board; some vessels sell snacks and drinks, including alcohol (FAQ).
  • Wheelchair access: limited wheelchair-accessible route options are offered on weekdays, subject to availability, and must be reserved 5 days in advance. Call 312-337-1446 or email taxi@wendellaboats.com before you plan around it (FAQ, boat safety and regulations).

Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Expecting to board anywhere on the Riverwalk. You can only board at docks. Plan your walk to end at Ogilvie/Union or back at Michigan Avenue.
  2. Looking for the dock on the wrong bank. The Michigan Avenue dock is on the north side of the river by the Wrigley Building, not on the south-bank Riverwalk.
  3. Planning a Navy Pier stop. The water taxi does not go to Navy Pier. The Michigan Avenue dock is about one mile west of it (FAQ). The Navy Pier guide shows how to connect on land.
  4. Walking past the last boat. Service ends mid-evening. Check the last departure from your return dock before a long lunch.
  5. Bringing only cash. The service is cashless.

In summer, there is also a separate, ticketed Fireworks Cruise: 45 minutes on the river to watch the Navy Pier fireworks, Wednesday evenings only, from the Michigan Avenue dock. A regular $10 fare does not cover it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I board the water taxi from the Chicago Riverwalk?

At the Michigan Avenue dock, 400 N Michigan Ave, on the north side of the river between the Wrigley Building and Trump International Hotel & Tower, at the DuSable Bridge. At the west end of the Riverwalk, the closest dock is Ogilvie/Union at the Madison Street Bridge.

Can I walk the Riverwalk and take the water taxi back?

Yes. Walk west from Michigan Avenue to Lake Street, continue a few blocks south along Wacker Drive, cross the Madison Street Bridge to the Ogilvie/Union dock, and ride the Main Branch back to Michigan Avenue. It is one $10 one-way ticket and no transfer.

How long is the water taxi ride on the Main Branch?

About 25 to 45 minutes end to end, depending on the docks you choose. Departure times vary, so check the trip planner on chicagowatertaxi.com for your day.

How much is a Chicago Water Taxi ticket?

$10 one way between any two docks, $5 for seniors, and free for children 3 and under and active-duty military with ID. The service is cashless, and tickets do not expire by date.

Does the Chicago Water Taxi stop at Navy Pier?

No. The closest stop is the Michigan Avenue dock, about one mile west of Navy Pier.

When does the Chicago Water Taxi run?

The season generally runs from March through the end of December. Service starts mid-morning on weekdays and late morning on weekends and runs until mid-evening, rain or shine.

Plan Your Riverwalk Day

Pick your date, check the trip planner on chicagowatertaxi.com for the last departure from Ogilvie/Union, and grab a one-way ticket. Walk the river first, then let the boat bring you back.