As the name suggests, the River North lies to the north (and west) of the Chicago River, directly “above” the Loop when looking at the map. Bordered by the Magnificent Mile to the east and Chicago Avenue to the north, it’s a well walkable location and home to the headquarters of some brands such as Groupon, Yelp, Motorola Mobility, and ConAgra.
Chicago is the third largest city in the United States and is home to many famous architectural structures, including more than 1,300 high-rise buildings and the famous Trump International Hotel and Towers. As the second tallest building in Chicago and the fifth tallest in the United States, this 98-story building is located on the main arm of the Chicago River, in the River Gallery North neighborhood. The all-glass building features a hotel, apartments, and retail space.
Along the river is also Bertrand Goldberg’s famous Marina City neighborhood, home to the Chicago House of Blues. This famous building is a stunning music hall with interiors modeled after the Estavovsky Opera House in Prague. Every Sunday, the House of Blues hosts the Gospel Branch brunch, featuring local talent. Brunch is filled with mouthwatering dishes like made-to-order omelets, but their “world famous” chicken and waffles are not to be missed!
Not far from the Michigan-Wacker Historic District is the Wrigley Building, a National Historic Landmark. Helping to define the Magnificent Mile, chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. laid out the landscape as Michigan Avenue was extended north of the river. This shimmering skyscraper is made up of six different shades of gleaming white terra cotta, all of which are beautifully illuminated at night.
If you’re an art aficionado, you might be surprised to learn that the River North gallery district has quietly become the location of the largest concentration of art galleries outside of Manhattan. Located between Orleans and LaSalle, mainly along Chicago, Superior, and Huron, many of these galleries were inspired by the large industrial areas that have been continuously redeveloped since the 1970s.
If you’re less of an artist and more of a pick-up artist, you should check out First Fridays, a not-to-be-missed party where galleries stay open late on the first Friday of every month. It’s definitely a cultural favorite for singles! In the summer, you won’t want to miss the Midsummer Art Walk, Chicago’s largest art event with live music and delicious local food.
In a pocket near the Merchandise Mart is the River North Design District, which offers interior design suggestions for both designers and consumers. There are many showrooms in this bustling neighborhood featuring everything from lighting to tile to furniture, all to help you create a unique space.
Get to know River North Gallery and River North Design District through their annual gallery walk to experience a full lineup of openings and events. This year’s River North Design District (RNDD) event will take place on September 6, 2019.
Another “neighborhood within a neighborhood” is the River North Cathedral District, which gets its name from the high density of churches in the area. Stretching less than two square miles, the neighborhood boasts new high-rise developments and famous churches, such as the Holy Name Cathedral and the famous St. James Cathedral. A blend of old and new, this popular neighborhood is also home to many prestigious luxury apartments and high-rises.
Located on the North River, just steps away from the Magnificent Mile, the Richard H. Drighouse Museum is housed in one of Chicago’s most monumental 19th century residential buildings, the Gilded Age home of Samuel Mayo Nickerson (founder of Chicago’s first national bank). The artworks on display in the museum are a collection of American and European decorative arts from the late 19th and 20th centuries.
Although there is not much green space on the North River, Ward (A. Montgomery) Park is a 3.10-acre oasis that stretches along the north bank of the river. Bring a picnic lunch, let Fido take a walk in the fresh air in the dog-friendly area, and enjoy the riverfront promenade on the west side of the North River.
Each season, more than 35,000 people come together to experience the Taste of the River North, located in Ward Park. This summer festival offers food from dynamic restaurants, live music, and activities. Sip on a beer, feast on a variety of culinary bites, and enjoy this annual outdoor summertime fun.
Vibrant and exciting, with a mass of young professionals, artists and entrepreneurs, River North has successfully established itself as a sought-after Chicago neighborhood for both work and play.