The bridge lifts are beginning for the fall 2016 season, and with that our bridge lift viewing tickets are now available at the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum. Experience the bridge lifts up close and personal in the museum's gear room. Watch the massive working gears lift the DuSable (Michigan Avenue) Bridge for an insider's view from the only working bridgehouse tower open to the public in Chicago.

Our most adventurous canoe trip of the season provides paddlers with a chance to glimpse local wildlife, including herons, turtles, mink and deer. We'll paddle six river miles from Winnetka to Morton Grove along the North Branch of the Chicago River, passing through quiet, forested landscapes as the narrow river meanders back and forth. 

Click for more information and a trip itinerary.

NOTE: This trip is sold out. 

Beaubien Woods is located along the Calumet River on the south border of Chicago. At the time of settlement it was best described as a mosaic of sand prairie, marsh, and savanna. The main work area consists of remnant marsh and former prairie. The marsh has been invaded by wetland plants that need to be reduced or removed to improve the natural plant communities there. The former prairie has had anthropogenic disturbance and activities there will revolve around removal of non-native brush.

Register here!

The first annual Riverwalk Fall Festival kicks off this Friday, October 7th! The festival features a pumpkin patch, decorating station, and specials and discounts at eight vendors along the riverwalk. The festival lasts all weekend, so come join us for some fun on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

Check out these specials!

Somme Woods East, the furthest east of the Sommes, has bur and white oak woodlands with massive old oaks, open marshes, and ephemeral ponds. Rich with native plants and animals, they are being restored to their original beauty. This site is part of the visionary Next Century Conservation Plan to ensure that thousands of acres of healthy woodlands, wetlands and prairies continue to exist and thrive in our forest preserves. Be a part of river and forest revitalization by joining an inspiring movement of volunteers gathering to restore this special site along the Chicago River. Learn what it takes to restore diverse wildlife, trees, wildflowers, and health in our forest preserves and our river system. Our goal is to grow a community of people who will become caretakers and stewards through on-going education and training.

Register here!

This uncommon woodland community encompasses wet savanna, degraded marsh, and mature floodplain woods, and is dominated by swamp white oaks. Plants such as swamp saxifrage, blue flag iris, and bluejoint grass are indicators the wetness of this site. In the more mesic woodland along the river bluff, one finds plants with such picturesqe names as zig-zag goldenrod, wild geranium, wood reed, bottlebrush grass and golden alexanders. Be a part of river and forest revitalization by joining an inspiring movement of volunteers gathering to restore this special site along the Chicago River. Learn what it takes to restore diverse wildlife, trees, wildflowers, and health in our forest preserves and our river system. Our goal is to grow a community of people who will become caretakers and stewards through on-going education and training.

Register here!

Chicago Museum Week returns for its second year Oct. 13 – 23 with discounted admission, exclusive offers and special programs. During the 11-day celebration, Illinois residents will receive 10 – 25 percent off admission at participating institutions.

Museum Week is a celebration of Chicago’s museums and cultural destinations that connect us with art, culture, history, science, animals and nature. It’s a chance to discover a new museum in Chicago, or rediscover a favorite one.

Add some culture to your happy hour at Brews -n- Views, a FREE BYOB event at the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum.  

FREE admission from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday October 13th, 20th, and 27th.  Check it out!

The McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum is excited to participate in Open House Chicago 2016 for the fourth year in a row.  The Chicago Architecture Foundation's annual festival is free and open to the public, offering behind the scenes access to 200 buildings across Chicago. See all the sites included in this year's festival here.

The McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum is excited to participate in Open House Chicago 2016 for the fourth year in a row.  The Chicago Architecture Foundation's annual festival is free and open to the public, offering behind the scenes access to 200 buildings across Chicago. See all the sites included in this year's festival here.