McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum
The McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum, opened in 2006 by Friends of the Chicago River, celebrates Chicago’s river and world-famous movable bridges by shining light on their significance to the city. Beginning at river level and spiraling five stories up, this vertical adventure provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore a historic landmark bridgehouse.
The discovery begins at river level in the Gear Room, where visitors can view the massive gears of Chicago’s most famous movable bridge, and get an up-close look at its inner workings. On Bridge Lift Days, the Gear Room truly comes to life, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the gears and 12,000-ton counterweights in motion. Working together they lift the 4,200-ton bridge leaf into the sky, allowing boat traffic to pass through the heart of Chicago.
The museum experience continues by taking visitors on a journey through time. As they spiral their way up the Bridgehouse, visitors uncover the history of the Chicago River and how it transformed the city from marshland to metropolis. Once at the top, they are treated to magnificent 360 degree views of the city and river, and will gain a whole new perspective on the beauty and complexity that is Chicago.
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