Hear stories of the past and details of the bridge, and learn about people inspired by the potential of the Chicago River

• See exhibits celebrating Chicago's river and world-famous movable bridges
• Find out why it is important to protect the river and how to take part in its renaissance
• At river level, see the massive gears of Chicago’s most famous movable bridge and experience the story of the Chicago River
• Once at the top of the Bridgehouse, admire spectacular 360-degree views of the city and river
• On Bridge Lift Days* every spring and fall, the museum gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the moving gears as they lift the enormous Michigan Avenue bridge leaf. This allows boat traffic to pass through the heart of Chicago
• The Bridgehouse Museum promotes the mission of Friends of the Chicago River

Exhibits

• The City of Bridges - learn about The Bascule Trunnion Bridge, Chicago's first movable bridge, bridgehouse exterior, and lots of bridge facts

• Boomtown - discover the history of Chicago Harbor and making the river work, and learn about The Illinois and Michigan Canal

• The Chicago River - find out more about the river that was a major center of the lumber and meatpacking industries in the 19th century

• For Our Health - learn about failed attempts and successes of getting and protecting clean drinking water

• A River And Its City - explore the stunning changes taking place in Chicago's watershed

What You Need to Know

• Not valid for Special Events
• Check the museum's website prior to your visit to see any closures or restrictions
• *Additional fees may apply for Bridge Lift Days
• Children age 5 and under are admitted for free

Reviews from Visitors

• Foodange: A fascinating little museum detailing the history of the Chicago River and its bridges. Going up 5 stories of an actual bridge house we understood what a brilliant feat of engineering these movable bridges were. From the top there’s a great view of the river and its buildings.

• Bill: The McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum is a mouthful, but this smallish museum is a fun place to pop into if you are around the Chicago Riverwalk and North Michigan Avenue. The museum incorporates the Southwest Bridgetower at Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive. You can see the gears of the DuSable Bridge (formerly called the Michigan Avenue Bridge) and a few displays as well. However, the main joys of a visit here are walking up the tight stairs of the tower to see all the nooks and crannies, and then checking out the fantastic views from the windows This museum is open seasonally, and there is amazingly free admission on Sundays so check it out once things open up again in the city.

• Ross: Great little museum on the bridgeports and ecology of the Chicago River! Especially great if you don't have a lot of time in the day or want a unique local perspective of the city!