Discover the rich natural history of the Chicago-Calumet River System. Explore its critical role in early trade and travel. Learn how residents tried to shape and control the Chicago River. And see how, today, we work to protect the river as a vital part of our city and natural world.

* Enter a historic landmark bridgehouse, built in 1920. The bridgehouse provides a viewing platform inside the iconic DuSable Bridgehouse for an inside look at the gears and counterweight system that still is in operation. * 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 * 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
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Exhibits

• The Gear Room - Explore the inner workings of the DuSable Bridge, built in 1920. Learn how a bascule trunnion bridge operates and information on why this location is an important part of Chicago history.

• A Prairie Stream and a Point of Contact - the abundant natural landscape and a strategic location set the stage for exploration, exploitation, and growth.

• A Boomtown and its Impact - Chicago grew from trading post to bustling city. Unprecedented progress was possible because the river became a tool for commerce and industry – but paid a price in its health

• *Pieces of the Past * - Historic photos and vintage bridge equipment offer a vision of what the city and river once looked like.

• Down the Drain - Efforts to address a filthy river begin, with engineering ingenuity and occasional mistakes

• Back to Life - dedication, collaboration, and the Clean Water Act bring the river back to life

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What You Need to Know

• Not valid for Special Events or Guided Tours. Those may incur an upcharge.
• 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!