City: Chicago, IL

Category: Parks & Recreation

Description: As part of a master plan under former Mayor Richard Daley to develop Chicago’s “second shoreline,” this riverwalk remains a work in progress, but the work that’s been done makes it worthy of warm-weather strolls, alfresco meals at outdoor cafes, or just a peaceful contemplation as the boats go by. Or go ahead and hop a ride on one of the many river and lake tours that push off from spots along the Riverwalk. Smell something fishy? That’s the so-called Fish Hotel, located near the Dearborn Street Bridge, a manmade hangout for finned creatures, complete with submerged plantings and flowering native plants that lend a little homey decor. Between Wabash Avenue and State Street sits one of the largest Vietnam veterans’ memorials outside of Washington, D.C., featuring a fountain and the names of Illinois soldiers killed or missing in action. And connecting the Riverwalk to the lakefront bike path is a trellised walkway under Lake Shore Drive that’s ornamented with murals illustrating Chicago’s growth as a city and various city achievements throughout the years. If you’d like to learn more about this waterway, head over to the Bridgehouse Museum. Open generally mid-May through mid-October, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.