Best Places to Walk to and From in River North

Where to Walk from Your Furnished Apartment in River North

River North used to be a warehouse and manufacturing district. Today it's one of the most fashionable neighborhoods in Chicago, where historic brick lofts sit next to modern high-rises, just a short walk from the Michigan Avenue shopping district and across the river from the Loop.

Whether you live here or you're staying in one of the furnished apartments Pinnacle Furnished Suites offers in River North, here are some local favorites worth the walk.

River North Overview

River North is lively and full of young professionals who live and work in the area. Offices, restaurants, art galleries and nightlife fill the neighborhood, and the Chicago Riverwalk runs along its southern edge. If you live in River North, most of your shopping, dining and entertainment is within easy walking distance.

Staying for a month or longer? Our new guide to living in River North for 1–6 months covers transit, groceries and our furnished apartments in the neighborhood.

River North Art Galleries

River North has long been one of Chicago's gallery districts. Two good stops sit near the river and the Merchandise Mart, at the southern edge of the neighborhood:

• Richard Norton Gallery: Inside the Merchandise Mart at 14-119 Merchandise Mart Plaza, this gallery focuses on American and European Impressionist and early modern paintings, sculpture and drawings. It's open on weekdays and by appointment.

• Zg Gallery: At 300 W. Superior St., at Franklin, Zg has shown contemporary painting, photography, sculpture and works on paper in River North since 2002, with several solo exhibitions each year. It's a short walk from the Chicago Brown Line station.

After dark, walk down to the Riverwalk for ART on THE MART, the large digital art projections shown on the river-facing facade of the Merchandise Mart. Projections run Thursday through Sunday evenings for part of the year, and the best views are from the Riverwalk between Wells and Franklin. Check the schedule before you go, because times change with the seasons.

River North Dining and Drinking

Looking for a great place to eat in River North? The neighborhood has a huge range of restaurants, from steakhouses and Italian to Japanese, Mexican, Thai and more. Two local institutions are still going strong:

• Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse: At 33 W. Kinzie St., the original Harry Caray's serves steaks, chops and Italian favorites in a historic building packed with sports memorabilia. It's a must-visit if you love baseball.

• Three Dots and a Dash: This underground tiki bar at 435 N. Clark St. is a little hard to find. The entrance is in the alley off Hubbard Street, but once you're in, you won't forget it. Expect tropical cocktails, a deep rum list and shareable bites. It's 21+, and reservations are a good idea.

River North Parks

When you need a break from the city, these parks are an easy walk:

• A. Montgomery Ward Park (formerly called Erie Park): This Chicago Park District park at 630 N. Kingsbury St. stretches along the North Branch of the Chicago River. It has a riverside promenade with benches and skyline views, a large playground, a dog-friendly area and a spray pool for summer days.

• Milton Lee Olive Park: Just east of River North in Streeterville, next to Ohio Street Beach, this lakefront park has some of the best skyline views in the city. The City's Department of Water Management runs it. It's open to the public, but it has no restrooms or parking, so plan to walk or bike.

• The Chicago Riverwalk: This free path runs along the main branch of the river from Lake Street to the lakefront and is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. It's a great walk from River North into the Loop.

Stay in River North

Our furnished apartments in River North come fully furnished and decorated, so you can settle in and enjoy the neighborhood from day one, whether you're here for work or a longer personal stay. See every building on our River North neighborhood page, or browse all of our Chicago neighborhoods.

Questions or ready to book? Email inquiries@pfsuites.com with your dates, or use the Inquire form on any building page.