Working our way south, this series has finally arrived at the best-known section of the Chicago River: the downtown Riverwalk. We’ll start at the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum, discuss the Riverwalk’s history, follow as much of the river as we can downtown before running along The 78, and end at Chinatown’s iconic riverfront Ping Tom Memorial Park. This run is just under 4 miles and point-to-point; however, the Chinatown/Cermak Red line station is a few minute’s jog from the Park’s entrance. Meet at 6pm on Wednesday, September 21 at McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum (Google Maps link here). Optional post-run discussion with Guide Chelsey Grassfield willbe held at Imperial Chicago (Google Maps link here).
REQUIRED DONATION: To attend, you must make a donation to the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) USING THIS LINK. Give what you can, but we suggest a $20 donation. Guide Chelsey Grassfield is on the IEC Young Professionals Board and is fundraising with her colleagues for the IEC to benefit the important environmental work they do.
OPTIONAL READING: As this event is a running tour, reading the book prior is optional. If you do read the book inspiring this series, we suggest reading the following chapters from The Chicago River: a Natural and Unnatural History by Libby Hill:
Chapter 25: The Evolution of a Riverwalk
Chapters 4 - 6: The Natural Chicago River: Animal, Vegetable, Mineral; Tribal Land; Passages and Treaties