Landmark · Downtown / The Loop
Clark Street Bridge
Antony-22 · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.
Clark Street Bridge is a double-leaf bascule bridge spanning the Chicago River in downtown Chicago's Loop district. Completed in 1929, it is one of the many movable bridges that define the city's riverfront. The bridge carries Clark Street over the river, connecting the Near North Side to the Loop. Pedestrians can walk across the bridge on wide sidewalks, enjoying panoramic views of the Chicago skyline, including the Marina City towers, the Wrigley Building, and the Tribune Tower. The bridge's control house, a small building at the center, is a distinctive feature. When a tall ship or barge passes, the bridge lifts its two leaves in a synchronized motion, a spectacle that draws onlookers. The bridge is also a popular spot for photography, especially at sunrise or sunset when the city lights reflect on the water.
Don't miss
- Watch the bridge lift for passing boats, a classic Chicago experience
- Photograph the Chicago skyline from the center of the bridge
- Walk to the nearby Chicago Riverwalk for more views and dining
- Admire the Art Deco details on the bridge's control house
- Visit the adjacent Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Clark Street Bridge
You don't need a tour to visit, entry is free. A tour is worth it if you want transport, a guide, or to combine Clark Street Bridge with nearby sights in one day. That's what these do well.
Cheapest way inFlyover in Chicago4.7★ · 642 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$28 per personSee dates →
Most bookedChicago Architecture River Cruise4.8★ · 16,557 travelers1-2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$39 per personSee dates →
Top ratedHistorical and Architectural Chicago Fireboat River & Lake Cruise4.9★ · 386 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$47 per personSee dates →Good for
How travelers rate it
Know before you go
- Check the Chicago Bridgehouse Museum website for scheduled bridge lifts; they happen on demand for boats.
- Bring a camera or smartphone; the view from the bridge is iconic, especially at dusk.
- The bridge is exposed to weather; dress appropriately for wind and rain.
- Combine your visit with a stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk, which runs beneath the bridge.
A bit of history
The current Clark Street Bridge opened in 1929, replacing an earlier swing bridge. It was designed by the city's Bureau of Engineering and is one of 38 movable bridges in Chicago. The bridge's bascule mechanism allows it to open in under two minutes, accommodating river traffic while maintaining road connectivity.
Common questions
How often does the Clark Street Bridge open?
It opens on demand for boats; there is no fixed schedule, but you can check the Chicago Bridgehouse Museum for typical patterns.
Can I walk across the bridge when it is open?
No, pedestrian and vehicle traffic is stopped when the bridge lifts. You must wait on either side until it closes.
Is the bridge lit up at night?
Yes, the bridge has architectural lighting that illuminates its structure and the river.
Are there restrooms nearby?
Public restrooms are available at the Chicago Riverwalk or in nearby buildings like the Wrigley Building.
Is the bridge safe to walk at night?
Yes, the area is well-lit and patrolled, but exercise normal urban caution.
What is the best spot for photos?
The center of the bridge offers a symmetrical view of the river and skyline; also try the Riverwalk level for unique angles.
More attractions in Chicago
