Get on the river

Splashy restaurants, fresh fests and cool activities make the Chicago River a perfect summer spot.

The Chicago River is full of historic and otherwise noteworthy points. You just need to know where to look for them.

An abridged history of the Chicago River.

The river's industrial section on the South Side features wildlife, barges-and condoms.

Free fishing awaits all summer on the Chicago River, and not just for floaters.

These divers, barge captains, water-taxi captains and river-cruise guides share their tales.

Why shouldn't you eat fish from the Chicago River? Because they're filled with metals, chemicals and bacteria-and not the good kind.

Alligators, otters, beavers and rusty crayfish have all made the river their home.

Urban planners think Chicago's main flow could be more feng shui or just more functional for you and me.