Patrolling the Chicago River

/ Bulldog Travels

Business took me to Chicago to evaluate a software system.  When our group wasn’t nose deep in computers we had a little fun in a way I could never have imagined.  First we caught a Blackhawks Hockey game and then we were hosted on two different Chicago Police Department Marine units who took us for a float down the Chicago River.

We met near Columbia Yacht Club just south of Navy Pier north of Millennium Park where we drove down an icy dock paralleling frozen slips.  We slid down an icy gang plank to the boats as if there was nothing at all unusual about navigating frozen waters in sub-zero temperatures.

Chicago is a beautiful city with amazing architecture.  There is no better way to see it than from either Lake Michigan or from the Chicago River.  Chicago has improved the river walk since the last few times I have been there which is also a nice way to see the water.  We were fortunate enough to sail up river at sunset and down river in the evening so we could see all of the steel bridges and lit buildings.

The officers who took us on a tour were knowledgeable and hilarious and just an all around bunch of fun.  Naturally, my ship Captain saw some sort of nautical intelligence in my eyes and turned over the helm to me.  So, yes I drove a police boat down the Chicago River!   Don’t ask me how that happened.  It just did and it is right up there as one of the coolest things I have done in a very long time.

Despite the frigid temperatures I did manage to step out of the cabin to snap a few photos I hope you will enjoy.


  

  

To read more about my last trip to Chicago in July 2015 please click here!

44 thoughts on “Patrolling the Chicago River”

  7. Aw, I love Chicago! I was there for work a couple years ago. It was the first time in over a decade and I forgot how much I enjoy that city. I spent a lot of time at the Art Institute and had some sort of emotional epiphany in the Monet gallery. I started weeping like a weirdo all by myself in the middle of the space. Overcome by the light and color it seems. In my whole life, I’ve never had that strong a reaction to art. Full disclosure: I was very hungover.

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    • I wonder if when the GREATS made their art they thought about how it would be received by the hungover? Sometimes that is when you can let go of the part of your brain that holds the emotions back. I say you were in a great spot to view art. Glad you enjoyed it. Chicago is a Boss of a city for sure. Good times are always to be had even when it is below zero.

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    • We were lucky in that we went up the river during the day at about sunset and down the river at night. We got the best of both worlds for sure. It’s a beautiful skyline and the river walk only gets better and better as the city expands it.

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  16. Love the idea to wander a city through the river – what a fantastic idea! I have to visit Chicago someday – most likely in June, I will check if they have river tour around Chicago..thanks for sharing your experience and great images!!

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    • They definitely do have river tours and I would highly recommend it. You should also check out a Cubs game. Doesn’t get anymore American than watching a baseball game! And there is no better place to see one than in Chicago at Wrigley Field. The Field museum is also worth a visit for sure!

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        • It’s a great city for sure. Lots of beautiful architecture. They have an architecture walking tour and one from the river as well. Millennium Park is great. If you could visit during The Taste Of Chicago you might be able to eat some great food too. And whatever you do you must walk along Lakeshore Bl and view the city from the Lake. It’s a beautiful city.

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