Jim is a singer, songwriter from Chicago who regularly performs at Chicago area bars, farmers markets and events.  Jim Snyder will be performing on Sunday evenings throughout the summer from 6-8 pm (weather permitting).

SUNDAY TOURS STARTING AT 10AM AND 11AM!

If you've ever had burning questions about the Wild Mile or Urban Rivers, look no further. One of our knowledgable Wild Mile Docents will take you on a tour of the Wild Mile, explaining the project's history, architecture, ecology, and more. The tour will take 30-45 minutes, with plenty of time for questions. We'll meet at the entrance to the Wild Mile, behind REI. This tour is entirely outdoors, so please dress warmly during winter months.

If you'd like a tour but can't make it to any available tour dates, email team@urbanriv.org, and we'd be happy to set up a time to show you around! 

This event is free and open to everyone. Walk-ups are welcome, but if possible, please RSVP using the link below.

Join us for a day of kayaking and nature exploration at Bubbly Creek!

Urban Rivers will be hosting walk-up kayaking for the duration of the event. This means our boats are first-come first-served! We’ll be joined by Shedd Aquarium, who will be running all-ages community science workshops! Various partners will join in over the course of the summer to provide fun activities, including birding with the Chicago Ornithological Society, soil science workshops with Social Ecologies, and many more.

No experience is required for any activities offered! This program is targeted at the communities directly surrounding Bubbly Creek, but all are welcome. Children under 10 years old must share a kayak with a parent or guardian, as we are unable to offer tandem kayaks. If your child is under 30 pounds, you will need to provide a lifejacket for them! All participants must sign a waiver before kayaking, and/or have a waiver signed on their behalf by a legal guardian. 

Most activities, including kayaking, will have Spanish-Speaking staff available // La mayoría de las actividades, incluido el kayak, contarán con personal que habla español disponible.

These events will be cancelled in the case of dangerous or highly unpleasant weather, tentatively defined as weather over 100ºF, under 45ºF, any visible lightning in the area, or rain beyond a light drizzle. Updates will be posted on our Instagram, and this event posting will be also be updated to reflect the cancellation - if in doubt, email team@urbanriv.org!

Wild Mile Projections - a collaboration between Urban Rivers and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Beneath Breathing is a site-specific public projection made by Xingyu Huang that focuses on the unstable dynamics of influence between human and non-human life under changing water conditions, with particular attention to how the water quality around the Wild Mile has shifted through ongoing environmental interventions.

By analyzing and editing underwater archive footage collected over the past two years in the Wild Mile, the artist transforms these images into an immersive visual narrative that calls for a renewed reflection on our relationship with aquatic environments.

Dates: 

June 26th 9:00-9:30pm
July 3th 9:00-9:30pm
July 10th 9:00-9:30pm
July 17th 9:00-9:30pm

Events will be postponed to the following week in the case of rain.

Ready to learn more about the plants of Illinois’ waterways? Join forager and mentor of Dave Odd for an in-depth tour of the plant species that inhabit your favorite floating eco-park. Dave was a professional forager for high-end restaurants and celebrity chefs for over a decade, throughout Chicagoland and south Florida. He now dedicates his time to teaching the identification and use of edible and medicinal species through neighborhood foraging tours, guided hikes, and survival camps. Dave will lead an interactive walk-through of the Wild Mile and its plants, exploring their numerous applications!

Join CatJam Chicago for an acoustic jam session on the Wild Mile! This dynamic group of local musicians welcomes any passerby to join the jam. Come relax on the Wild Mile while enjoying the music, or bring your instrument and play with some of Chicago’s coolest cats! This event is alcohol-free.

No RSVP required!

Join MWRD commissioner Daniel Pogorzelski on the Wild Mile for a Polish tradition centering around Midsummer! We’ll celebrate with music, dance, and traditional crafts and games.

Jim is a singer, songwriter from Chicago who regularly performs at Chicago area bars, farmers markets and events.  Jim Snyder will be performing on Sunday evenings throughout the summer from 6-8 pm (weather permitting).

SUNDAY TOURS STARTING AT 10AM AND 11AM!

If you've ever had burning questions about the Wild Mile or Urban Rivers, look no further. One of our knowledgable Wild Mile Docents will take you on a tour of the Wild Mile, explaining the project's history, architecture, ecology, and more. The tour will take 30-45 minutes, with plenty of time for questions. We'll meet at the entrance to the Wild Mile, behind REI. This tour is entirely outdoors, so please dress warmly during winter months.

If you'd like a tour but can't make it to any available tour dates, email team@urbanriv.org, and we'd be happy to set up a time to show you around! 

This event is free and open to everyone. Walk-ups are welcome, but if possible, please RSVP using the link below.

Join us for a day of kayaking and nature exploration at Bubbly Creek!

Urban Rivers will be hosting walk-up kayaking for the duration of the event. This means our boats are first-come first-served! We’ll be joined by Shedd Aquarium, who will be running all-ages community science workshops! Various partners will join in over the course of the summer to provide fun activities, including birding with the Chicago Ornithological Society, soil science workshops with Social Ecologies, and many more.

No experience is required for any activities offered! This program is targeted at the communities directly surrounding Bubbly Creek, but all are welcome. Children under 10 years old must share a kayak with a parent or guardian, as we are unable to offer tandem kayaks. All participants must sign a waiver before kayaking, and/or have a waiver signed on their behalf by a legal guardian. 

Most activities, including kayaking, will have Spanish-Speaking staff available // La mayoría de las actividades, incluido el kayak, contarán con personal que habla español disponible.

These events will be cancelled in the case of dangerous or highly unpleasant weather, tentatively defined as weather over 100ºF, under 45ºF, any visible lightning in the area, or rain beyond a light drizzle. Updates will be posted on our Instagram, and this event posting will be also be updated to reflect the cancellation - if in doubt, email team@urbanriv.org!

Join CatJam Chicago for an acoustic jam session on the Wild Mile! This dynamic group of local musicians welcomes any passerby to join the jam. Come relax on the Wild Mile while enjoying the music, or bring your instrument and play with some of Chicago’s coolest cats! This event is alcohol-free.

No RSVP required!

River Ranger Socials are monthly appreciation events for our volunteers. If you're a new/prospective volunteer, feel free to join us - this is a great space to meet our staff and connect with fellow River Rangers! Depending on the month, we might play some trivia or some board games, hold a potluck, or enjoy some pizza. Stay tuned to our volunteer newsletter for more information! 

Attention all LEGiOnnaires!!! This month, MVP River Ranger Joe Cannon will be leading a Wild Mile LEGO activity! We will be modeling potential additions to the Wild Mile using LEGO and TinkerToys.  These might be water features, shade strategies, renewable energy, a new entry at Blackhawk Street, or anything you can imagine.

SUNDAY TOURS STARTING AT 10AM AND 11AM!

If you've ever had burning questions about the Wild Mile or Urban Rivers, look no further. One of our knowledgable Wild Mile Docents will take you on a tour of the Wild Mile, explaining the project's history, architecture, ecology, and more. The tour will take 30-45 minutes, with plenty of time for questions. We'll meet at the entrance to the Wild Mile, behind REI. This tour is entirely outdoors, so please dress warmly during winter months.

If you'd like a tour but can't make it to any available tour dates, email team@urbanriv.org, and we'd be happy to set up a time to show you around! 

This event is free and open to everyone. Walk-ups are welcome, but if possible, please RSVP using the link below.

Come learn about the Wild Mile's native Illinois wetland species! Dozens of species comprise a biodiverse ecosystem, serving pollinators and river creatures, altering water chemistry, and forming beautiful public greenspace. But each of these species has their own lore - richly comprised of animal interactions, scientific eccentricities, and traditional human uses.  

This year, we'll be leading a series of garden tours across the course of the season, intended to familiarize you with the Wild Mile's plant life at different stages of growth. Join us in April for new growth and early blossoms, June for tall and lush greenery, August for a full bloom and diverse pollinators, and October for fall colors and seed pods! 

Though the content of each tour will be similar over the season, we highly recommend attending multiple events in the series, especially if you're interested in plant identification. Plants can look very different at various stages of growth, and also have different uses to both humans and animals as they grow! 

Come fish the Wild Mile!

During the worst of our waterway's polluted history, only 5 species of fish could be found in the Chicago River. Now, there are a whopping 77 - and many of them nest, mate, shelter, and feed around the Wild Mile! Pumpkinseed, bluegill, bass, carp, and bullhead are among the most common, but who knows what you might find! Join us monthly to learn how to safely catch them!

These events will be run by our River Ranger volunteers between April and October of 2025. We'll have bait and fishing gear for you - though please bring your own pole if you happen to have one! We also have blanket fishing permits from the IDNR for these events, so anyone can participate.

To ensure a good experience for all participants and volunteer facilitators, we've divided the day into time slots with capacity limits - please try to arrive close to the beginning of your reserved time, since we'll need your rod back at the end of your time! Youth participation is highly encouraged, though parent/guardian supervision is required with a ratio of at least 1:3! 

Join us for a day of kayaking and nature exploration at Bubbly Creek!

Urban Rivers will be hosting walk-up kayaking for the duration of the event. This means our boats are first-come first-served! We’ll be joined by Shedd Aquarium, who will be running all-ages community science workshops! Various partners will join in over the course of the summer to provide fun activities, including birding with the Chicago Ornithological Society, soil science workshops with Social Ecologies, and many more.

No experience is required for any activities offered! This program is targeted at the communities directly surrounding Bubbly Creek, but all are welcome. Children under 10 years old must share a kayak with a parent or guardian, as we are unable to offer tandem kayaks. All participants must sign a waiver before kayaking, and/or have a waiver signed on their behalf by a legal guardian. 

Most activities, including kayaking, will have Spanish-Speaking staff available // La mayoría de las actividades, incluido el kayak, contarán con personal que habla español disponible.

These events will be cancelled in the case of dangerous or highly unpleasant weather, tentatively defined as weather over 100ºF, under 45ºF, any visible lightning in the area, or rain beyond a light drizzle. Updates will be posted on our Instagram, and this event posting will be also be updated to reflect the cancellation - if in doubt, email team@urbanriv.org!

114 species of bird have been spotted at the Wild Mile. But how can we tell them apart? Chicago Ornithological Society president Edward Warden for a workshop on the river and learn how to find and identify birds Chicago’s many feathered friends. Edward will walk participants through the basics of bird identification, along with what a hopeful birder needs to get started looking for birds, and take participants in search of any currently nesting in or around the Chicago River. Some binoculars will be provided, but bring your own if you have them!

Join CatJam Chicago for an acoustic jam session on the Wild Mile! This dynamic group of local musicians welcomes any passerby to join the jam. Come relax on the Wild Mile while enjoying the music, or bring your instrument and play with some of Chicago’s coolest cats! This event is alcohol-free.

No RSVP required!

Join us on the Wild Mile to enjoy a sweet snack!

This event is free and open to everyone. Walk-ups are welcome, but if possible, please RSVP using the link below.

If you've ever had burning questions about the Wild Mile or Urban Rivers, look no further. One of our knowledgable Wild Mile Docents will take you on a tour of the Wild Mile, explaining the project's history, architecture, ecology, and more. The tour will take 30-45 minutes, with plenty of time for questions. We'll meet at the entrance to the Wild Mile, behind REI. This tour is entirely outdoors, so please dress warmly during winter months.

This event will repeat on a monthly basis, though the date and time may change according to seasonal needs. If you'd like a tour but can't make it to any available tour dates, email team@urbanriv.org, and we'd be happy to set up a time to show you around! 

This event is free and open to everyone. Walk-ups are welcome, but if possible, please RSVP using the link below.

Jim is a singer, songwriter from Chicago who regularly performs at Chicago area bars, farmers markets and events.  Jim Snyder will be performing on Sunday evenings throughout the summer from 6-8 pm (weather permitting).

TOURS STARTING AT 10AM AND 11AM!

If you've ever had burning questions about the Wild Mile or Urban Rivers, look no further. One of our knowledgable Wild Mile Docents will take you on a tour of the Wild Mile, explaining the project's history, architecture, ecology, and more. The tour will take 30-45 minutes, with plenty of time for questions. We'll meet at the entrance to the Wild Mile, behind REI. This tour is entirely outdoors, so please dress warmly during winter months.

If you'd like a tour but can't make it to any available tour dates, email team@urbanriv.org, and we'd be happy to set up a time to show you around! 

This event is free and open to everyone. Walk-ups are welcome, but if possible, please RSVP using the link below.

[NOTE] KAYAKS UNAVAILABLE UNTIL 4PM

Join us for a day of kayaking and nature exploration at Bubbly Creek!

Urban Rivers will be hosting walk-up kayaking for the duration of the event. This means our boats are first-come first-served! We’ll be joined by Shedd Aquarium, who will be running all-ages community science workshops! Various partners will join in over the course of the summer to provide fun activities, including birding with the Chicago Ornithological Society, soil science workshops with Social Ecologies, and many more.

No experience is required for any activities offered! This program is targeted at the communities directly surrounding Bubbly Creek, but all are welcome. Children under 10 years old must share a kayak with a parent or guardian, as we are unable to offer tandem kayaks. All participants must sign a waiver before kayaking, and/or have a waiver signed on their behalf by a legal guardian. 

Most activities, including kayaking, will have Spanish-Speaking staff available // La mayoría de las actividades, incluido el kayak, contarán con personal que habla español disponible.

These events will be cancelled in the case of dangerous or highly unpleasant weather, tentatively defined as weather over 100ºF, under 45ºF, any visible lightning in the area, or rain beyond a light drizzle. Updates will be posted on our Instagram, and this event posting will be also be updated to reflect the cancellation - if in doubt, email team@urbanriv.org!

Join us for a free screening of films by Chicago filmmakers!

8:00pm: Meet the Filmmakers - Meet the House of Bug team behind "The Wild Mile: A River Reborn" and John Otterbacher, producer of “Silt”

8:30pm: The Wild Mile: A River Reborn - A documentary by House of Bug Productions exploring the story of Chicago’s floating eco-park.

8:45pm: Silt - a short film about a native botanist traveling to Mexico as she grieves her late aunt

What is citizen science and community science? How can you use both art and science to get more involved in research on the Chicago River? Join SAIC Environmental Science professor Sarah Zhou Rosengard for a community science workshop on the Wild Mile! In this event, you will:

• Learn about local community science initiatives

• Make and test out your own river plastics collector

• Bring home a number of other arts-based DIY community science tools and devices to help you bring river science into your everyday life

TOURS STARTING AT 10AM AND 11AM!

If you've ever had burning questions about the Wild Mile or Urban Rivers, look no further. One of our knowledgable Wild Mile Docents will take you on a tour of the Wild Mile, explaining the project's history, architecture, ecology, and more. The tour will take 30-45 minutes, with plenty of time for questions. We'll meet at the entrance to the Wild Mile, behind REI. This tour is entirely outdoors, so please dress warmly during winter months.

This event will repeat on a monthly basis, though the date and time may change according to seasonal needs. If you'd like a tour but can't make it to any available tour dates, email team@urbanriv.org, and we'd be happy to set up a time to show you around! 

This event is free and open to everyone. Walk-ups are welcome, but if possible, please RSVP using the link below.

TOURS STARTING AT 10AM AND 11AM!

If you've ever had burning questions about the Wild Mile or Urban Rivers, look no further. One of our knowledgable Wild Mile Docents will take you on a tour of the Wild Mile, explaining the project's history, architecture, ecology, and more. The tour will take 30-45 minutes, with plenty of time for questions. We'll meet at the entrance to the Wild Mile, behind REI. This tour is entirely outdoors, so please dress warmly during winter months.

This event will repeat on a monthly basis, though the date and time may change according to seasonal needs. If you'd like a tour but can't make it to any available tour dates, email team@urbanriv.org, and we'd be happy to set up a time to show you around! 

This event is free and open to everyone. Walk-ups are welcome, but if possible, please RSVP using the link below.

Join Movement + Urban Rivers for a rejuvenating 45-minute yoga flow in one of Chicago’s most unique outdoor spaces—The Wild Mile. Surrounded by floating gardens and the calming rhythm of the river, this all-levels class is designed to ground, energize, and connect you with nature. Enjoy wildlife as you flow with your breath, connecting mind, body, and nature. Free for Movement members and guests! Come move, breathe, and unwind in this urban oasis. Bring your mat, your water, and your wild spirit.

Join COS for an afternoon walk as we decompress from a long day at work and look for birds at the Wild Mile. We'll make our way at a leisurely pace around the floating boardwalk and adjacent areas in search of any migrants hanging around. Beginning birders welcome and loaner binoculars will be available.

Leaders: Edward Warden

Pre-registration is required. Please contact Edward Warden (edwarhzan@gmail.com) or Chris Holden (twoheadedvireo@gmail.com) at least 24 hours in advance if you cannot attend or with questions.

Accessibility:

Total trip distance is approximately 0.5 miles and will take place mostly on wide paved, crushed-gravel, or board walk trails that are relatively level with minimal incline. Any recent rain may create muddy conditions.

Restrooms are unavailable.

Weather/Attire/Other:

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Please bring bottled water. Dress for the weather. Based on the forecast, you may want to bring a hat and sunscreen/ a light jacket. Loaner binoculars will be available.

The exact meeting location will be emailed in advance to registrants. Free and Metered street parking is available.  The location is accessible via the Red line North Ave stop and the North Ave bus.

Respiratory Illness Precautions:

COS supports the decision of individual trip participants to wear masks.

Join us on the Wild Mile to enjoy a sweet snack!

This event is free and open to everyone. Walk-ups are welcome, but if possible, please RSVP using the link below.