Events

Join us for our upcoming events! Urban Rivers events are always free and open to everyone.

If you’d like to host an event with us, check out our event guidelines, then get in touch via our “contact” page! We’re happy to host community events year-round.

Featured

Wild Mile

Partner Events

Bubbly Creek

Wild Mile Nitrogen Tour
May
3

Wild Mile Nitrogen Tour

Participants will get a tour to look at the components that make up the Wild Mile; from the floating garden structures to the wildlife that lives in it. 

We’ll then take a deep dive into how the Wild Mile’s native plants remove excess nutrients from the Chicago River, looking at Nitrogen cycle through an interactive onsite activity. This event is affiliated with Chicago Water Week, presented by Current.

For more events: Chicago Water Week   

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Wild Mile Yoga!
May
3

Wild Mile Yoga!

Join us for yoga on Chicago’s beautiful floating docks along the North Branch of the Chicago River, surrounded by native gardens and urban wildlife. This class is open to all levels and offers a grounding start to your week in a truly unique outdoor space. Classes end with a short crystal bowl sound bath.

The Wild Mile is a public eco-park created by Urban Rivers, whose mission is to restore wild habitat along the river. 20% of all proceeds go directly to support their ongoing efforts.

We’ll practice on the beautiful floating docks of The Wild Mile, an urban nature sanctuary in the heart of Chicago. Surrounded by native plants, pollinators, and the calming flow of the river, this class is an energizing and grounding way to start your week.

  • When: Sundays, 5-6pm

  • Where: The Wild Mile

  • Bring: A yoga mat, water, and any props you love

  • Pricing:

    • $22 to pre-register online

    • $25 at the door (cash or Venmo)

🌿 All levels welcome.
💚 20% of proceeds support Urban Rivers, the nonprofit stewarding this unique ecological space.

View Event →
South Side River Ranger Social
May
6

South Side River Ranger Social

Join us for our new South Side River Ranger Socials! These are monthly appreciation events for our volunteers. We are launching a monthly event for our rangers that cannot make it to the Wild Mile every month; we hope you can join us. 

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!

View Event →
Fishing on the Wild Mile!
May
9

Fishing on the Wild Mile!

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 during the peak fishing months of 2026 (spring and fall). 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! 

View Event →
Wild Mile Yoga!
May
10

Wild Mile Yoga!

Join us for yoga on Chicago’s beautiful floating docks along the North Branch of the Chicago River, surrounded by native gardens and urban wildlife. This class is open to all levels and offers a grounding start to your week in a truly unique outdoor space. Classes end with a short crystal bowl sound bath.

The Wild Mile is a public eco-park created by Urban Rivers, whose mission is to restore wild habitat along the river. 20% of all proceeds go directly to support their ongoing efforts.

We’ll practice on the beautiful floating docks of The Wild Mile, an urban nature sanctuary in the heart of Chicago. Surrounded by native plants, pollinators, and the calming flow of the river, this class is an energizing and grounding way to start your week.

  • When: Sundays, 5-6pm

  • Where: The Wild Mile

  • Bring: A yoga mat, water, and any props you love

  • Pricing:

    • $22 to pre-register online

    • $25 at the door (cash or Venmo)

🌿 All levels welcome.
💚 20% of proceeds support Urban Rivers, the nonprofit stewarding this unique ecological space.

View Event →
River Ranger Social
May
13

River Ranger Social

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! 

View Event →
Wild Mile Walking Tour
May
16

Wild Mile Walking Tour

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.

View Event →
Wild Mile Yoga!
May
17

Wild Mile Yoga!

Join us for yoga on Chicago’s beautiful floating docks along the North Branch of the Chicago River, surrounded by native gardens and urban wildlife. This class is open to all levels and offers a grounding start to your week in a truly unique outdoor space. Classes end with a short crystal bowl sound bath.

The Wild Mile is a public eco-park created by Urban Rivers, whose mission is to restore wild habitat along the river. 20% of all proceeds go directly to support their ongoing efforts.

We’ll practice on the beautiful floating docks of The Wild Mile, an urban nature sanctuary in the heart of Chicago. Surrounded by native plants, pollinators, and the calming flow of the river, this class is an energizing and grounding way to start your week.

  • When: Sundays, 5-6pm

  • Where: The Wild Mile

  • Bring: A yoga mat, water, and any props you love

  • Pricing:

    • $22 to pre-register online

    • $25 at the door (cash or Venmo)

🌿 All levels welcome.
💚 20% of proceeds support Urban Rivers, the nonprofit stewarding this unique ecological space.

View Event →
Wild Mile Yoga!
May
24

Wild Mile Yoga!

Join us for yoga on Chicago’s beautiful floating docks along the North Branch of the Chicago River, surrounded by native gardens and urban wildlife. This class is open to all levels and offers a grounding start to your week in a truly unique outdoor space. Classes end with a short crystal bowl sound bath.

The Wild Mile is a public eco-park created by Urban Rivers, whose mission is to restore wild habitat along the river. 20% of all proceeds go directly to support their ongoing efforts.

We’ll practice on the beautiful floating docks of The Wild Mile, an urban nature sanctuary in the heart of Chicago. Surrounded by native plants, pollinators, and the calming flow of the river, this class is an energizing and grounding way to start your week.

  • When: Sundays, 5-6pm

  • Where: The Wild Mile

  • Bring: A yoga mat, water, and any props you love

  • Pricing:

    • $22 to pre-register online

    • $25 at the door (cash or Venmo)

🌿 All levels welcome.
💚 20% of proceeds support Urban Rivers, the nonprofit stewarding this unique ecological space.

View Event →
World Otter Day at the Wild Mile
May
27

World Otter Day at the Wild Mile

Come through the Wild Mile on Wednesday May 27 for World Otter Day 2026! Catch an evening of speakers, live music, and more — all in the name of celebrating some of the most fascinating and charismatic apex predators mother nature has to offer, with all proceeds benefiting Urban Rivers!

The event will be taking place on the Wild Mile, right on the Chicago River and will feature:

Speakers from the Urban Otter Research Project and World Wild Otters.

  • A trail cam activity from Urban Rivers

  • Live music from the Andrew Scott Young Trio (feat. Bill MacKay,Matt Scutchfield) and The Lipschitz

  • S'mores roasting and other snacks

  • Limited beverages, including N/A options available, but feel free to BYO as well!

Founded by the International Otter Survival Fund in 2016, World Otter Day 2026 will include 50+ events in over 30 countries. Come be a part of the global celebration! More speakers, music, and raffle items TBA so keep an eye out, and see you on the river.

Can't make it to the event, but still want to contribute? Can make it to the event but just cant wait to make an impact? You can do it right here, right now: https://urbanrivers.org/donate

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Wild Mile S'Mores Night
May
27

Wild Mile S'Mores Night

Join us on the Wild Mile to enjoy a sweet snack! We’ll have all the supplies you need, but feel free to bring your own fixing!

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

Please note that during the winter months, it’s not uncommon for us to cancel due to very cold weather. If you RSVP, we’ll email you in the event of a cancellation - this is usually anytime it’s under 30ºF and windy, and/or raining.

View Event →
Fishing on the Wild Mile!
May
30

Fishing on the Wild Mile!

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 during the peak fishing months of 2026 (spring and fall). 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! 

View Event →
Wild Mile Yoga!
May
31

Wild Mile Yoga!

Join us for yoga on Chicago’s beautiful floating docks along the North Branch of the Chicago River, surrounded by native gardens and urban wildlife. This class is open to all levels and offers a grounding start to your week in a truly unique outdoor space. Classes end with a short crystal bowl sound bath.

The Wild Mile is a public eco-park created by Urban Rivers, whose mission is to restore wild habitat along the river. 20% of all proceeds go directly to support their ongoing efforts.

We’ll practice on the beautiful floating docks of The Wild Mile, an urban nature sanctuary in the heart of Chicago. Surrounded by native plants, pollinators, and the calming flow of the river, this class is an energizing and grounding way to start your week.

  • When: Sundays, 5-6pm

  • Where: The Wild Mile

  • Bring: A yoga mat, water, and any props you love

  • Pricing:

    • $22 to pre-register online

    • $25 at the door (cash or Venmo)

🌿 All levels welcome.
💚 20% of proceeds support Urban Rivers, the nonprofit stewarding this unique ecological space.

View Event →

Chicago Plastic Pellet Count at the Wild Mile
May
2

Chicago Plastic Pellet Count at the Wild Mile

Join the 2nd annual International Plastic Pellet Count in Chicago at the Wild Mile on the north branch of the Chicago River.

Plastic pellets, also known as nurdles, are the raw material used to make many familiar plastic products like water bottles, grocery bags and food containers. Unfortunately, these microplastics are often spilled, leaked or dumped into the environment, especially our waterways, during manufacturing and transport. As a result, they frequently wash up on riverbanks, lakeshores and beaches.

To illustrate the extent of the problem, volunteers across Illinois and beyond are hosting pellet counts and clean-up events at their local waterways on Saturday, May 2nd to help identify plastic pellet pollution and make the case for action.

In partnership with our friends at Urban Rivers, join Environment Illinois and Illinois PIRG staff and volunteers as we learn more about plastic pollution on the Chicago River. RSVP to join us, or sign up to host your own plastic pellet count in your community.

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Wild Mile S'Mores Night
Apr
29

Wild Mile S'Mores Night

Join us on the Wild Mile to enjoy a sweet snack! We’ll have all the supplies you need, but feel free to bring your own fixing!

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

Please note that during the winter months, it’s not uncommon for us to cancel due to very cold weather. If you RSVP, we’ll email you in the event of a cancellation - this is usually anytime it’s under 30ºF and windy, and/or raining.

View Event →
Fishing on the Wild Mile!
Apr
18

Fishing on the Wild Mile!

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 during the peak fishing months of 2026 (spring and fall). 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! 

View Event →
River Ranger Social
Apr
15

River Ranger Social

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! 

View Event →
South Side River Ranger Social
Apr
8

South Side River Ranger Social

Join us for our new South Side River Ranger Socials! These are monthly appreciation events for our volunteers. We are launching a monthly event for our rangers that cannot make it to the Wild Mile every month; we hope you can join us. 

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!

View Event →
Beaver Celebration at the Wild Mile!
Apr
7

Beaver Celebration at the Wild Mile!

Come Celebrate World Beaver day at the Wild Mile! We'll have a Urban Beaver Specialist to teach you all about these furry ecosystem engineers. Activities will include observing Beaver Specimens, a craft and a Wildlife Camera activity. BYOB,  S'mores supplies will be available!

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Wild Mile Walking Tour
Apr
4

Wild Mile Walking Tour

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.

View Event →
Wild Mile S'Mores Night
Mar
25

Wild Mile S'Mores Night

Join us on the Wild Mile to enjoy a sweet snack! We’ll have all the supplies you need, but feel free to bring your own fixing!

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

Please note that during the winter months, it’s not uncommon for us to cancel due to very cold weather. If you RSVP, we’ll email you in the event of a cancellation - this is usually anytime it’s under 30ºF and windy, and/or raining.

View Event →
River Ranger Social
Mar
11

River Ranger Social

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! 

View Event →
Wild Mile Walking Tour
Mar
7

Wild Mile Walking Tour

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.

View Event →
South Side River Ranger Social
Mar
4

South Side River Ranger Social

Join us for our new South Side River Ranger Socials! These are monthly appreciation events for our volunteers. We are launching a monthly event for our rangers that cannot make it to the Wild Mile every month; we hope you can join us. 

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!

View Event →
Wild Mile S'Mores Night
Feb
25

Wild Mile S'Mores Night

Join us on the Wild Mile to enjoy a sweet snack! We’ll have all the supplies you need, but feel free to bring your own fixing!

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

Please note that during the winter months, it’s not uncommon for us to cancel due to very cold weather. If you RSVP, we’ll email you in the event of a cancellation - this is usually anytime it’s under 30ºF and windy, and/or raining.

View Event →
River Ranger Social
Feb
18

River Ranger Social

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! 

View Event →
South Side River Ranger Social
Feb
11

South Side River Ranger Social

Join us for our new South Side River Ranger Socials! These are monthly appreciation events for our volunteers. We are launching a monthly event for our rangers that cannot make it to the Wild Mile every month; we hope you can join us. 

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!

View Event →
Wild Mile Walking Tour
Feb
7

Wild Mile Walking Tour

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.

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CANCELLED Wild Mile S'Mores Night
Jan
28

CANCELLED Wild Mile S'Mores Night

Join us on the Wild Mile to enjoy a sweet snack! We’ll have all the supplies you need, but feel free to bring your own fixing!

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

Please note that during the winter months, it’s not uncommon for us to cancel due to very cold weather. If you RSVP, we’ll email you in the event of a cancellation - this is usually anytime it’s under 30ºF and windy, and/or raining.

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River Ranger Social - New Year’s!
Jan
21

River Ranger Social - New Year’s!

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!

In January, come prepared to share your New Year’s Resolutions!

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Wild Mile Walking Tour
Jan
10

Wild Mile Walking Tour

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.

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Trivia Night with Plant Chicago and Urban Rivers!
Dec
10

Trivia Night with Plant Chicago and Urban Rivers!

Join Urban Rivers and Plant Chicago at Marz Brewing for a community trivia night! Please arrive no later than 6:30 to make sure we can register your team (of up to five people) before the trivia begins. We'll have 5 rounds, with topics ranging from Chicago fun facts to native plants! The winning team will be rewarded with the GRAND PRIZE - outdoorsy merch generously donated by Patagonia!

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Wild Mile Walking Tour
Dec
3

Wild Mile Walking Tour

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.

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River Ranger Social - Thanksgiving Potluck!
Nov
19

River Ranger Social - Thanksgiving Potluck!

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!

Our November social will be a potluck - bring your favorite family recipe to share with your fellow volunteers, and come hungry!

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Wild Mile S'Mores Night
Nov
12

Wild Mile S'Mores Night

Join us on the Wild Mile to enjoy a sweet snack! We’ll have all the supplies you need, but feel free to bring your own fixing!

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

View Event →
Wild Mile Walking Tour
Nov
12

Wild Mile Walking Tour

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.

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Howloween - Canine Costume Contest!
Oct
29

Howloween - Canine Costume Contest!

A fall festival full of seasonal wonders and colorful canines! Come sip some apple cider by our fire pit, and don't forget to bring your furry friend! Costumes will be judged on creativity, cuteness, and effort.

No pet? No problem! Come admire the local talent! 

5:30pm - 6:30pm: Cider, s'mores, and native seed collection!

6:30pm - 7:00pm: Pet costume contest judging! Cats welcome! 

7:00pm - 8:00pm: More s'mores :) 

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Wild Mile Native Plant Tour: Fall
Oct
26

Wild Mile Native Plant Tour: Fall

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! 

For our August plant tour, we’ll be joined by Nick Dorian of the Chicago Botanic Gardens, who will be telling us all about local pollinators and the plants that support them!

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Fishing on the Wild Mile!
Oct
25

Fishing on the Wild Mile!

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! 

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Chicago Textile Center Meet and Greet on the Wild Mile
Oct
24

Chicago Textile Center Meet and Greet on the Wild Mile

The Chicago River and the Wild Mile Park is the perfect venue to meet new textile friends, explore techniques and materials, and stitch on the dock to unwind after a long day! This is a casual, informal gathering, so just come ready to chat!

Chicago Textile Center staff will be on hand with a community art project to hang in our future space, so come to learn more about our programs. See you there!

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Wild Mile S'Mores Night
Oct
22

Wild Mile S'Mores Night

Join us on the Wild Mile to enjoy a sweet snack! We’ll have all the supplies you need, but feel free to bring your own fixing!

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

View Event →
Wild Mile Walking Tour
Oct
22

Wild Mile Walking Tour

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.

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Chicago Architecture Center Open House: Day 2
Oct
19

Chicago Architecture Center Open House: Day 2

Join us for a day of Wild Mile tours! The Chicago Architecture Center host an annual event featuring cool building and sites across Chicago - for the second year running, the Wild Mile is one of them!

No registration required, but you can learn more about CAC and our plan for the day below:

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