13-Jun-20 – The Chicago River is slowly coming back to life.

Shoreline Sightseeing and Wendella have resumed tours by boat of the river and Lake Michigan after being closed since mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Wendella used that time to make “several updates and changes to ensure the health and safety of its guests and employees,” according to Katherine Borgstrom, Wendella’s Director of Sales & Marketing.

Shoreline resumed its tours from Navy Pier on Friday. Safety protocols include deep cleaning, face masks required for passengers and crew, social distancing, and cashless ticket purchases.

(Left) Shoreline’s tour barge Cityview passes visitors to the Chicago Riverwalk on June 22, 2019.

“The health and safety of our passengers and our employees has always been our top priority,” said Amy Hartnett, Shoreline’s Director of Sales & Marketing. “We have implemented thorough health and safety protocols in accordance with state and city guidelines and are pleased to welcome tour guests as we resume our 81st tour season. Our guests will notice changes, but we are confident they will also enjoy a wonderful tour experience.”

And the Chicago Riverwalk has opened, though its use will be regulated.

Entrances are now guarded by attendants who will confirm each visitor has a reservation at a concession and make sure capacity limits are not exceeded. Face masks are required.

“Riverwalk Ambassadors,” according to the city, will roam the Riverwalk, “monitoring the space to ensure social distancing is being maintained.”

(Above) A map provided by the City of Chicago that shows with red stars the locations of entrances to the Riverwalk that access concessions. The green shading shows what the city calls “passive recreation areas.” (Click on image to view larger version.)

Mayor Lori Lightfoot says the Riverwalk is “an important economic engine for our city” and, she says, city officials believe the Riverwalk can safely reopen and operate throughout the summer months.

The Riverwalk is open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. but recreational use is allowed only until 10:00 a.m. and only as far east as Lake Shore Drive. At 10:00 a.m., the Riverwalk will close for cleaning and, starting on Saturday, concessions will open at 11:00 a.m.

Concessions this year include Beat Kitchen & Community Marketplace, Chicago Brewhouse, Chicago’s First Lady & Mercury Sightseeing Cruises, City Winery, Island Party Hut, O’Brien’s Riverwalk Café, Sweet Home Gelato, The Northman, Tiny Tapp & Café, and Urban Kayaks.