Fodor's Expert Review McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum

Located in the southwest tower of the DuSable (Michigan Avenue Bridge), this engaging museum provides a glimpse into the complicated history of the Chicago River System and its movable bridges---and has some great city views, too. The Chicago River has undergone an incredible transformation over the past 40 years, from a polluted waterway to a thriving, living river full of wildlife. On lift days visitors can see the gears that still raise the bridge put to work. This is the only bridge house in Chicago that is open to the public. See the website for a lift schedule; reservations are recommended on lift days.