Things to do in Riverdale

Activities, attractions and tours

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Top places to visit

1. McCormick Place

McCormick Place is both the biggest convention center in Chicago and the biggest one anywhere in the U.S. This vast, sprawling complex is an impressive feat of architecture and engineering that was founded well over half a century ago. Attend an event here to get a sense of its incredible scale.
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Attend an event at the United States’ largest convention center, which features hyper-modern facilities and huge exhibition spaces connected by promenades and sky bridges.

2. Navy Pier

Well over eight million visitors flock to Navy Pier every year, whiling away the Chicago days in the parks, shops and restaurants gathered on this expansive corner of Lake Michigan. The pier is open throughout the year, but it peaks in the summer when you can visit the open-air souvenir stalls and watch the weekly firework shows.
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A waterfront entertainment strip with fun diversions for both young and old, with shops, restaurants and even a Ferris wheel.

3. Millennium Park

Set in 10 hectares of parkland in the central Loop area, Millennium Park is a popular destination for local Chicago folk and visitors, ideally situated close to other major attractions such as the Art Institute of Chicago and the Magnificent Mile. With so much space to wander and soak up the atmosphere, it is a perfect spot for a bit of biking or jogging. It’s also used as a site for many big concerts that come to the city.
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Millennium Park showing street scenes, fall colors and modern architecture

4. Soldier Field

Soldier Field has been one of Chicago’s most well-known landmarks since its construction in 1924 and is the oldest NFL stadium in the country.
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Soldier Field featuring a skyscraper, modern architecture and a city

5. Chicago Riverwalk

Get a sense of the culture and character of the Windy City by wandering along the Chicago Riverwalk. This scenic stretch of the city follows the banks of the Chicago River from near the edge of Lake Michigan through Downtown to where the river splits. As you follow the walkway, pass impressive bridges, fascinating museums and trendy dining spots.
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Chicago Riverwalk which includes a river or creek, a city and a bay or harbor

6. Grant Park

Grant Park is one of Chicago’s most loved and diverse public parks, with a host of family-friendly attractions and activities. It spreads across 319 acres (129 hectares) between Michigan Avenue and the banks of Lake Michigan. Grant Park is a scenic area blessed with everything from concert venues and museums to public art, statues and well-groomed lawns. Walk along wide tree-lined promenades dissecting the park.
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Chicago’s front yard is a pretty landscaped park, which is home to public art displays, museums, themed gardens and international music festivals.

What to do in Riverdale

Popular places to visit

Magnificent Mile - River North featuring a city, night scenes and street scenes

Michigan Avenue

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home when you visit Michigan Avenue, a popular shopping spot in Chicago. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Michigan Avenue
Wrigley Field which includes a sporting event, city views and a city

Wrigley Field

Chicago’s world-renowned baseball ground, Wrigley Field is an iconic stadium where you can learn about the all-American sport and even catch a game.

Wrigley Field
McCormick Place

McCormick Place

Attend an event at the United States’ largest convention center, which features hyper-modern facilities and huge exhibition spaces connected by promenades and sky bridges.

McCormick Place
Navy Pier

Navy Pier

A waterfront entertainment strip with fun diversions for both young and old, with shops, restaurants and even a Ferris wheel.

Navy Pier
Millennium Park showing street scenes, fall colors and modern architecture

Millennium Park

One of Chicago’s main focal points, where locals and visitors flock to see the striking art, architecture and landscape on show.

Millennium Park
Soldier Field featuring a skyscraper, modern architecture and a city

Soldier Field

Events center, NFL stadium and historic landmark all in one, this waterfront field is one of Chicago’s most popular destinations.

Soldier Field
United Center

United Center

Catch an event at United Center during your trip to Chicago. Amble around this vibrant area's lakeside or experience its acclaimed theatre scene.

United Center
Chicago Riverwalk which includes a river or creek, a city and a bay or harbor

Chicago Riverwalk

Stroll along the waterfront of the Chicago River to pass some of the city’s most appealing attractions and appreciate how a once grim area has been successfully revamped.

Chicago Riverwalk
Grant Park

Grant Park

Chicago’s front yard is a pretty landscaped park, which is home to public art displays, museums, themed gardens and international music festivals.

Grant Park
Chicago showing a skyscraper and a city as well as a family

Chicago

Frequently asked questions

Is Riverdale worth visiting?
Riverdale has a unique mix of attractions, culture and local charm. Whether you're into nature, history or local culinary flavours, there are many things to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Riverdale?
After you've checked off top attractions like Calumet Beach and Hollywood Park, spend some time exploring Riverdale's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Riverdale?
Calumet Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Riverdale and deserves a place on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Riverdale?
Three days in Riverdale is plenty of time to enjoy the city's main highlights. Many travellers book for two days on average. William W. Powers State Recreation Area, Midwest Carvers Museum and Abbott Park are highly rated sights. Want to see more? Hang around a while longer to explore nearby hotspots like Chicago.
Is Riverdale a walkable city?
That depends on what you'd like to do and see in Riverdale. Several key sights, like Midwest Carvers Museum and Veterans Memorial Park, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Riverdale's best neighbourhoods, Dixmoor is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while West Harvey is 3 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Riverdale with kids?
If you are after activities and sights for all the family, we've got some terrific ideas for what to do in Riverdale with kids.

What to do in Riverdale for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or thrill seeker, there are lots of things to do in Riverdale for adults including Highland Community Bank and A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum.
Are there free things to do in Riverdale?
In Riverdale, William W. Powers State Recreation Area is an unmissable spot for anyone wishing to see the city without taking their wallet out. Also, stroll around the local parks and neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's a top way to find out about the best free things to do in Riverdale.