McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum

05/02/2026

Join us to celebrate 20 years of educating the public about the Chicago-Calumet River system at our opening day in one week! As always, admission is free with donations encouraged and welcomed. Meet our new staff, enjoy some beautiful views of the city, and maybe even see the DuSable Bridge lift!

After we open for the season, we will resume our normal operating hours through October.

03/26/2026

Friends of the Chicago River is hiring Bridgehouse Museum Associates for our 20th anniversary season. This part time (28 hours/week) position is seasonal and runs early May through late October.

More information can be found in the link in our bio.

10/26/2025

While our 2025 season comes to a close, we are thankful for all of the guests who came to the Bridgehouse Museum, our special events, fundraisers, guided tours, and more.

A special thank you to the seasonal staff at the Bridgehouse. This fantastic crew made this season extra special. See you in May for our 20th season!

10/23/2025

The 2025 Bridgehouse Museum season is wrapping up this Saturday and we would love to see you before we close up for the winter.

This season was full of exciting programming, tours, school field trips, bridge lifts, and of course Chicago-Calumet River System progress! Guided tours for Friday and Saturday are still available at 11am and 2pm.

Information on private winter tours, museum rentals, and more can be found on our website. Thank you for an incredible year! We will open back up in May for our 20th season!

09/18/2025

Our last Happy Hour Speaker Series is tonight 9/18! Join us to welcome the three incredible authors of Fishes of the Chicago Region: A Field Guide to speak about... you guessed it -- fish! We'll have a lively discussion, refreshments, and books to purchase and get signed.

Join us for our last Happy Hour Speaker Series on Thursday, September 18th! This free series on our plaza welcomes authors Frank Veraldi, Steve Pescitelli, and Philip Willink. We are hoping to have books available for the authors to sign, and we will have complimentary beverages courtesy of Goose Island.

In celebration of the recently released book, the presentation will give an overview of the wonderful diversity of fish species found within the Chicago Region. This area includes rare habitats supporting diverse fish populations. From small creeks to large rivers to the Chicago River, and from small ponds to one of the world’s largest freshwater ecosystems, Lake Michigan, these systems are home to some 164 species of fishes. We will discuss some of our more notable aquatic neighbors, ranging from massive Lake Sturgeon to tiny minnows, Largemouth Bass to colorful darters, and highlight the need to conserve our local waters where these fishes are found.

09/11/2025

Join us for our last Happy Hour Speaker Series on Thursday, September 18th! This free series on our plaza welcomes authors Frank Veraldi, Steve Pescitelli, and Philip Willink. We are hoping to have books available for the authors to sign, and we will have complimentary beverages courtesy of Goose Island.

In celebration of the recently released book, the presentation will give an overview of the wonderful diversity of fish species found within the Chicago Region. This area includes rare habitats supporting diverse fish populations. From small creeks to large rivers to the Chicago River, and from small ponds to one of the world’s largest freshwater ecosystems, Lake Michigan, these systems are home to some 164 species of fishes. We will discuss some of our more notable aquatic neighbors, ranging from massive Lake Sturgeon to tiny minnows, Largemouth Bass to colorful darters, and highlight the need to conserve our local waters where these fishes are found.

09/07/2025

Meet - our lovely local photographer! Sharyne takes fantastic photos of our favorite city including its bridges and river! Her artwork can be purchased at our gift shop on prints, cards, and magnets. The Bridgehouse Museum is proud to support local artists. Come stop by and check it out!

08/28/2025

Join us for our next speaker series happy hour! We will have a river trivia night with prizes. Featuring categories including wildlife, history, and pop culture!

08/19/2025

Sadly our original speakers for this Thursday have had an emergency and must cancel. However we will have a great discussion with staff from Friends of the Chicago River. As always our Happy Hour Speaker Series is free, open to the public, and provides the refreshments.

Discover Your River: How Improved Water Quality Expands What’s Possible

Join Friends of the Chicago River for a conversation about the improvements in the Chicago-Calumet River system’s water quality—and what that means for you. Disinfection at wastewater treatment plants, reductions in combined sewer overflows, and public notification systems for when overflows do happen have made the river healthier than it has been in more than 150 years.

Learn how these improvements open the door to new opportunities for recreation and connection. Friends’ staff will share engagement opportunities with our canoe program, wildlife habitat projects, and the more exciting events and programs ahead.

07/31/2025

Have you ever wondered how clean the Chicago River is? Join us next week for our panel on water quality right here on the Chicago River Walk. Beverages provided by including the new River Bird IPA.

07/26/2025

Tickets are now available! You are invited to join us on this two-hour cruise of the Chicago River with an open bar, appetizers, live music, and great company. A raffle and split-the-pot will be held along with some docent work highlighting wildlife along the river.

Early Bird Special Ticket Pricing of $90 for one ticket and $85 for multiple is available until September 2. As of September 3, tickets will be $100 for one, and $95 for multiple. This fundraiser will benefit the Bridgehouse Museum’s education and public outreach programs. Tickets and additional information are available on the website.

Anyone interested in sponsoring this high-profile event can reach out to Josh Coles at [email protected].