4K - 21 Minutes

As one of the USA’s most scenic cities in winter, Chicago feels especially cinematic—towering architecture, crisp lake air, and streets that glow as the day fades. At the heart of it all is the Chicago River, winding through the city’s famous skyscraper canyon and offering some of the best views of Chicago’s remarkable skyline. We explore the river up close along the Chicago Riverwalk, passing bridges, tucked-away corners, and wide overlooks where the city opens up in every direction.

In deep winter, the river can become a show of its own: slabs of ice gathering along the edges, frosted surfaces catching the light, and slow-moving chunks drifting beneath the bridges. Against the steel-and-glass towers, the frozen river makes a spectacular display—quiet, shimmering, and surprisingly dramatic. As we walk, you’ll see why the Chicago River isn’t just a waterway, but one of the city’s defining landmarks and a perfect place to experience winter Chicago at its most beautiful.