Cortland Street Bridge
A historic bascule bridge connecting Chicago's vibrant Bucktown and Lincoln Park neighborhoods, offering stunning skyline views and a unique industria...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Witness the bridge lifts
Cortland Street Bridge
Best Time
Witness the bridge lifts
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic bascule bridge connecting Chicago's vibrant Bucktown and Lincoln Park neighborhoods, offering stunning skyline views and a unique industrial charm.
"This bridge has, in my opinion, the best north-side view of Chicago."
📅 Bridge Lift Schedule
Check the twice-weekly schedule (Wed & Sat mornings) for bridge lifts. A unique Chicago experience!
📸 Best Photo Spot
The north side offers the best views of the city skyline, especially at sunrise/sunset.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Chicago Skyline Views
North side of the bridge
Capture breathtaking sunrise or sunset photos with the iconic Chicago skyline as your backdrop. A photographer's dream!
Historic Engineering Marvel
The bridge structure itself
Admire the first Chicago-style fixed-trunnion bascule bridge, a model for bridges nationwide. A true testament to early 20th-century engineering.
Neighborhood Connector
Connecting Bucktown and Lincoln Park
Easily traverse between two distinct and popular Chicago neighborhoods, experiencing their unique vibes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Bridge Closure Alert
A Bridge to Two Worlds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📅 Bridge Lift Schedule
Check the twice-weekly schedule (Wed & Sat mornings) for bridge lifts. A unique Chicago experience!
📸 Best Photo Spot
The north side offers the best views of the city skyline, especially at sunrise/sunset.
🚴♀️ Cyclist's Route
Great for biking! If closed, use North Ave or Webster Bridges.
🚶♂️ Explore the Area
Experience the industrial history and serene atmosphere before redevelopment.
Cortland Street Bridge Bike Detour
Tips
from all over the internet
📅 Bridge Lift Schedule
Check the twice-weekly schedule (Wed & Sat mornings) for bridge lifts. A unique Chicago experience!
📸 Best Photo Spot
The north side offers the best views of the city skyline, especially at sunrise/sunset.
🚴♀️ Cyclist's Route
Great for biking! If closed, use North Ave or Webster Bridges.
🚶♂️ Explore the Area
Experience the industrial history and serene atmosphere before redevelopment.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Cortland Street Bridge for its stunning north-side views of the Chicago skyline, making it an excellent spot for sunrise and sunset photography. Its role as a connector between vibrant neighborhoods and its historic engineering are also highlighted. Some find the surrounding industrial feel a bit unsettling, but appreciate the unique atmosphere before potential redevelopment.
"Nice photo spot for sunrise or sunset. Also it's made of metal, wood, and asphalt (amongst other materials), which is neat. Suitable for bikes, pedestrians, cars, and maybe even animal drawn carriages (at your own risk).
Is a bridge"
Ethan Siegler
"I don't feel safe here but it's ok"
Bundev Sawhney
"This bridge has, in my opinion, the best north-side view of Chicago. It's the best way to jump from two affluent neighborhoods - Bucktown to Lincoln Park, yet it's oddly barren and industrial, as this area's history would suggest. This gives it a very serene feeling, and you feel quite removed from the neighborhoods, and the rest of the city. I think Lincoln Yards will change the feeling of this bridge, and few surrounding blocks forever. I'm sure General Iron will be gone by then, as well, ridding the area of that industrial feel. It's a unique time for this bridge and street, and I'd recommend this stretch of Cortland for any biking tourist, as it won't be this way forever."
Tyler Becker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cortland Street Bridge is accessible by car, bike, and on foot. Public transportation options include nearby bus routes. For cyclists, it's a key connector between Bucktown and Lincoln Park.
Street parking may be available in the surrounding neighborhoods, but can be competitive. Consider public transport or ride-sharing for easier access.
Yes, the bridge is suitable for pedestrians, offering a pleasant walk with city views.
As a bridge, it is generally flat and accessible. However, check for any temporary construction barriers if repairs are underway.
Several bus lines run near Cortland Street. Check local transit apps for the most up-to-date routes and schedules serving the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, visiting and walking across the Cortland Street Bridge is free and open to the public.
The bridge is generally accessible 24/7 for pedestrian and vehicle traffic, though specific lift times are scheduled.
The bridge lifts twice weekly, typically on Saturdays around 8:00 a.m. and Wednesdays around 9:00 a.m., moving from the Ashland Avenue Bridge towards the lake.
There is no admission fee to cross or enjoy the views from the Cortland Street Bridge.
The bridge is scheduled for an 18-24 month closure starting September 22, 2025, for repairs. Check local advisories for current access status.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for capturing the Chicago skyline from the north side of the bridge.
You can capture cityscapes, architectural details of the bridge, and the industrial-chic vibe of the surrounding area.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of your surroundings and any temporary construction notices.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the bridge and skyline. A tripod can be useful for low-light shots during sunrise or sunset.
Yes, filming is permitted for personal use. Some creators have featured the bridge in vlogs and city tours.
🎫 🚴♀️ Biking & Recreation
Absolutely! It's a popular route for cyclists connecting Bucktown and Lincoln Park, offering a smooth ride and scenic views.
During closures, cyclists are advised to use the North Ave or Webster Bridges as alternative routes.
Bike rental services are available in nearby neighborhoods like Lincoln Park and Bucktown, making it easy to explore the area by bike.
The bridge is designed to accommodate various traffic, including bikes, with clear pathways.
Besides biking and walking, it's a great spot for photography, enjoying the cityscape, and experiencing the unique industrial-meets-urban environment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The surrounding areas of Lincoln Park and Bucktown offer more traditional family-friendly attractions like parks and playgrounds. Consider using the bridge as a scenic route to access these amenities. 🚴♀️ Cyclists and Active Travelers
📸 Photographers and Art Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Bridge of History and Industry
The area surrounding the bridge has a rich industrial past, once home to manufacturing districts, steel mills, and tanneries. This history is still palpable, lending a unique, somewhat barren, and industrial-chic atmosphere to the locale. Travelers often note this contrast between the historic industrial land and the adjacent affluent neighborhoods like Bucktown and Lincoln Park.
With potential redevelopment on the horizon, such as the Lincoln Yards project, this bridge and its surroundings are in a unique transitional phase. Visiting now offers a chance to experience this specific character before it potentially changes forever, making it a point of interest for those who appreciate urban evolution and historical context.
Navigating the Bridge: Practicalities and Views
One of the most celebrated aspects of the bridge is its vantage point for photography. The north side, in particular, offers unparalleled views of the Chicago skyline, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
For those interested in the mechanics of the bridge, it operates on a scheduled lift system, typically occurring twice weekly on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. Witnessing the bridge lift is a unique experience, showcasing its engineering prowess in action.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit