Kinzie Street Railroad Bridge
A historic bascule bridge, once the world's longest and heaviest, now a permanently raised Chicago Landmark.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Kinzie Street Railroad Bridge
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic bascule bridge, once the world's longest and heaviest, now a permanently raised Chicago Landmark.
"Great piece of Chicago history!!! At one time, this was the largest railroad drawbridge in the world."
📸 Best Photo Spots
Head to the Kinzie Street Bridge for breathtaking shots of the railroad bridge and city.
🚢 River Cruise Essential
Many architecture boat tours highlight this historic bridge, offering fantastic views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Bascule Engineering
Chicago River
Once the world's longest and heaviest bascule bridge, a marvel of early 20th-century engineering.
Iconic Riverfront Landmark
North Branch of Chicago River
A permanently raised, iconic structure offering a unique silhouette against the Chicago skyline.
A Glimpse into Industrial Past
Near Wolf Point
A designated Chicago Landmark, this bridge stands as a testament to the city's rich railway and industrial history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Landmark Frozen in Time
Best Views & Photo Ops
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Best Photo Spots
Head to the Kinzie Street Bridge for breathtaking shots of the railroad bridge and city.
🚢 River Cruise Essential
Many architecture boat tours highlight this historic bridge, offering fantastic views.
🚶♂️ Explore the Riverwalk
Enjoy a walk along the riverfront path for a ground-level appreciation of the bridge.
🕰️ Understand its History
Learn about its past as the world's longest and heaviest bascule bridge.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Best Photo Spots
Head to the Kinzie Street Bridge for breathtaking shots of the railroad bridge and city.
🚢 River Cruise Essential
Many architecture boat tours highlight this historic bridge, offering fantastic views.
🚶♂️ Explore the Riverwalk
Enjoy a walk along the riverfront path for a ground-level appreciation of the bridge.
🕰️ Understand its History
Learn about its past as the world's longest and heaviest bascule bridge.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Kinzie Street Railroad Bridge as a significant piece of Chicago's industrial history and an iconic landmark. Many highlight its impressive engineering and recommend viewing it from the adjacent Kinzie Street Bridge or during a river cruise for the best photographic opportunities and city views. Some note that the bridge is no longer functional and could be better maintained.
"Great piece of Chicago history!!! At one time, this was the largest railroad drawbridge in the world. Located just north of Wolf Point, this is very iconic! And if you go by land, they have stairs to climb!"
Captain Jonathan Meyer
"Great view of this bridge and the city from the Kinzie Street Bridge.
There's also a nice little walking path near this bridge. The view of the city from this location is wonderful and probably one of the least known by tourists. It's well worth a walk around the area. There used to be the wonderful smell of chocolate from the chocolate factory near by, but unfortunately they were forced to remove the emissions.
Take walk another another block north to the Kinzie street bridge to take a great shot of this bridge and the city with the river, it's breathtaking."
Rob H
"The old Chicago & Northwestern Railway Bridge is certainly an interesting spot with lots of history. Urban exploration is one of my favorite activities. I always enjoy visiting remnants of days past, especially old industrial structures. If you find yourself in the area you should make a stop, it would be a great place for photos. As another reviewer noted, I wish it was better kept. Can't have it all I suppose."
Dario Chavez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The bridge is accessible by land via the Kinzie Street Bridge area or by taking a Chicago River architecture boat tour. Public transport options like the CTA 'L' trains and buses can get you close to the riverfront.
Parking in downtown Chicago can be challenging and expensive. It's recommended to use public transportation or rideshare services to reach the area.
The railroad bridge itself is permanently raised and not accessible for pedestrian traffic. However, the adjacent Kinzie Street Bridge offers pedestrian access and great views.
Many visitors find that a Chicago River architecture boat tour provides the most comprehensive and scenic views of the bridge and surrounding cityscape.
No, the Kinzie Street Railroad Bridge is no longer operational for trains and has been permanently raised since 2000. It now serves as a historical landmark.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Viewing the bridge from the riverfront or adjacent Kinzie Street Bridge is free. If you opt for a boat tour, tickets will be required for the cruise.
The bridge is a permanent structure, so it can be viewed at any time. However, for the best photographic opportunities and to experience it from a boat tour, daytime hours are recommended.
There is no admission fee to access the Kinzie Street Bridge for viewing the railroad bridge. It's a public area.
While there aren't specific tours solely for the railroad bridge, many Chicago River architecture boat tours include detailed information about its history and significance.
The Kinzie Street Railroad Bridge was designated a Chicago Landmark in 2007, recognizing its historical and architectural importance.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photographing the bridge and the city skyline. Daytime also provides clear views.
For general shots, a moderate aperture (f/8-f/11) will ensure sharpness. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures to capture the river's movement.
From the Kinzie Street Bridge, you get a great perspective. Boat tours offer unique angles from the water, showcasing the bridge's scale against the city.
Drone usage in downtown Chicago is heavily regulated. Always check current FAA and local ordinances before flying a drone in this area.
The bridge is situated near Wolf Point and offers views of the Chicago River, the Loop skyline, and other architectural gems along the riverwalk.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🏛️ History Buffs
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Legacy of Engineering: The Kinzie Street Railroad Bridge
+1Although it served the Chicago and North Western Railway for decades, the bridge ceased being used by trains in 2000. It was officially designated a Chicago Landmark in 2007, preserving its historical significance. Today, the bridge remains permanently raised, a silent sentinel over the Chicago River, offering a tangible connection to the city's past as a major transportation and industrial hub. Its imposing structure continues to capture the imagination of visitors and locals alike.
+1While the bridge is no longer functional for its original purpose, its presence is a key feature for those exploring Chicago's riverfront. Many visitors find that the best way to appreciate its scale and historical context is through a Chicago River architecture boat tour. These tours often highlight the bridge's unique design and its role in the city's development, providing a narrative that brings the steel structure to life.
Experiencing the Kinzie Street Railroad Bridge: Views and Vistas
Many travelers and locals alike recommend taking a Chicago River architecture boat tour as a prime way to see the bridge. These tours are renowned for their insightful commentary on Chicago's architectural heritage, and the Kinzie Street Railroad Bridge is frequently a highlight. Cruising along the river provides a unique angle, allowing you to grasp the sheer size of the bridge and its integration into the urban fabric.
Beyond the immediate vicinity, the bridge is a significant element in the broader panorama of the Chicago River. Its iconic silhouette is a recognizable feature for those familiar with the city's waterfront. While the bridge itself is a historical artifact, the surrounding area offers a dynamic urban experience, blending historical structures with modern city life.
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