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Chicago Photography Guide Part 2 - Waterways and Boats

Mike Lindle

Written and Photographed by Mike Lindle

Heading out to Chicago but don’t know where to shoot? After recently exploring the city for 2 months paired with a few visits over the years, I have put together a 4 part series on the best photography locations in Chicago:

Part 1 - The Classics

Part 2 - Waterways & Boats

Part 3 - CDOT Trains & Parking Lots

Part 4 - Alt Chicago

I’ve also included a few tips, the gear I used, and how to get to each location through Google Maps

London House Rooftop Bar

There are 3 main views from this rooftop bar. Most people people only pay attention to the gorgeous views from the 22nd floor of the Marina Towers. You’ll find the second and third views If you go towards the back of the balcony and under the small stone walk-up terrace. The views back here overlook The Wrigley Building& Chicago River, and Two Prudential Plaza.

  • Pro Tip - Come during sunset to catch the colors popping!

  • Cost - Free, but you should probably buy at least 1 beer/cocktail to not overstay your welcome. ($10-$15)

  • Camera - Nikon D750

  • Lens - Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G

  • Location

City View from Marshall Suloway Bridge

A popular bridge to photograph the Chicago Cityscape over the Chicago River. Come when the lighting is good! These series of bridges connect The Loop with River North. Wait for a boat to pass through for an added element in your frame or come at night for a long exposure!

Raised, Urban Rooftop Bar

There is a 4th floor rooftop bar inside the Marriott Renaissance in downtown Chicago. While not a tall overlook, this overlook offers a different perspective of the Marina Towers.

  • Pro Tip - Check out the sprial staircase in the lobby from the second floor for a compelling look down!

  • Cost - Free, but you should probably buy at least 1 beer/cocktail to not overstay your welcome. ($7-$13)

  • Camera - Nikon D750

  • Lens - Sigma 14mm f/1.8 Art

  • Location

City View from William P. Fahey Bridge

Another classic view of the Chicago skyline over the river. Objectively, the view’s centerpiece is Trump tower.

Photography Point at North Avenue Beach

Considered to be Chicago’s premier beach, North Avenue Beach offers incredible views of the Chicago Skyline and has the most lifeguards on duty than any other Chicago beach during the summer months. The beach ends with a hook-like peninsula similar to Cape Cod, which from the arm and tip provide incredible views of the skyline.

Lens - Nikkor 35-70mm f/2.8D

Chicago Riverwalk

Chicago Riverwalk construction began in 2001 and was fully completed in 2017. It’s a pedestrian walkway and public space that spans the Chicago River, giving locals a calm public space to enjoy. The Riverwalk is surrounded by a few art installations and bars and is right alongside the river. The pathway often cuts underneath the Chicago River Bridges that connect the Loop to other neighborhoods.

Ohio Street Beach - View of Hancock Building

Located in Lincoln Park, this beach is just north of Ohio Street. The beach offers stunning sunset views of the John Hancock Center. Check out the views from Milton Lee Olive Park as well, but be mindful, they usually close it down early.

View from Sheraton Grand Club Members Lounge

Offering a similar view as the William P. Fahey Bridge, this Marriott Club Member Lounge gives you an elevated perspective of the Trump Tower over the Chicago River. Be strategic, this view is not available for everyone, plan your trip accordingly if you want to catch this look!

  • Pro Tip - Previously mentioned, around St Patrick’s day they dye the river green!

  • Cost - Plan to stay at the hotel as an SPG / Marriott Rewards Member.

  • Camera - Nikon D750

  • Lens - Sigma 14mm f/1.8 Art

  • Location

Green River at Sunset

Chicago Harbor Lighthouse

Constructed in 1893, this automated lighthouse protects boats passing by the Chicago Harbor in the opening between Navy Pier and the mouth of the Chicago River. The closest you can get to this landmark is at the very end of Navy Pier unless you take one of Chicago’s many boat tours. Admittedly, there are much better shots of this Chicago landmark. Honestly, time was short so this particular shot was snapped from Cindy’s rooftop bar, a location previously mentioned in Chicago Photography Guide Part 1 - The Classics that overlooks The Bean.

Navy Pier Parking Deck

Navy Pier opened to the public in 1916 and is one of the Midwest’s largest tourist attractions. Behind Navy Pier’s Ferris Wheel sits a parking deck with sweeping views of Chicago with the Wheel in the foreground. I was torn whether to include this location in this “Waterways & Boats” guide or the “CDOT & Parking Decks” guide (Coming Soon). Since it’s very close to the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse and is surrounded by Lake Michigan, I opted to use it here in Waterways but it offers a clean segue into our next segment in the article series.

If you enjoyed this article, feel free to check out our Aerial and Timelapse YouTube Channel!