Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Vietnam Veterans Memorial image

State Street and Wacker Drive

Audio Tour

Continue walking north along Michigan Avenue until you reach Wacker Drive. Cross Wacker Drive, then begin walking west along the Chicago River.

From this vantage point you can see across the river to the Wrigley Building and the Tribune Tower. You can learn more about these buildings on our Magnificent Mile Self-Guided Walking Tour. You’ll also see the gleaming silver/glass Trump International Hotel & Tower. In true Trump fashion, this building was originally planned to be the tallest building in the world. However, plans were scaled back after September 11 and it is now the second tallest building in Chicago at 1,388 feet -- just behind Willis Tower at 1,451 feet. While the architectural design of the building won praise, the large 20-foot-tall "TRUMP" branding on the side of the building caused quite a controversy. The result was a new local law that prevents such large branding in the future.

Proceed along Wacker Drive to State Street. Take the stairs down to river level for a somber memorial to the fallen veterans of the Vietnam War. The memorial, which was dedicated on November 11, 2005, features a fountain and a wall inscribed with the names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War.

The memorial is located on the south bank of the Chicago Riverwalk. During warm weather months, the Riverwalk is alive with bars, restaurants, kayak rentals, and other activities.

If you walk to the east, you will reach the lakefront with an over-the-bridge access to Navy Pier. Along the way you'll find Beat Kitchen on the Riverwalk, located at the base of the Michigan Avenue -- aka DuSable -- bridge. Beat Kitchen on the Riverwalk features a menu of carefully crafted tacos, burgers, pizzas, vegan options, and more with full bar -- making this the perfect spot to eat, drink, and people watch on their generous riverside patio.

You can find more information about the Chicago Riverwalk in the "Attractions" section of eVisitorGuide, or by clicking here.

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