The Chicago River flows backward.
This engineering feat, accomplished in 1900, was designed to protect Lake Michigan, Chicago’s drinking water source, by reversing the river’s flow into the Mississippi.
Today, the river has been transformed into a thriving urban centerpiece, with the $100 million Chicago Riverwalk reconnecting the city to its waterfront and generating a billion dollars annually for the local economy.
The Riverwalk’s blend of restaurants, shops, and events, like the iconic green dyeing for St. Patrick’s Day, highlights how this historic waterway fuels community and commerce.
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