A practical day trip from Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk
Start your practical day trip from Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk by stepping onto the Chicago Riverwalk outside the hotel and choosing one nearby attraction—Millennium Park or a river architecture boat tour are both within easy walking distance. Pack comfortable shoes, a transit card if you plan to go farther, and plan meals at on-site options like Riverside Café or Link Café to keep the day simple.
In this guide
Meet at the hotel and what to bring
Begin at Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, 301 E North Water St. The hotel sits directly on the Chicago Riverwalk so you can step from the lobby area to riverside paths without needing transport.
Bring a reusable water bottle, comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing (Chicago weather changes quickly), and a charged phone for maps and ticket confirmations.
- ID and credit card (check-in minimum age is 21 if you need a room later)
- Transit card or contactless payment for CTA if you plan to ride the 'L' or buses
- Light rain jacket in spring/fall; sunscreen in summer
- Hotel phone for BookResorts agents: +1 (888) 605-1350
| Hotel Practical Notes | Fact |
|---|---|
| Check-in time | 4:00 PM |
| Check-out time | By 12:00 PM (noon) |
| Pool location | 7th floor, indoor heated pool |
Start: Walk the Chicago Riverwalk
Step directly from the hotel onto the Chicago Riverwalk; the walkway is outside the property and provides riverside views, public seating, and restaurants along the water.
This is a low-effort, scenic way to begin a day trip and connects you to riverboat tour departures and other downtown sights on foot.
- Look for seasonal dining along the Riverwalk; the hotel's Chicago Burger Company operates there when in season.
- River architecture tours depart a short distance from the hotel (about 1,250 ft according to local listings).
- The riverwalk is flat and suitable for families and most strollers.
| Nearby Riverwalk Options | Notes |
|---|---|
| Seasonal dining | Chicago Burger Company may be open along the Riverwalk (seasonal) |
| Architecture boat tours | Depart roughly 1,250 ft from the hotel |
| Riverfront strolls | Direct access from hotel doorstep |
Classic nearby stops you can do by foot
Millennium Park and its Cloud Gate ('The Bean') are about a 10-minute walk from the hotel and make a compact, photo-friendly stop that pairs well with the Riverwalk.
Michigan Avenue (the Magnificent Mile) is a 5–7 minute walk for shopping and landmark architecture. Tribune Tower and other River North buildings are within a short stroll.
- Millennium Park — ~10-minute walk from the hotel
- Michigan Avenue / Magnificent Mile — ~5–7-minute walk
- Tribune Tower — listed as only a few blocks away
| Attraction | Walking note |
|---|---|
| Millennium Park | About 10 minutes on foot |
| Magnificent Mile (Michigan Ave) | About 5–7 minutes on foot |
| Navy Pier | About a 14-minute walk per hotel map (roughly 1 mile) |
Grab a meal without losing time
If you want to stay close to the hotel, Riverside Café serves breakfast, lunch, and weekend brunch with river views and is suitable for family or casual meals.
For a quick coffee or snack, Link Café offers Starbucks® drinks, pastries, and light fare; it’s useful for grabbing fuel before you head out.
- Riverside Café hours: Mon–Fri & Sun 6:30 AM–12:30 PM; Sat 6:30 AM–1:30 PM (breakfast, lunch & brunch)
- Link Café hours: daily 6:00 AM–4:00 PM (coffee, pastries, light meals)
- Shula's Steak House opens evenings (5:30 PM–11:00 PM) if you extend your day into dinner
| On-site Option | Best for |
|---|---|
| Riverside Café | Breakfast / relaxed brunch |
| Link Café | Quick coffee or working snack |
| Shula's Steak House | Evening fine dining |
Extend your trip: short public-transit options
If you want to go farther, the nearby CTA Red Line Grand station is roughly a 12-minute walk (about 0.7 miles) and connects you to Chicago’s rapid transit for destinations like Lincoln Park or the Loop.
Taxis, rideshares, and paid airport shuttles are available for longer excursions; the hotel also lists car service and shuttle options for a fee.
- Nearest 'L' stop: Red Line Grand — about a 12-minute walk
- Airport shuttles and car services are available for a charge; no complimentary shuttle is indicated
- Allow extra time for transit during peak commute hours
| Option | Note |
|---|---|
| CTA Red Line | Nearest stop ~0.7 miles / ~12-minute walk |
| Taxi / rideshare | Readily available downtown |
| Airport shuttles | Available for a fee; check schedules and reservation requirements |
Return to the hotel: relax or use on-site facilities
After a day out, you can return to Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk for the Sheraton Fitness Center on the 7th floor or the indoor heated pool (open daily; pool towels provided).
If you’re staying overnight, Sheraton Club Lounge access is available on the 33rd floor for guests who book eligible room types or club access.
- Indoor heated pool: 7th floor; open daily (listed hours 7:00 AM–10:00 PM on site listings)
- Sheraton Fitness Center: two-story gym with Peloton bikes, Life Fitness equipment, and a dry sauna; guest access is complimentary
- In-room dining (A La Carte) is available if you prefer to eat in your room
| Facility | Practical detail |
|---|---|
| Pool | 7th floor, towels provided, listed open hours 7:00 AM–10:00 PM |
| Fitness Center | Two-story, Peloton bikes, 24-hour access reported |
| Club Lounge | Located on 33rd floor; access for eligible bookings |
