Couch Place, the Alley of the Death
2 MIN READ – Couch Place, or the Alley of the Death, is an eerie back street in Chicago that has a tragic history. Some people passing through claim that the alley is haunted. Do you know what happened here?
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Chicago Loop Insights
Your insider's guide to the best things to do, see, and experience in Chicago.
Tourism shows upswing in June data report
2 MIN READ – Since July 2020, Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA) has released monthly reports on downtown activity using a variety of data sources to track operations during COVID-19, and today released its June report.
Designing Cities for Mental Health Explored at Downtown Futures Series
5 MIN READ – The restrictions faced by city residents around the world during the COVID-19 pandemic brought home just how much urban design can affect mental health. Designing cities for mental health and well-being was explored at Chicago Loop Alliance’s June 10 Downtown Futures Series webinar. View a recording of the full presentation here.
New State and Lake CTA ‘L’ Station designs unveiled
3 MIN READ – On June 9, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) unveiled the preliminary design concepts for a rebuilt State/Lake ‘L’ station in the Loop, the latest marquee project in the modernization of the nation’s second-largest transit agency.
May data shows workers returning to offices in the Loop
2 MIN READ — Since July, Chicago Loop Alliance has been collecting monthly survey data from its member businesses and stakeholders to track operations during COVID-19, and today released its May report. View the full May report here. Some highlights include:
Meet the newest riverfront buildings in the Loop with Chicago Architecture Center Docents
2 MIN READ – There’s even more to Chicago’s iconic skyline than what first meets the eye. Each building in and around the Loop has its own rich history, and there’s no better way to learn their stories than on a Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady.
April Loop data shows continued increase towards normal activity levels
2 MIN READ — Since July, Chicago Loop Alliance has been collecting monthly survey data from its member businesses and stakeholders to track operations during COVID-19.
More people want to the live in the Loop. Here’s why.
6 MIN READ – It’s no secret that 2020 was a rough year for the Chicago Loop in more ways than one—including for the residential market. Headlines about mass exodus from dense urban areas in favor of more space raised concerns for downtowns across the country. But there is recent data showing renewed interest in Loop living. Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live in the Loop? What current residents have to say might surprise you.
What's Happening
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Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise Aboard First Lady
March 15, 2026
Chicago’s top-rated architecture boat tour, 90 minutes with expert CAC guides, stunning skyline views, open-air seating, and onboard amenities.
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Creepy Cruise
March 21, 2026
Explore Chicago’s haunted past on a nighttime river cruise featuring ghost stories, mob history, and eerie secrets of the Windy City.
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Sightseeing River & Lake Cruises
April 17, 2026
Chicago River & Lake Michigan cruise with skyline views, iconic landmarks, and engaging guides sharing the city’s history and stories.
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Chicago by Night River & Lake
April 17, 2026
Experience Chicago at night on a 90-minute river and lake cruise, featuring a glittering skyline, cool breezes, and lively, family-friendly commentary.
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Theater of the Mind - with The Goodman
April 22, 2026
Directed by Andrew Scoville. Co-created by Academy, Grammy, and Tony Award-winning artist David Byrne* and writer Mala Gaonkar, Theater of the Mind is a new theatrical…
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3D Fireworks Cruise
May 23, 2026 | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Cruise from the Chicago Riverwalk to Lake Michigan for skyline views and a 3D-enhanced fireworks show with music and narration.
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Summer Art Classes at SAIC
June 1, 2026
Let your creative potential shine this summer with a class at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, with options available for kids, teens and…
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Canine Cruise
July 11, 2026
Cruise Chicago’s waterways with your dog. Pet friendly, scenic, and fun. Available July to October every Saturday and Sunday for pups of all sizes.
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Evenings at Renaissance: A Taste of Greektown
August 26, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Taste of Greektown comes early to Renaissance! Featuring a special evening celebrating local Mediterranean heritage with an artisanal mezze spread…