River walks have become integral parts of many U.S. cities, providing scenic strolls,
cultural experiences, and recreational opportunities along urban waterways. These linear parks not only provide a respite from city life but also serve as engines for urban renewal, attracting visitors and revitalizing once-neglected areas.
From historic promenades to modern recreational corridors, here are 25 of the best
river walks across the United States.
San Antonio RiverWalk – San Antonio, Texas
The San Antonio RiverWalk is a network of walkways along the banks of the San Antonio River, one story beneath downtown streets. It’s lined with restaurants, shops, and historic sites, offering boat tours and annual events like the holiday River of Lights.
Chicago Riverwalk – Chicago, Illinois
The Chicago Riverwalk is a continuous pedestrian path along the south bank of the
Chicago River in downtown Chicago. It features distinct sections with names like The
Jetty and The Water Plaza, each offering unique experiences from kayaking to waterfront dining.
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Providence Riverwalk – Providence, Rhode Island
Providence’s river walk, part of the city’s River Relocation Project, includes Venice-
inspired pedestrian bridges and the popular WaterFire art installation. The walk connects several of the city’s parks and offers views of the skyline and historic
architecture.
Detroit International RiverWalk – Detroit, Michigan
The Detroit RiverWalk stretches along the Detroit River, offering views of Canada across the water. It features parks, plazas, pavilions, and a carousel, transforming the city’s industrial waterfront into a vibrant public space.
Schuylkill River Trail – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
While primarily a multi-use trail, sections of the Schuylkill River Trail in Philadelphia
function as an urban river walk. It passes by iconic sites like the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Boathouse Row, offering recreational opportunities and cultural experiences.
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Tampa Riverwalk – Tampa, Florida
The Tampa Riverwalk is a 2.6-mile-long pedestrian trail along the Hillsborough River
and Garrison Channel. It connects cultural venues, parks, and the Florida Aquarium,
with water taxis providing an alternative way to explore the waterfront.
Smale Riverfront Park – Cincinnati, Ohio
This park along the Ohio River serves as Cincinnati’s river walk, featuring interactive fountains, gardens, and playgrounds. It offers views of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge and hosts events throughout the year.
Charles River Esplanade – Boston, Massachusetts
The Charles River Esplanade is a linear park along the Charles River in Boston. It
offers walking and biking paths, public docks, and the iconic Hatch Memorial Shell,
which hosts free summer concerts and July 4th celebrations.
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Louisville Waterfront Park – Louisville, Kentucky
This park along the Ohio River serves as Louisville’s river walk, featuring expansive
lawns, walking paths, and the Big Four Bridge pedestrian crossing. It hosts numerous events, including the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Thunder Over Louisville.
Mississippi Riverwalk – New Orleans, Louisiana
The Moonwalk and Woldenberg Riverfront Park form New Orleans’ riverwalk along
the Mississippi River. They offer views of river traffic and the French Quarter, with street performers and the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas adding to the experience.
Milwaukee RiverWalk – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The Milwaukee RiverWalk winds through the city’s downtown, featuring art installations and access to riverside businesses. It played a significant role in revitalizing the city’s downtown and continues to be a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
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Wilmington Riverwalk – Wilmington, North Carolina
This wooden boardwalk runs along the Cape Fear River in historic downtown Wilmington. It offers access to shops, restaurants, and attractions like the Battleship
North Carolina, providing a blend of history and modern amenities.
Arkansas River Trail – Little Rock, Arkansas
This trail system includes river walks on both sides of the Arkansas River, connected
by pedestrian bridges. It offers views of downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock, passing by attractions like the Clinton Presidential Center.
Waterplace Park – Providence, Rhode Island
This urban park in downtown Providence features a river walk around a small basin. It’s the site of the popular WaterFire art installation and connects to the larger riverwalk system in the city.
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Spokane River Centennial Trail – Spokane, Washington
While primarily a long-distance trail, the section through downtown Spokane functions as an urban river walk. It passes by Riverfront Park and the Spokane Falls, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities.
Tennessee Riverpark – Chattanooga, Tennessee
This linear park along the Tennessee River offers walking and biking paths with scenic river views. It connects several parks and attractions, including the Tennessee Aquarium and Bluff View Art District.
Canal Walk – Indianapolis, Indiana
Part of the Indiana Central Canal, this pedestrian walkway offers a unique urban waterfront experience. It features gondola rides and pedal boats and connects to
several museums and memorials in downtown Indianapolis.
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RiverScape MetroPark – Dayton, Ohio
This park along the Great Miami River serves as Dayton’s river walk, featuring fountains, gardens, and recreational amenities. It hosts summer concerts and festivals and offers bike rentals for exploring the wider trail system.
Bricktown Canal – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
While not a traditional river, this canal in Oklahoma City’s Bricktown district functions as a river walk. It offers water taxi rides and is lined with restaurants and entertainment venues, playing a key role in the area’s revitalization.
River Walk Park – West Sacramento, California
This park along the Sacramento River offers walking paths, picnic areas, and views of the Sacramento skyline. It hosts community events and provides a peaceful retreat from urban life.
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Trinity Trails – Fort Worth, Texas
This extensive trail system includes sections that function as urban river walks along
the Trinity River. It passes through downtown Fort Worth and several parks, offering
recreational opportunities and scenic views.
Naperville Riverwalk – Naperville, Illinois
This 1.75-mile path along the DuPage River is known as the ‘crown jewel’ of Naperville. It features distinctive covered bridges, fountains, and sculptures, hosting community events throughout the year.
Mississippi Riverfront Trail – Minneapolis, Minnesota
This trail system includes sections that serve as river walks through downtown Minneapolis. It offers views of St. Anthony Falls and the Stone Arch Bridge, connecting to the wider Grand Rounds Scenic Byway system.
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Riverfront Park – Corning, New York
This park along the Chemung River offers a scenic river walk in the heart of Corning’s Gaffer District. It hosts community events and provides access to the city’s historic downtown area.
Green Bay CityDeck – Green Bay, Wisconsin
This boardwalk along the Fox River in downtown Green Bay offers gathering spaces and hosts community events. It features unique architectural elements and provides docking space for boats, connecting the city to its riverfront.
Visit America’s Waterfront Cities
These river walks show how urban waterways can revitalize cities, offering recreation, economic growth, and a connection to nature. Blending scenery, culture, and amenities, they reflect their cities’ character while appealing to both locals and visitors.
Perfect for a jog, stroll, or day of exploration, these river walks bring life to America’s waterfront cities.
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