Fish Hotel Tour 11:15 am-11:45 a.m.

Fish Liberation Ceremony 12pm-2pm

Join Friends of the Chicago River for a free tour of Friends’ Fish Hotel, currently located on the river between State St. and Dearborn St. The free tour departs from the Bridgehouse Museum at 11:15 a.m.  Then stroll over to the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum for a Fish Liberation Ceremony symbolizing the return of wildlife to the river. Spend your lunch break celebrating nature along the river – or bring the kids for a fun outdoor experience! We recommend reserving your spot (and fish) ahead of time by calling (312) 939-0490 ext.23. Friends of the Chicago River will release 400 baby bluegill into the river. Visitors will be invited to see these fanciful creatures up close. They can adopt a fish for $5, name it (if they wish) and release it into the river. Adopting a fish will also give them free admission to the museum ($3 value). Fish wranglers will be on hand to assist bluegill adopters net their favorite fish and release it into the Main Stem of the Chicago River. Museum staff and Friends’ personnel/fish wranglers can discuss ongoing efforts to improve the quality of the Chicago River and its banks, the increasing return of wildlife to the river, types of wildlife, and Chicago’s maritime and bridge history. WHERE: McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum, 376 N. Michigan (southwest tower of the Michigan Avenue Bridge). Fish release will take place outside main entrance, located on the riverwalk level.