Illinois is more than just a friendly Midwestern destination boasting a convenient central U.S. location and multiple convenient airports, as well as an exceptional mix of history and culture, soaring skyscrapers, and welcoming vibes. The state also is home to some of the country’s most distinctive waterfront event venues.
“Chicago has two major bodies of water—Lake Michigan and the Chicago River—with a range of dynamic venues along each,” says Mallory Yepez, associate director of client services for Choose Chicago. “Our two unique waterfronts offer energies that are as distinct and vibrant as Chicago itself.”
Looking for sandy lakeside beaches? Head to Shore Club Chicago, located on the city’s famous North Avenue Beach, for unobstructed views of Lake Michigan and convention space accommodating up to 1,200. Or plan a dinner event on the balcony of the upscale RPM Seafood Chicago to experience the Chicago Riverwalk energy as pedestrians and boats pass by while you’re dining.
“You can even hold [dinner cruise] events on the water via companies like Odyssey Chicago River or the Anita Dee Yacht Charters on Lake Michigan,” says Yepez. If your event is better suited to smaller venues away from bustling city life, just head out to quieter hamlets like Geneva, situated between Aurora and Schaumburg.
The European-inspired enclave offers visitors a relaxed atmosphere with easy access to shopping and dining spots, says Lisa Van Bortel, director of sales and marketing at The Herrington Inn & Spa in Geneva. Situated along the Fox River, the hotel has ample opportunities for outdoor adventure, including kayaking or running and biking along riverside trails. “We offer wonderful outdoor space that is really hard to find in the Chicago area,” she says.
Superlative City Settings
Pick a stunning spot in big cities throughout the U.S., and odds are that it features a body of water in the backdrop. Chicago is no exception. “Lake Michigan is truly an emblematic part of Chicago, from its poignant place in Chicago’s skyline to its borders of beautiful, urban beaches and the iconic Lakeshore Drive,” says Mark McLaughlin, director of sales and marketing at Sable at Navy Pier Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton.
The city’s blend of architecture, history, and entertainment along its expansive waterfronts is ideal for planning engaging, memorable events of any size. “I feel like that’s what makes Chicago stand out the most,” says Jermissia Evans, owner of Joliet-based JSSEvents. “Because it’s already beautiful, and the water always gives a nice touch.”
For gatherings along the Chicago River, groups might enjoy spectacular views from one of six available spaces at River Roast—a restaurant and event venue. City Winery Chicago Riverwalk has an expansive riverfront patio. For the grandest of events, check out the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, home to the city’s largest ballroom at over 125,000 square feet of event space with a capacity of 4,600.
Along Lake Michigan, groups wanting some of the most iconic waterfront experiences will find it at Chicago’s Navy Pier. From outdoor attractions at Pier Park like the towering Centennial Wheel—featuring lofty views 200 feet up—and photo opportunities at the Wave Wall, to many lodging, entertainment, and dining options, Navy Pier is also considered a cultural hub for guests to explore local art, music, food, and festivals.
At the Aon Grand Ballroom, part of the pier’s original 1916 construction, planners can craft a timeless event for groups up to 1,100 beneath the building’s stunning 80-foot domed ceiling. (There’s additional seating for 300 in the balcony.) Enjoy dazzling views from the world’s largest rooftop bar at Offshore Rooftop & Bar, available for events as large as 750 people. Or book an event for up to 175 guests in the Sable at Navy Pier Chicago’s Great Lakes Ballroom, built with floor-to-ceiling, south-facing windows to showcase the best of Lake Michigan and the city skyline. “Being on the water and having access to the unbelievable views from our unique vantage on Navy Pier is an experience itself,” McLaughlin says.
Suburban & Downstate Solitude
While waterfront events cultivate a good balance between professional development and accessible recreation, some groups prefer conference experiences away from the hubbub of city life. Illinois delivers in the Chicago suburbs and downstate.
Andrea Roiniotis, chief operating officer at Skokie-based Northwestern Mutual (a financial-planning and investment-services company) says she feels like she’s on vacation every June during her work group’s annual retreat in Geneva, located about 40 miles west of Chicago. Set along the Fox River, the quieter town—with unique event and meeting venues—is known for its preserved 19th-century architecture, cobblestone streets, and natural beauty.
Roiniotis plans her work event each year at The Herrington Inn & Spa, a riverfront boutique AAA Four-Diamond property that first opened as a dairy creamery in the 1870s. Today, it offers 60 guest rooms and more than 13,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
“The Herrington Inn & Spa offers guest rooms with balconies and patios that connect our guests to nature, lush gardens, and river views,” says Van Bortel. “It automatically evokes calmness and relaxation.” She adds, “There’s no better way to start the day than to open up the curtains and look right over the water. Sometimes there’s wildlife, whether it be ducks, geese, or something in the water. It’s just a really nice way to spend a workday.”
Roiniotis says her group often takes lunch breaks on the patio to hear the calming sound of rushing water, or with a walk along the banks of the Fox River. Attendees might also unwind at the on-site spa or take a short stroll through the historic downtown filled with antique shops, restaurants, breweries, and wine-tasting rooms. “Our serene setting and our service levels are what bring our corporate event planners back year after year,” Van Bortel says.
If you’re seeking an even more remote event setting, look roughly 80 miles south in Nebo, where Harpole’s Heartland Lodge offers attendees a level of natural beauty, privacy, and adventure with views of the Mississippi River. Surrounded by rolling hills, peaceful forests, and open pastures, the property provides the perfect place to disconnect and focus on the meeting agenda.
“Unlike urban venues, our setting provides exclusive access to nature and outdoor activities,” says Zach Jumps, director of marketing at the lodge. “Attendees can step outside their meeting space and immediately experience the great outdoors.”
The lodge offers activities like birdwatching, hiking, all-terrain vehicle riding, and spring mushroom hunting. The property also completed an update of its lodging and conference facilities in April. “The slower pace and breathtaking scenery foster better team building, creativity, and relaxation,” Jumps says. “Planners looking for a truly immersive, nature-based event will find that our location delivers a one-of-a-kind experience that blends adventure, relaxation, and Midwestern charm.”
Alluring Aspects
Some of the most important functions of society have always been centered on bodies of water, providing valuable resources and transportation methods to sustain local economies. In other words, waterfront event spaces are typically located in the heart of the action, whether it’s within a booming metropolis or smaller suburb.
“It’s always easy to find stuff for people to do in Chicago, and you don’t necessarily need to drive,” says Evans of JSSEvents. “[Waterfront venues] get more people outside, and they bring the community together more with the good weather and fun events.”
If your meeting or event would benefit from a pastoral setting, you will find plenty of small-town charm downstate. Options include Moline—situated on the western bank of the Mississippi River about 165 miles west of Chicago—which features the revitalized historic waterfront district of Rock Island Boatworks, lined with popular shops and eateries.
Alternatively, take a short drive north from the city to Lake County’s Chain O’Lakes State Park, home to a series of inter-connected lakes that are popular for recreation like boating, fishing, birdwatching, and swimming from a sandy beach. The county also boasts several event venues, including the Genesee Theatre and the Cuneo Mansion and Gardens, among others.
Waterfront events present attendees with easy access to a city’s best amenities, both professional and social, whether at an elegant Chicago lakefront or a babbling brook in the wilderness. To borrow a phrase from 19th-century naturalist and conservationist John Muir: “The sound of water is worth more than all the poetry.” Illinois offers many waterfront venues to reap its benefits.
Setting Sail
Explore waterways in Illinois and Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, with these unforgettable boat tours.
Chicago’s First Lady Cruises Topping many “best of” lists, the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise along the Chicago River is a great way to learn about the city’s buildings while enjoying open-air, 360-degree river and city views. architecture.org
Chicago Seadog Extreme Thrill Rides Prepare for splashes as groups depart from
Navy Pier for a full-throttle, 30-minute speedboat ride on Lake Michigan. cityexperiences.com
Lake Geneva Cruise Line Bring your team aboard the vintage Grand Belle of Geneva or Lady of the Lake boats that ply the waters of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, 80 miles northwest of Chicago. The cruise line caters to groups of two to 225-plus. cruiselakegeneva.com
One “Belle” of a Celebration
Hop aboard the Celebration Belle in Moline for an evening dinner-and-dance cruise on the Mississippi River. celebrationbelle.com
Wild and Wonder Set about 90 miles southwest of Chicago in Utica, Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center wows nature lovers with a boat-and-land tour of the Illinois River and Ottawa Canyon via boat and guided hike, or a 60-minute ride in search of river waterfowl. starvedrocklodge.com
anitadee.com
choosechicago.com
citywinery.com
heartlandlodge.com
herringtoninn.com
hilton.com
marriott.com
navypier.org
offshorerooftop.com
riverroastchicago.com
rpmrestaurants.com
shoreclubchi.com
