The bridge's decorative reliefs were created by sculptor James Earle Fraser.
It is a 'trunnion' bascule bridge, meaning it pivots on a giant axle rather than using a counterweight system like early drawbridges.
The four bridge houses were once used to store spare parts and machinery for the bridge's operation.
The bridge was built as part of Daniel Burnham's 1909 Plan of Chicago to improve the city's traffic flow.
The span is composed of two independent bridge leaves that operate separately but in synchronization.
During the spring and fall, the bridge leaves are raised regularly to allow sailboats to move between Lake Michigan and inland boatyards.
The DuSable Bridge, formerly known as the Michigan Avenue Bridge, is a double-leaf bascule bridge crossing the Chicago River. Completed in 1920, the structure connects the North Side and South Side of Chicago along Michigan Avenue. It features four massive bridge houses at its corners, each adorned with decorative terracotta reliefs depicting scenes from Chicago history. The bridge serves as a major artery for vehicle, pedestrian, and boat traffic. Its design is based on the Pont Alexandre III in Paris. The bridge was renamed in 2010 to honor Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, the city's first permanent non-indigenous settler. The mechanism requires the bridge leaves to rise to accommodate tall vessels on the Chicago River. The structure is recognized as a Chicago Landmark.
From the river-level walkway on the south bank facing north toward the Wrigley Building.
Walk the Chicago Riverwalk level below the bridge for a unique perspective of the mechanical undercarriage.
Visit during the fall or spring when the bridge leaves are frequently raised to allow boat traffic passage.
Cross on foot to view the intricate historical plaques embedded in the bridge houses.
Do not attempt to cross the street while the warning bells are ringing and the traffic gates are lowering.
Bridge lifts occur seasonally during spring and autumn for boat transit; navigation is restricted during these brief lifts.
