So why on earth do fish in Chicago need a hotel? Well on the Chicago River, as it happens, there are several reasons.
They check in to: flee from boats, grab a some shelter and (thanks to insects attracted to native plants), a bite to eat.
That’s what I learned when I looked over the Dearborn Street draw bridge to see greenery climbing the riverbank walls and flowers draped over the Lower Wacker sidewalk railing.
Curious, I braved the stinky pee-stained, trash-strewn steps to see what was up. Turns out, a Fish Hotel, courtesy of the Friends of the Chicago River.
The hotels are nothing new to the Chicago River. They’ve been here for a couple years at least. But this is the first I’ve seen them in my part of the city neighborhood.
The first one was just off the Michigan Ave. bridge as part of a broader river restoration project. I’m guessing the water’s not yet fit to fish for food or to swim in yet. But I believe that’s among the goals.
Virtual Farmgirl 