Chicago has a lot of endearing quirks, and you can grab a front row seat to one of the wildest if you visit on March 17, when the Chicago River flows bright green for the day.
The big event starts at 10 a.m., when city boats zip through the waterways to distribute 100 pounds of environmentally friendly dye. Find a bridge and squeeze through the crowd to get a good view of the river, but don't be late — it only takes a few minutes before the entire river glows brilliant green.
The tradition started in 1962, when the Plumbers Local Union dyed the river green for St. Patrick's Day — a step down from Mayor Richard Daley's original plan to turn a section of Lake Michigan green instead. But the bright green river was pretty flashy on its own, and has been a beloved Chicago tradition ever since.
