BRIDGEPORT — Native South Siders likely know Bubbly Creek as that stinky, polluted stretch of water where long-gone meatpacking plants once dumped dead livestock, grease and chemicals.
But Bubbly Creek’s reputation as a dumping ground might soon subside when the storied waterway becomes a stop for a scenic, summer cruise packed with 200 people hoping to learn about of the area’s thriving wildlife.
Yes, there's wildlife at Bubbly Creek: Beavers, muskrats — and snapping turtles.
Running from 6-8 p.m. June 24, the Friends of the Chicago River’s Summer Cruise will feature an open bar, food from Wow Bao and a tour highlighting the animals that call the Chicago River system home.
Cruising through other tour spots — like Ping Tom Park — you might see a Blue Heron or the Black Crowned Night Heron, a fish-eating bird that’s endangered throughout Illinois but thriving along the Chicago River.
The cruise is sponsored by Wendella Sightseeing Company, which donated a large cruise vessel for the wildlife tour. As of last week, Friends of the Chicago River has sold 100 tickets, which cost $75 for one person, or $125 for two.
You can buy tickets here.
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