I'll point out that the Chicago River from Weed Street (heh heh) to the loop is a neat run, then turning east thru the heart of downtown is wayyy kewl.  There's a transition point where the mucky river gives way to the Lk. Michigan water than infiltrates thru the locks and the water becomes swimming pool blue.  From passing used condoms to water that you'd nearly want to dip a cup in in a couple hundred yards.  I love that trip and I'll do it again, maybe from further upstream like Bunker Hill or Oakton St landing.