I always enjoy seeing interesting things as I walk off the beaten path in downtown Chicago. On a recent trip, I stumbled upon amazing murals which I learned are part of the Loop Mural Walk.

Photo courtesy of Chicago Loop Alliance.

Launched by Chicago Loop Alliance, there are 21 murals created by internationally known as well as emerging artists. A self-guided tour is divided into three routes totaling 2.1 miles. Interested walkers can use smartphones to guide them through the routes, or they can create their own paths.

Photo courtesy of Chicago Loop Alliance.

Eduardo Kobra’s Tribute to Muddy Waters on State Street is probably the most well-known and most visible of the murals, but most of the art is more obscure and in less likely spaces, like loading docks. These murals take street art beautifying the scenery to a new level, bringing lively colors and images to usually plain and dull areas.

Photo courtesy of Chicago Loop Alliance.

CLA’s ultimate goal is to attract people to the Loop and accelerate economic recovery. “The Loop Mural Walk is a new project we hope will inspire Chicagoans and visitors to come back downtown to enjoy all the Loop has to offer,” said Michael Edwards, president and CEO, Chicago Loop Alliance. Along those lines, in addition to the art, nearby businesses offer special deals.

Photo courtesy of Chicago Loop Alliance.

The Loop Mural Walk Tour is available through July 4. The tour will end, but the murals will remain, helping to enhance the downtown area.

Photo courtesy of Chicago Loop Alliance.

— John Wroblewski, writer

Photo courtesy of Chicago Loop Alliance.