Bubbly Creek

Bubbly Creek is a nickname for a section of the South Branch of the Chicago River, located in the Union Stock Yards area. Historically, it was heavily polluted from disposing of animal and industrial waste, which caused organic materials to decay underwater. This decay produced large amounts of methane gas, creating constant bubbles that gave the creek its name. Over time, cleanup efforts improved water quality, but the creek remains a reminder of Chicago’s industrial past. Today, it’s an area of ecological restoration and urban redevelopment, symbolizing both environmental challenges and progress.