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    Chicago Lakefront Trail

    4.5 (273 reviews)

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    Henry's T.

    Trail Series, Part 39 After enjoying runs along the Lakefront Trail during the Summer months, longing for an opportunity to experience new segments of this trail during the Winter months seemed inevitable. The change in seasons brought no changes to the noted benefits described in my previous review. The trail still feels safe, is well maintained (in this case being salted to prevent slipping), and still includes terrific views of Lake Michigan. I've run through many harbors on the West Coast, but can't recall a single one that experiences a complete migration of smaller vessels to friendlier waters in advance of the oncoming deep freeze that eventually entirely consumes it. During the Winter months the trail remains well traveled and provides an opportunity to imagine that the vocal geese in the area are providing their warmest encouragement with each of your strides. In addition to the chorus of the local geese contingent, if you listen closely enough you'll hear the groans of the ice shards lazily grinding up against one another along the shoreline. On a clear day you'll enjoy tremendous views of the downtown Chicago skyline and also the seemingly limitless horizon out onto Lake Michigan. And that's...Henry's Take. #chicagolakefronttrail #runningchicago

    Trail
    Steve A.

    Here is one of the popular ways to get around Chicago. It for sure is better than driving. Lakefront Trail goes along the lake obviously. Always has tons of bicyclists. There's also plenty of runners and walkers. A long ass trail that goes about the whole lake shore almost. It goes from 71st Street on the South Side to Ardmore Avenue in Uptown. That certainly is a very long ways. Basically too far to run. It's 18 miles to go the entire thing. A lot of improvements have happened. In 2018, the trail separation project was completed, which separated the bicycle and pedestrian trails. A result was helping get rid of congestion. This means there's fewer collisions and it's safer. Good place to get exercise. It's busy with many especially in the mornings it seems. This certainly is the most popular of the many trails.

    Mia K.

    A great way to take in gorgeous views of Lake Michigan and the city from ground level. I biked in the northern end of the 18-mile windy trail, popular with locals and tourists. So many scenic spots by the museum campus. I also went further south past Soldier's Field. We rented bikes from a shop blocks away from the trail entrance by the Art Institute. Didn't spend enough time exploring. Would like to head north of the Art Institute towards Wrigley Field next time and get some Italian street food at Sfera.

    Eric E.

    Over the past 30 years I had a chance to ride the northern section of this trail. To me, that would be from Soldier Field to north of Wrigley. Yesterday my son and I tackled the southern part, which was Soldier Field to 67th Street, near the southern end of the trail. I bike daily around the Chicago burbs and there isn't a path that comes close to the splendor of this trail. The views of the lake, boats, parks, beaches, art, skyline and every other thing make this a one in a million type of path. There isn't a wrong section of this trail to bike, run or walk, but you might want to take a look at a map before heading out to determine what you want to see. I'm not sure how long the path is in length, maybe 25 miles or so, but there are plenty of inlet spots to stop and explore other things along the way. I hope to ride this trail many, many more times. It's truly the best, and most unique biking path that I've ever ridden. Cheers.

    Whitney L.

    There's a lot to love about Chicago but this lakefront trail truly takes the cake! This trail is an absolute gem for so many reasons. Just to name a few, it has designated bike and running paths, several beaches (sandy and concrete), volleyball nets, tennis courts, basketball courts, playstructures, and so much more! What's impressive about this trail is that it stretches for 18 miles so it provides ample space for everyone to find their own piece of paradise. Whether you prefer a more quiet and secluded spot or you like to revel in the buzz of activity, there's definitely a place for you along this remarkable trail. If the weather is on your side, this lakefront trail is a must-visit destination!

    Views from the trail
    Terri C.

    How can you not love this trail? Terrific views of the Chicago skyline and a great paved path for walkers, runners, and bikers. It's so nice to be out and about with other folks enjoying the outdoors in that urban landscape. Just look out for other people using the trail as there are some parts that are right next to the lake and one could easily fall into the water if you're not aware. On my last visit when I went for a run, it was a breezy morning and the water was churning a bit, leaving parts of the trail wet and slippery. Enjoy the views and the cardio!

    This place is gorgeous! The Chicago Skyline behind me!
    Shayla B.

    If I lived in Chicago, this lakefront trail would easily become my stomping grounds. All of that beauty right before my eyes. Right on this trail. It's simply gorgey! As a tourist, I felt the need to visit the observation decks because who doesn't love a beautiful city view?! But to be honest, you can get an even better view right from the lakefront trail and for the incredible price of free 99! Plus, you'll get some exercise along the way and have the luxury of seeing Lake Michigan up close and personal. It's truly a win-win. The Chicago Skyline views are pretty numbing. They'll follow you throughout the trail too. The trail itself spans 18 miles in total and is frequented by walkers, joggers, and bicyclists alike. I only walked a small portion of the trail but it packed a big punch. The trail also passes by many of Chicago's prominent landmarks. It's one of those places where you just can't stop taking pictures. Right when you feel like you've taken enough, another angle presents itself and then you have to bust out your camera again. As you probably know, it's freezing in the wintertime here. The breeze from Lake Michigan makes the windchill even that much more severe. But even while I was freezing my ass off, I couldn't help stopping every few minutes along the trail to admire the scenic views of the city. It's such a magical sight. Chicago has many landmarks and tons of free activities to partake in. Walking the Chicago Lakefront trail ranks high on that list. It may not be the most popular landmark, but I thoroughly enjoyed my walk here. Make sure to check this trail out when you're in town. If not for the trail, then simply stop for the skyline views. It's worth it.

    Beautiful view of downtown from the trail.
    Robert S.

    So many times, while in Chicago, my friend Kevin and I have walked or biked this trail. It's such a beautiful trail that hugs the lake for about 18 miles stretching both north and south of the river in downtown. We got bikes, so we did not have to rent, but there are places where you can rent bikes if needed...but the easiest thing is to just walk or jog along this nice path...It's breathtaking...Many times we passed beaches with people, museums, restaurants, people doing all kinds of active life activities.... Chicago's Lakefront Trail welcomes residents and visitors from around the world any time of the year...I've seen people there in the winter as well as in the summer....people just figure out how to enjoy it regardless of the weather outside. On any given day activity along the pedestrian and bike trails includes people commuting to work, training for marathons, caregivers with children in strollers, tourists on rental bikes, and people taking a leisurely stroll. Running from Ardmore Ave. on the north, to 71st St. on the south, the trail provides important access to the lake for recreational purposes and has become an active transportation route for many Chicagoans who commute to and from work on this trail.

    April D.

    Love Chicago so much and this view/trail definitely adds to the charm! The crowd is a mix of older/younger people casually walking or getting their workouts in. I love walking my dog around the area too. Beautiful all year round hut especially in the warmer months!

    S curve Oak street area
    Ernie H.

    It doesn't get any better than any major city in North America, Europe and China period. Google it before you send me hate mail. See the other review please

    Rhonda F.

    Man are we lucky to live on the shore of Lake Michigan or what?!?! Walking along the Lakeshore Trail is fantastic in all seasons. Of course each season brings a totally different atmosphere from the others, and each one is better than you could anticipate. Hot summers fun in the sun, with volleyball and the parade of boaters. Fall colors bidding farewell to the dog days of summer. Winter ice shows, that present the majesty of mother nature. And Spring's brisk winds with a hint of what's to come around again. There are a ton of things to do that goes on for miles. The lanes have been kept up beautifully. They are wide and safe for walkers, runners and biking. If you are an athlete, family or just someone who wants a bit of fresh air, you'll be comfortable here. More and more restaurants, cafes and bars are finally popping up. With such incredible views, I'm surprised there aren't more. I suppose it's a good thing, allowing the beauty to remain unfettered. Parking is an issue for those needing to drive over. There are options at the lakefront such as Navy Pier, Lincoln Park Zoo, up near Montrose and south near Promontory Point. You can also park a bit west and walk over. Sunrises or sunsets - the allure is undeniable!!

    Ruth B.

    I love riding the lakefront trail! The only issue is mini bikes and those one wheel things with motors. Otherwise I love it.

    Easily one of my favorite spots in Chicago. The lakefront trail is a BEAUTIFUL path to walk/run by when the weather allows. The water was gorgeous and clean each time I visited. The park is lush and green, and very peaceful to be in. The area is also well maintained and safe. I loved it here!

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    Page 1 of 7

    Ask the Community - Chicago Lakefront Trail

    Where can you park?

    It really depends on what part of the trail you plan to visit. I tend to park in-between Foster Beach, and Montrose Beach which has an ample amount of parking available. It is also free too!

    Is there a place where we can picnic and barbequr along the path?

    Many picnic and barbeque in the area in-between Foster Beach, and Montrose Harbor

    I am new to the Chicago area and I am looking to run along Lake Michigan maybe on the Lakefront Path. Not sure where the best and/or cheapest place to park might be. Any suggestions. I am planning on going on Saturday early AM. Any suggestions?

    I recommend going up north near Foster Beach. Tons of open parking in the lot, and it's free! You can't miss it because it's next to a soccer field. Get there early because on the weekend it turns into a mad house if you aren't there before 10am.

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    Review Highlights - Chicago Lakefront Trail

    The Lakefront Path is the multi-use trail that follows the totality of the city's Lake Michigan waterfront.

    Mentioned in 72 reviews

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    Palmisano Park - Palmisano Park@Night (6pm) BridgePort Cool Place for Relax/Meditation/Walk/Jogging/Exercise/fishing! Middle of the City! Nice!

    Palmisano Park

    4.7(47 reviews)
    3.8 miBridgeport

    Underrated and beautiful. It's got a fantastic view of the city skyline and there's a whole…read moreindustrial vibe going on but I don't mind it. It's serene and if it wasn't so warm I'd go to it more often. It's good for a long walk but there's no trees along that walk so I'll be frequenting more in the fall va the summer.

    Check out this incredible transformation of a quarry into a park in Bridgeport. In between it was a…read morelandfill. Palmisano Park has went through a lot of changes to be sure. A lot of nature of course. There's trails and an interpretive wetlands among the many things to come across while going through. Best to know about the transformation before going. It used to be the Stearns Quarry. The city purchased it in 2008, cleaned it up, and opened it the next year. Has lots of nature to see and more to do. There's more than a mile of paths, including recycled timber boardwalks, and walkways. At first this was the site of a coral reef if you can believe it. Limestone was formed, and there's been fossils discovered here that are now in the Field Museum. In the 1830s it became a quarry, and operated until 1970 when it became a landfill. There's a fishing pond that still has the old quarry walls. After opening this park there was cause for celebration. The community before this had a lack of green space. Have to go here if you like parks that have been restored from abandoned areas. It's quite impressive. There's all kinds of plants and wildlife.

    Photos
    Palmisano Park - Palmisano Park .BridgePort (Halsted St/Archer Ave) Cool Place for Relax/Meditation/Walk/Jogging/Exercise/fishing! Middle of the City! Nice!

    Palmisano Park .BridgePort (Halsted St/Archer Ave) Cool Place for Relax/Meditation/Walk/Jogging/Exercise/fishing! Middle of the City! Nice!

    Palmisano Park
    Palmisano Park

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    Garfield Park Conservatory

    Garfield Park Conservatory

    4.8(831 reviews)
    5.3 miEast Garfield Park

    Yes, yes, yes! A must visit!! This place has been on my list for years to come visit and I finally…read morewas like let's gooooo!! Came on a nice spring day around 2 pm. The most annoying part was the line to get in. They have qr code to pre-pay in line. But not all guests choose to do this which slows down the line. They only had one staff scanning people in. Beautiful flowers and plants. We saw the turtles as well. Plan to spend about an hour here. There are some people that stop and take too many pictures to block walkways for other guests. Parking was free. Also located right on the green line for convenient public transportation option.

    What a gorgeous (and free) experience to check out in Chicago! I loved that this wasn't downtown,…read moreand there is (usually) plenty of free parking. However, when we visited with our group to celebrate Earth Day, a lot of the conservatory was under construction. Half of the lot was blocked off, along with the children's area, sensory garden, and outdoor paths and gardens. I understand that Garfield is free, but it was a bit of a bummer to make the full trek out from the burbs to only experience half of it. I hope to visit again once this children's area is open, as my 4 year old would love it! The pathway to the entrance isn't very accessible-friendly - glad we didn't have anyone in a wheelchair this go around, as the path is rocky and uneven. Front entrance is under construction, so let's hope that's easier to walk on. Don't forget to make your reservations in advance! No admission without a reservation!

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    Garfield Park Conservatory
    Garfield Park Conservatory
    Garfield Park Conservatory - Section of interior.

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    Section of interior.

    North Park Village Nature Center

    North Park Village Nature Center

    4.6(70 reviews)
    8.7 miNorth Park

    Come here to learn about nature and natural areas. It certainly is a good place for children…read morewanting to know more. North Park Village Nature Center has a long and interesting history through the years. A lot of after school programs. There's also day camps in summer among other things. A kind of hidden place surrounded by the North Park Village campus. It's over 58 acres of natural area and educational facility. There's trails going through prairies, savannas, wetlands, and woodlands. Before this was a nature center, this used to be a sanitarium for tuberculosis patients to get care and live. The city chose this site in 1909, and it operated until the 1970s when tuberculosis was eradicated mostly. It was saved from being demolished for commercial property, and this park was created. Learn more in the Discovery Room, which is located in the middle of it. There's also plenty to explore outside, with the trails and woodlands of the Walking Stick Woods. Has programs for children, families, and adults. The Eco-Explorers summer day camp has nature themed activities and games. Bigger area than it seems to be. It's located at Peterson and Pulaski. This is a good place for exploring nature whether adults, children, or whoever wants to know about this kind of stuff.

    I visited here again yesterday with the Chicago Nature Journaling Club. I hadn't explored too much…read morewhen I was last here but did so a bit more to find a place to journal. I didn't realize that they had so many different habitats here, but there are woodlands, prairie, savannah, and wetlands. There's an area in which there's a man-made waterfall and stream which is quite nice and peaceful. I really like it here, and I'm lucky it's pretty nearby. I didn't know until I was here yesterday that this nature center was once a part of the Chicago Tuberculosis Sanitarium. for nearly 60 years. It's quite different now, obviously, and I'm glad they found a way to put this land to good use for the benefit of the community.

    Photos
    North Park Village Nature Center
    North Park Village Nature Center
    North Park Village Nature Center - TIL the creepy shriek squirrels make when I tried to figure out what terrifying creature made the sound.

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    TIL the creepy shriek squirrels make when I tried to figure out what terrifying creature made the sound.

    Chicago Lakefront Trail - hiking - Updated May 2026

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