Along Lake Michigan lakefront in Chicago from 71st Street in the south to Ardmore Avenue in the north. Detailed trail maps that show access points may be found here. Information on parking may be found here.

Chicago Park District

www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/lakefront-trail

Entrances are located a few blocks east of the center of the city as well as throughout the length of the trail which extends 9.5 miles south of the center of town to 8.5 miles north of the center of town.

The trail is accessible, and there are accessible parking spaces and restrooms near the trail.

Beach Activities, Biking, Birdwatching (martins, owls, sandpipers, sparrows, warblers, woodpeckers), Boating, Fishing, Hiking, Inline Skating, Jogging, Running, Swimming, Volleyball and Wildflowers

The Chicago Lakefront Trail was Chicago’s first designated bike path.

There are water fountains and restrooms along the trail and in adjacent parks and beaches. The numerous parking lots near the trail often fill up on good weather days, and the trail can be very crowded on such days.

ONE-WAY BIKING/HIKING OPTIONS WITH MASS TRANSIT: Take Metra Rail from Millennium Station to the South Shore station which is close to the southern terminus of the trail. Return from the CTA Granville Station on the CTA Red Line. This station is close to the northern terminus of the trail; although the CTA Thorndale Station on the CTA Red Line is closer to the trail, it is not an accessible station. This itinerary can also be done in reverse and can be done partially as Metra and CTA have many stops close to the trail. Please consult the Overview section for more information on transporting bicycles on mass transit.

There are a plethora of places to eat or obtain takeout meals near the trail. On the south side Valois Restaurant at 1518 E. 53rd Street in Chicago is famous for its reasonably priced cafeteria style all day breakfasts. On the north side Bocadillo Market at 2342 N. Clark Street in Chicago serves up delicious Spanish lunch and dinner fare.

Jackson Park, including Columbia Basin and Japanese Garden, which are described on this website, Burnham Park, Northerly Island, Millennium Park, Lurie Garden, Lincoln Park Conservatory, Lincoln Park Zoo, Grant Park, Lincoln Park and the lakefront beaches. Activities at these parks and beaches include Beach Activities, Playground, Swimming and Volleyball. During the summer the Grant Park Symphony regularly performs in Millennium Park (Historic/Cultural Interest).

All year