Lakefront Trail
Lakefront Trail
4.5
About
The Chicago Lakefront Bicycle Trail is roughly 22 miles of bike paths, stretching from Indiana border up to Evanston. The trail rides through many parks including Jackson Park (including U of Chicago), Grant Park (including Buckingham Fountain/Museum Campus) Millennium Park, and Lincoln Park with its Free Zoo. Plenty of beaches and bike rentals available at Bobby's Bike Hike - 540 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago IL 60611 (free maps, helmets).
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Neighborhood: Near North Side
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- SannaFinland838 contributionsGreat for a quick walkWe only walked a small part of the Lakefront Trail (combining it to the Chicago Riverwalk) but it was great for a leisurely walk during sunset, admiring the views over Lake Michigan. It was pretty quiet and serene, water was still and geese were floating on the water. Good activity to end the day with. Loops into Millennium Park.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten February 19, 2024
- CubanWatersMontreal, Canada4,036 contributionsHeck of a Lakefront TrailI got to rent a bike and went on my merry way northward on the bike trail. There is a lot of parkland and some beach areas along this path. A splendid stroll or walk, whichever way you fancy doing it. I did get going the pathway southbound as well but did not have time to sufficiently discover it in that direction. Will do next time, whenever that will be. If you are a bicyclist, definitely try it.Visited April 2024Traveled soloWritten May 19, 2024
- Sally W2 contributionsAmazing time!We rented the Divvy bikes that are all over Chicago using the Lyft app. It was super easy and the bikes were in great shape. We rode heading to the right on the Lakefront trail and it was absolutely beautiful!!! The path is well maintained and easy to navigate and there are so many great places to stop along the way to explore, rest, fill up your water bottle, eat, as well as museums and sporting venues. It was perfection in every way and I highly recommend it.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 28, 2024
- Anne MIreland145 contributionsLovely trail even if beside motorway.We went north on a lovely sunny day. Easy bike riding with bikes clearly and simply separated from pedestrians. Particularly nice view returning into town. Note v few cafes. And the downside is a noisy road beside you much of the way. Recommend whether on a bike or on foot.Visited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 16, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
2,453 reviews
Excellent
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630
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56
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8
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2
Sanna
Finland838 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
We only walked a small part of the Lakefront Trail (combining it to the Chicago Riverwalk) but it was great for a leisurely walk during sunset, admiring the views over Lake Michigan. It was pretty quiet and serene, water was still and geese were floating on the water. Good activity to end the day with. Loops into Millennium Park.
Written February 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark G
36 contributions
Jul 2023
We ran 12 km along the trail from its starting point in the north of the city to Navy Pier downtown (but you can continue for at least the same distance again). A very nice flat route on the lakeside with great views of the lake and city.
It does get a little crowded in the downtown area, and remember that, like a lost of American "trails", this one has a paved rather than natural surface.
It does get a little crowded in the downtown area, and remember that, like a lost of American "trails", this one has a paved rather than natural surface.
Written July 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
auntaugusta23
Raleigh, N.C.25 contributions
Aug 2021
We rented Divvy bikes and rode from Montrose Harbor down to the Museum District. The trails are well-maintained, with clear markings for pedestrians and cyclists, and the terrain is flat (thanks, lake!). Everyone we encountered was polite and paid attention, a pleasant change from the greenways in our city. Great job, Chicago!
Written August 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
psudino
Weehawken, NJ4,429 contributions
Sep 2021
This is why I really enjoy Chicago. It's a huge city but they really focus on the non-vehicular traffic. This very long and very well maintained trail is an excellent place for outdoor living. On one side is the city and on the other is the lake. You choose your speed and method of transportation and enjoy the view!
Written June 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kct33
Redditch, UK38 contributions
Sep 2022
Great route which I think stretches 25 miles which is a little out of our comfort zone. The bike lanes were wide well kept and not busy. You have great views of the lake and there are pit stops and parks with benches if you wish to cool down under a tree😊
Written September 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SaraJets
New York City, NY218 contributions
May 2022
If you want to see a nice view of Lake Michgan you must walk lakefront trail. It is a breathtaking view near the beach. There are cantinas to get a drink and several bars- we just passed by- not drinkers
Written June 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelboy60
Chicago, IL81 contributions
Feb 2020
To say that it's crowded, especially on weekends, is an understatement. Bike riding is simply too dangerous. Even with the new paths, people just step out in front of you. If you use, use the south end of it that isn't so crowded.
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daryl C
Danville, CA986 contributions
Jun 2021
It was warm when we visited Chicago so anything by the water was great. The Lakefront Trail is really like a grandstand for the lake. There are plenty of bike riders and joggers. And people just sunning on the steps and looking our over the lake. There's a small beach with a cafe near the Navy Pier. And, yes, people who are braver than me were swimming in the questionable water along the trail.
Written June 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lucycan
San Diego, CA3,608 contributions
Oct 2021
This IS my favorite thing to do in Chicago. This runs like 20 miles on the shoreline. It has beaches, breakers, paved paths (for both walkers and bikes) the entire length. Great FREE way to see the city!
Written October 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda C
Gold Coast, Australia1,924 contributions
Oct 2022
A fantastic trail area along Lake Michigan.
I walked from town to the Aquarium and Field Museum over a couple of different days and enjoyed the Autumn leaves blowing everywhere, the Canada Geese that had come to visit and getting out into the fresh air.
If I'd travelled with friends, I definitely would have hired the bikes and done some additional riding and exploring.
A great open space area for residents and visitors alike.
I walked from town to the Aquarium and Field Museum over a couple of different days and enjoyed the Autumn leaves blowing everywhere, the Canada Geese that had come to visit and getting out into the fresh air.
If I'd travelled with friends, I definitely would have hired the bikes and done some additional riding and exploring.
A great open space area for residents and visitors alike.
Written October 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Planning to jog the full 18.5 mile trail. Few questions:
1. Better to start from the north entrance or south entrance (I estimate starting at 6 am in September)
2. Are there drinking fountains along the way?
3. Are the pedestrian vs cycling paths clearly demarcated? Do they join at any points into a common lane?
4. Any other tips would be appreciated.
Written September 7, 2023
I would suggest posting this question directly to the dedicated TripAdvisor Chicago Forum which is supported by local experts, residents and regular visitors to the city who will be able to more easily find this question and offer thoughts and suggestions. Good luck with your research and enjoy the trail.
Written September 18, 2023
Driving up early Friday from Indiana. Would like to park near southern trailhead of Lakefront Trail, and walk/run a few hours. Suggestions for Parking?
Written October 23, 2019
Hi, you might consider parking at the Field Museum or near that area:
$20 for up to 4 hours, $25 for up to 12 hours.
The North Garage (accessible via the main entrance on Museum Campus Drive) is open from 5am to 5pm every day. Parked cars can leave after closing hours, but overnight parking is not allowed. Good luck!
Written October 23, 2019
Where can I rent a bike for trail in Chicago
's river? Thanks
Written April 9, 2018
Where is the best place to park if we want to ride the lake front trail? Coming in from Michigan City, IN. Thank you
Written September 20, 2017
There are city parking garages in Grant Park.if you go further north, there are free parking areas at Montrose beach!
Written September 20, 2017
What's the best place near the lakefront to rent a bike and helmet?
Written October 16, 2016
There is a bike rental concession located in Millenium Park right off of Randolph. It is about a block from the lakefront path. There are numerous places to rent the Divvy bikes, but they do not include helmets.
Written October 16, 2016
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