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A true Chicago classic. Over 18 continuous miles along Lake Michigan.


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Map Key

18.4

Miles

29.6

KM

Paved Path

596' 182 m

High

577' 176 m

Low

154' 47 m

Up

150' 46 m

Down

0%

Avg Grade (0°)

3%

Max Grade (2°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

Family Friendly Countless parks, beaches, and sights for kids to enjoy.

Need to Know

The surface is paved but can have potholes. This trail can be very crowded in the summer. Ride defensively and watch out for people entering and exiting the trail.

Description

The Lakefront Trail is a testament to the planners of Chicago, with over 18 miles of multi-use path that run through park space along the lake. The trail runs along Lake Shore Drive. There are dozens of parking lots and trail connections. It is therefore possible to do the whole trail all at once or break it up into countless smaller adventures.

This trail is the best way to see Chicago. The trail connects all of the major parks and attractions that are on the lakefront. There are beaches, tennis courts, museums, harbors and so many other things to do. A partial list of attractions include:

  • Lincoln Park
  • Grant Park
  • Millenium Park
  • Maggie Daley Park
  • Burnham Park
  • Jackson Park
  • Over 10 beaches
  • Field Museum of Natural History
  • Museum of Science and Industry
  • Shedd Aquarium
  • Adler Planetarium
  • Lincoln Park Zoo
  • Navy Pier
  • Soldier Field
  • McCormick Place
  • Montrose Harbor
  • Belmont Harbor
  • Diversey Harbor
  • DuSable Harbor
  • Monroe Harbor
  • Burnham Harbor
  • 31st Street Harbor
  • 59th Street Harbor
  • Jackson Park Harbor

Contacts

Land Manager: Chicago Park District

Shared By:

Kristen Arendt

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 6 votes

#1

in Chicago

#10796

Overall
  4.2 from 6 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
17%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Chicago

#114

in Illinois

#10,796

Overall
4 Views Last Month
1,093 Since Jan 26, 2016
Easy Easy

83%
17%
0%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

View from the Chicago Lakefront Trail.
Jan 26, 2016 near Chicago, IL
Sunrise at Foster Beach.
Jan 26, 2016 near Lincoln…, IL
Montrose Hill.
Jan 26, 2016 near Lincoln…, IL
Uptown Chicago Park.
Jan 26, 2016 near Lincoln…, IL

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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Check-Ins

May 30, 2019
Absolut Ninja
Smog day 35mi — 3h 07m
Jul 14, 2018
Alan Corcoran
Hordes of young men on scooters. WT? 2mi — 0h 50m
Jul 7, 2018
Annette Blum
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