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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Neighbourhood: Near North Side
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,448 reviews
Excellent
1,753
Very good
629
Average
56
Poor
8
Terrible
2
Cathy H
Plainfield, IN17 contributions
May 2023
Watched so many boats, people, and wildlife around the water even water taxis. People enjoying picnics on blankets. Vendors selling all kinds of tempting goods.
Written August 9, 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.
Henry’s Take
San Diego, CA97 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Solo
Trail Series, Part 18
If you’re in Chicago, Illinois and looking to combine some long distance exercise with some dynamic photo opportunities, I suggest the Lakefront Trail along Lake Michigan.
It spans nearly 20 miles and provides separate lanes for the walkers/runners and for the cyclists/skateboarders/rollerbladers. This distinction is key because while I was running there were many cyclists really barreling along. However, this presented no safety concerns because we were enjoying our various forms of exercise in entirely separate lanes.
I found the overall safety of the trail to also be good as the paths were well traveled and using them during the day (even if alone) presented no concerns. While there were a large number of people enjoying the paths (including many with leashed dogs), there weren’t so many as to prevent runners from maintaining their desired pace.
Speaking of pictures, I ran North from Navy Pier and was stunned by the view of the downtown skyline when I eventually turned around. While I’ll never take a picture as good as my friend @andreimatei, there were a couple from this run that I was pretty stoked about.
Depending on where you’re staying in downtown, getting to this trail may take a little bit of effort, but I found my investment to be entirely worth it.
And that’s…Henry’s Take.
#chicagolakefronttrail
#runningchicago
If you’re in Chicago, Illinois and looking to combine some long distance exercise with some dynamic photo opportunities, I suggest the Lakefront Trail along Lake Michigan.
It spans nearly 20 miles and provides separate lanes for the walkers/runners and for the cyclists/skateboarders/rollerbladers. This distinction is key because while I was running there were many cyclists really barreling along. However, this presented no safety concerns because we were enjoying our various forms of exercise in entirely separate lanes.
I found the overall safety of the trail to also be good as the paths were well traveled and using them during the day (even if alone) presented no concerns. While there were a large number of people enjoying the paths (including many with leashed dogs), there weren’t so many as to prevent runners from maintaining their desired pace.
Speaking of pictures, I ran North from Navy Pier and was stunned by the view of the downtown skyline when I eventually turned around. While I’ll never take a picture as good as my friend @andreimatei, there were a couple from this run that I was pretty stoked about.
Depending on where you’re staying in downtown, getting to this trail may take a little bit of effort, but I found my investment to be entirely worth it.
And that’s…Henry’s Take.
#chicagolakefronttrail
#runningchicago
Written August 7, 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.
Mark G
38 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.
joaniemaria
Eldridge, IA2,395 contributions
Apr. 2023 • Family
We walked a portion of this trail from Millenium Park to the Chicago River/Michigan Avenue. It is a beautiful wide, paved trail following the lake. It was a gorgeous, sunny day the day we walked. I recommend. It was busy, even on a weekday.
Written July 13, 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.
BradJill
Hong Kong, China159,199 contributions
May 2023
The Lakefront Trail (LFT) was originally created in 1963 as Chicago's first dedicated bike path. Over the decades it grew in popularity as both a bike and walking/jogging trail and was expanded to reach 18 miles in length along the shores of Lake Michigan stretching from W. Ardmore Ave. to the north and E 71st Street in the south.
In 2017/18, a major project was undertaken which achieved a separation of the biking trail and pedestrian trail. This would have improved the experience for all trail users tremendously. You can see LFT maps online and learn about attractions and places to visit along the trail through the ChicagoDistrictParks website.
During our recent visit to Chicago we enjoyed a morning walk along the trail from The Queen's Landing just east of Grant Park north to Navy Pier. This was a nice way to enjoy some time along Lake Michigan away from the busy streets. The walk was nice, peaceful and fairly quiet in the morning. We encountered a fair number of morning joggers, not many other walkers on the rather cold and brisk morning.
In 2017/18, a major project was undertaken which achieved a separation of the biking trail and pedestrian trail. This would have improved the experience for all trail users tremendously. You can see LFT maps online and learn about attractions and places to visit along the trail through the ChicagoDistrictParks website.
During our recent visit to Chicago we enjoyed a morning walk along the trail from The Queen's Landing just east of Grant Park north to Navy Pier. This was a nice way to enjoy some time along Lake Michigan away from the busy streets. The walk was nice, peaceful and fairly quiet in the morning. We encountered a fair number of morning joggers, not many other walkers on the rather cold and brisk morning.
Written May 29, 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.
Bill K
Mantorville, MN6,372 contributions
Sep. 2022 • Solo
As long as the weather is decent, you really can't go wrong with this trail for running/walking/biking/rollerblading. You have beautiful lakefront views, downtown cityscapes, and the beauty of places like Navy Pier to take in as you recreate.
Safety concerns would be the only question I would have in recommending this trail. Smart practices like going out during daylight hours, working out with others, and sticking to the busiest portions of the trail should keep you safe. For all of the time I used the trail (morning and evening) there was a Chicago police presence.
I enjoyed my workouts on this trail immensely.
Safety concerns would be the only question I would have in recommending this trail. Smart practices like going out during daylight hours, working out with others, and sticking to the busiest portions of the trail should keep you safe. For all of the time I used the trail (morning and evening) there was a Chicago police presence.
I enjoyed my workouts on this trail immensely.
Written April 3, 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.
Amanda C
Gold Coast, Australia1,668 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.
Donnette D
La Crescent, MN21 contributions
Oct. 2022
This is a nice trail along the lake. Wide sidewalks, but lots of bikes. Just make sure you are paying attention when walking this trail. Pretty views though!!!
Written October 25, 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.
nickss1
Southend-on-Sea, UK4,566 contributions
Oct. 2022 • Solo
This is a great option if the weather is good to simply stroll along the lake front. It’s wide, so good space for cyclists and pedestrians. I would definitely recommend if the weather is on your side
Written October 5, 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.
Nerissa Golden
Montserrat286 contributions
Sep. 2022
This is a wonderful space to enjoy the outdoors. Miles of trail to walk or bike. The view of the river and the Chicago skyline keeps things interesting.
Written September 27, 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.
A K
Orange County, CA12 contributions
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.
BradJill
Hong Kong, China159,199 contributions
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.
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?
Judy C
Saint Louis, MO117 contributions
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!
John K
Pisa, Italy1 contribution
Where can I rent a bike for trail in Chicago
's river? Thanks
cyclist7777
Rogersville, MO8 contributions
Where is the best place to park if we want to ride the lake front trail? Coming in from Michigan City, IN. Thank you
Patricia M
Lincolnwood, IL5 contributions
There are city parking garages in Grant Park.if you go further north, there are free parking areas at Montrose beach!
Kim A
Hoboken, NJ1 contribution
What's the best place near the lakefront to rent a bike and helmet?
RusPat_704
San Juan, Puerto Rico940 contributions
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.
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Claim your listingLAKEFRONT TRAIL - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Lakefront Trail
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Lakefront Trail:
- Bike Tour of Chicago's Lakefront Neighborhoods (From C$75.40)
- Bikes, Bites, and Brews: Chicago's Signature Dishes Bike Tour (From C$123.39)
- Chicago's Ultimate City Bike Tour (From C$75.40)
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- Hotels near Lakefront Trail:
- (0.14 km) W Chicago - Lakeshore
- (0.46 km) Loews Chicago Hotel
- (0.58 km) Hotel EMC2, Autograph Collection
- (0.40 km) DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago - Magnificent Mile
- (0.53 km) Ivy Hotel
- Restaurants near Lakefront Trail:
- (0.22 km) Pinstripes
- (0.13 km) Kanela Breakfast Club,
- (0.13 km) Cupitol Coffee & Eatery (Streeterville)
- (0.16 km) W Chicago Lakeshore
- (0.16 km) Kanela