Chicago Lakefront Trail

The Chicago Lakefront Trail (abbreviated as LFT) is a 18-mile-long (29 km) shared use path for walking jogging and cycling, located along the western shore of Lake Michigan in Chicago, Illinois . The trail passes through and connects Chicago's four major lakefront parks along with various beaches and recreational amenities. It also serves as a route for bicycle commuters.

The trail is located wholly within the Chicago city limits and spans from 7100 South/2560 East to 5800 North/1000 West. It is a dedicated-use path, although frequent intersections do pose a threat to path users. These intersections are clearly signed both to path users and motorists. From north to south, it runs through Lincoln Park, Grant Park, Burnham Park, and Jackson Park.

Attractions

Chicago Lakefront Trail
mi
0 Edgewater Beach ()
to/from Wrigley Field at 2.8 mi (4.5 km)
to/from Lincoln Park Zoo at 4.6 mi (7.4 km)
7.4 Navy Pier
to/from Magnificent Mile
7.8 Chicago River
to/from Millennium Park + Art Institute at 8.5 mi (13.7 km)
9.6 Shedd Aquarium + The Field Museum
15.5 Museum of Science and Industry
18 South Shore ()

Some attractions along the path (listed from south to north) are the South Shore Cultural Center, the Museum of Science and Industry, McCormick Place, Soldier Field, Chicago's Museum Campus, Monroe Harbor, Navy Pier, Belmont Harbor, and the Waveland Clock Tower. The Lakefront Trail connects most of the Chicago beaches and three skate parks (31st Street, Grant Park, Wilson Avenue).

Several dog parks are accessible from the trail including Montrose Dog Beach and Edgewater Dog Park. The Edgewater Dog Park is situated at the northern trail head in Edgewater Beach.

Maintenance

Path maintenance is provided by the Chicago Park District. The Lakefront Trail is open 24 hours a day, but the parks and beaches along the path close at 11 PM.

Navy Pier Flyover

From Wacker Drive to Illinois Street the Lakefront Trail shares the pedestrian sidewalk on lower-level Lake Shore Drive, which is very heavily congested during the warm-weather months. In order to reduce the conflicts between pedestrian and bicyclists, and avoid the very busy intersections at Illinois Street and Grand Avenue, the Chicago Department of Transportation has been designing the Navy Pier Flyover since 2000. This bridge will run alongside the upper level of Lake Shore Drive from north of the Ohio Street Beach to Illinois Street, and then alongside the lower level of Lake Shore Drive as it crosses the Chicago River, with an exit in the middle serving Navy Pier and DuSable Park. Construction began in spring 2014 and will continue until 2018. The entire 60 million dollar project is expected to be completed in 2019.

Gallery

 
 
 
 
 

See also

  • Cycling in Chicago

External links

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Zach Solomon-Beloin
10 July 2016
This trail is one unique aspect that separates Chicago from other cities. Great to run and enjoy amazing views of the lake and city.
Kacie Dreiling
14 July 2017
The most bike friendly city we have been to! The Lakefront Trail was our favorite part of Chicago. If visiting, either bring your own bike to the city, or rent some bikes and explore the Lakefront!
Cameron W
31 August 2017
We biked down from Lincoln park to the field museum. The view of the city is sensational from the bike path.
Fodor's Travel
28 January 2016
One of the best ways to navigate the city’s scenic lakefront (and many neighborhoods) is on a bicycle along the lakefront trail.
Moustafa Almaliki
20 March 2018
Take a walk across the lakefront and bask in the beauty of Lake Michigan. Breathe the fresh air and feel the wind against your face as you head the waves crashing.
Nelson V. Guevara
24 September 2018
Great walk or bike ride along the shores of Lake Michigan, watch people run, sail, picnic. Very energetic place with an awesome vibe! Love it here!
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KovuTheHusky, Stan E and 48,170 more people have been here
Map
Lakefront Trail, Chicago, IL 60611, USA Get directions
Thu 4:00 PM–8:00 PM
Fri 1:00 PM–7:00 PM
Sat 7:00 AM–7:00 PM
Sun 8:00 AM–8:00 PM
Mon 8:00 AM–9:00 AM
Tue 7:00 AM–9:00 AM

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