Chicago, Illinois
Top Spots in and near Chicago
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Brookfield, Illinois
Salt Creek Greenway Trail
13.99 mi / 551 ft gainThis trail is almost 7 miles one-way (14 miles out-and-back) of paved path, makes for an ideal biking (especially those of us with road bikes), skating, and even running path. The trail runs out-and-back along the Salt Creek in Brookfield, IL. The trailhead is right near the Brookfield Zoo (for a...Read more -
Chicago, Illinois
Grant Park
4.5Grant Park is located on the east side of Chicago. It is a great place to spend the day and explore. From the famous "Bean", which is actually named "the cloud", to Buckingham Fountain there is plenty to see in this park. It is also a great place to see the Chicago skyline, as well as have a picn...Read more -
Chicago, Illinois
Millennium Park
5.00.63 mi / 26 ft gainMillennium Park in Chicago, which opened in 2004, is a world-class public space featuring iconic landmarks like Cloud Gate (“The Bean”) and the Crown Fountain. Originally a rail yard, the park was transformed as part of a larger effort to revitalize the downtown area. It spans 24.5 acres and serv...Read more -
Chicago, Illinois
Luire Garden
0.18 mi / 10 ft gainVisiting Chicago I was on a mission to find a great outdoors spot to be in. This definitely fulfilled my goal of finding a beautiful garden to hangout in! There are plenty of different paths and areas to explore just within the city! Location Located in Millennium Park it will be easy to find,...Read more -
Chicago, Illinois
Lakeshore Path: North Ave Beach to Navy Pier
1.84 mi / 72 ft gainLakeshore Path: North Ave Beach to Navy Pier is a point-to-point trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Chicago, Illinois.Read more -
Chicago, Illinois
North Avenue Beach
North Avenue Beach, located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park, is one of the city’s most popular lakefront spots. Its iconic beach house, designed to resemble an ocean liner, offers 22,000 square feet of space, including upper decks and portholes for stunning views of Lake Michigan and the bustling lakef...Read more -
Oak Brook, Illinois
Run the Fullersburg Woods Loop
4.76 miThis is a six-mile loop along the banks of the Salt Creek in Oakbrook, IL. The flat trail features trees and wildflowers (great walk to do in autumn). Trail is also good for bike riders. There is a picnic area and the Graue Mill and Museum. Graue Mill is 150 years old and played a part in the Und...Read more -
Chicago, Illinois
Run Chicago’s Lakefront Trail
5.06.7 miChicago – the third largest city in the US and home to the deep dish pizza – doesn’t exactly scream “outdoorsy.” In reality, there is much more to Chicago than skyscrapers; there are dozens of parks, outdoor music venues, and the city is right on Lake Michigan, making it very easy on the eyes. Be...Read more -
Willow Springs, Illinois
Cemetery Hill
2 mi / 100 ft gainJust outside of Chicago the Palos Region of the Cook County Forest Preserve offers a few thousand acres of dirt single track and limestone paths. Here you will find rolling hills and bluff that will rev up your hill workouts. This single track loop is great for mountain biking and trail running...Read more -
Willow Springs, Illinois
Black Oak Trail
4.52.64 mi / 148 ft gainThe trails traverse a rolling glacial highland of oak woods and prairie. The hiking trails connect to miles of multi-use trails where you can hike, mountain bike, cross country ski and snowshoe. Lastly, there is an interpretive center with exhibits about local nature and history. The trailhead...Read more -
Palos Park, Illinois
Cap Sauers and Swallow Cliff Loop
3.04.79 mi / 318 ft gainThe Swallows Cliff Woods, an 800 acre preserve, is known for its 100 ft bluff that provides visitors with a steep stair workout. On top of the bluff, however, there are less strenuous trail options, leading through the hilly, forested terrain, past wetlands and streams.Read more -
Willow Springs, Illinois
Saganashkee Slough
5.06.92 mi / 512 ft gainSaganashkee Slough is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Lemont, Illinois.Read more -
Des Plaines, Illinois
Watch the Sunset at Axehead Lake
In a large city, it's nice to be able to find pockets of nature oasis amidst the chaos. It's great to come here with a journal or sketchbook and pass the time while watching the sunset. Fishing is available at this lake and there is a forest preserve that has a couple small trails.Read more -
Evanston, Illinois
The Lakefill
5.0From the Northwestern University campus, head to the Ryan Center for the Musical Arts to access the southern-most section of The Lakefill. If driving, parking is usually available nearby on Sheridan Road, to the southwest of The Lakefill. Once at the Ryan Center, take the pedestrian bridge on the...Read more -
Lisle, Illinois
Hike the Morton Arboretum's Main Trail Loops
5 mi / 0 ft gainThe Morton Arboretum is located off of Route 53 in Lisle, IL. The arboretum spans both the east and west sides of the road. Head to the east side of the park to access the Main Trail Loops. Visitors have to pay a small fee to enter the arboretum ($14 April through November, $9 December through Ma...Read more -
Lemont, Illinois
Kayak the Des Plaines River
Not the easiest to get in or out of the river at this location, but it works, at least for a kayak. Look out for people using the Centennial trail, and those fishing nearby. Be careful and if you are able, wear good shoes or sandals (not flip flops) with some tread as it can get muddy. Nearby thi...Read more
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Camping and Lodging in Chicago
Union, Illinois
Chicago Northwest KOA Holiday
Welcome to the KOA closest to Chicago! The front desk staff will be able to give you detailed information on public transportation from ...