Chicago, Illinois

Top Spots in and near Chicago

  • Brookfield, Illinois

    Salt Creek Greenway Trail

    13.99 mi / 551 ft gain
    This 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...
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  • Chicago, Illinois

    Grant Park

    4.5
    Grant 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...
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  • Chicago, Illinois

    Millennium Park

    5.0
    0.63 mi / 26 ft gain
    Millennium 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...
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  • Chicago, Illinois

    Luire Garden

    0.18 mi / 10 ft gain
    Visiting 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,...
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  • Chicago, Illinois

    Lakeshore Path: North Ave Beach to Navy Pier

    1.84 mi / 72 ft gain
    Lakeshore Path: North Ave Beach to Navy Pier is a point-to-point trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Chicago, Illinois.
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  • 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...
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  • Oak Brook, Illinois

    Run the Fullersburg Woods Loop

    4.7
    6 mi
    This 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...
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  • Chicago, Illinois

    Run Chicago’s Lakefront Trail

    5.0
    6.7 mi
    Chicago – 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...
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  • Willow Springs, Illinois

    Cemetery Hill

    2 mi / 100 ft gain
    Just 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...
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  • Willow Springs, Illinois

    Black Oak Trail

    4.5
    2.64 mi / 148 ft gain
    The 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...
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  • Palos Park, Illinois

    Cap Sauers and Swallow Cliff Loop

    3.0
    4.79 mi / 318 ft gain
    The 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.
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  • Willow Springs, Illinois

    Saganashkee Slough

    5.0
    6.92 mi / 512 ft gain
    Saganashkee Slough is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Lemont, Illinois.
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  • 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. 
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  • Evanston, Illinois

    The Lakefill

    5.0
    From 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...
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  • Lisle, Illinois

    Hike the Morton Arboretum's Main Trail Loops

    5 mi / 0 ft gain
    The 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...
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  • 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...
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Camping and Lodging in Chicago

Chicago Northwest KOA Holiday
Union, Illinois

Chicago Northwest KOA Holiday

Guides, Insights and Stories from Chicago

Chicago: Where urban nature runs wild

Chicago: Where urban nature runs wild

Erica Zazo