Name: Chicago Lakefront Trail - North
Rating: 4.2

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From Wacker Drive to Illinois Street the path shares the sidewalk on the lower level of Lake Shore Drive. This section of the path can get very, very congested, especially during the warmer months.

This trail is open 24 hours a day, but the parks and beaches close at 11pm.

During winter, parts of the path can close due to freezing.

Overview

The best way to see Chicago!

Runner Notes

This path gets insanely busy, especially during Spring/Summer/Fall. Be mindful of other trail users.

Description

Abbreviated as the LFT, the Lakefront Trail is a paved path spanning a total of 18 miles along the western shores of Lake Michigan.

This northern portion connects Buckingham Fountain, which can be found to the east of Chicago's downtown, to Lane Beach Park. Along the way, runners will pass some of Chicago's most famous locales. These include, but are not limited to: Dusable Harbor and Park, Millenium Park, Navy Pier, The Museum of Contemporary Art, The Chicago History Museum, North Avenue Beach, The Lincoln Park Zoo and Conservatory, Lincoln Park itself, Belmont Harbor (and Wrigley Field to the west), and Montrose Beach.

If you're planning on spending a day in Chicago and want to see the sights by foot, this path is one of the most efficient ways to experience the best of what Chicago has to offer.

If you're one for Instagram, Twitter, or just hashtags in general, be sure to use the #chiLFT hashtag to disseminate reports regarding trail maintenance.