Chicago, Illinois — known for its art, architecture, and food — is also a top running city. Our guide to the best places to run in Chicago is defined by the city’s setting on Lake Michigan and the 18-mile long Lakefront Trail. This path has it all: views of the lake and the spectacular Chicago skyline, beaches, major parks, and a breathtaking loop around Museum Campus. Nearly all the major hotels in Chicago’s downtown core are within a mile of the Lakefront Trail. Other important runs in the downtown core include the majestic paths of Lincoln Park and Grant Park, and the Hyde Park area, featuring Jackson Park, Washington Park, and the University of Chicago. There is great running on the north shore, and some wonderful residential suburbs.
We have also mapped out some routes along bike paths and the ‘Forest Preserves’ near O’Hare Airport, and in suburbs such as Schaumberg, Hoffman Estates, and Arlington Heights. See our Chicago suburbs guide for even more!
