The 7 Best Parks in Chicago for a Beautiful Walk

We love exploring Chicago and getting our steps in at a local park. Here is a list of the best parks in Chicago. Time to get outside and enjoy our urban environment. Some of these parks are a short leisurely walk, some are longer.


Northerly Island

Neighborhood: Museum Campus

Address: 1521 S Linn White Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

Website: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/northerly-island

Rose: The amazing bird calls from the variety of bird species.

Thorn: No dogs allowed, but it is to protect the wildlife so it is a good rule.

Check out our blog post on Northerly Island


Ping Tom Memorial Park

Neighborhood: China Town

Address: 1700 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Website: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/Ping-Tom-Memorial-Park/

Rose: Beautiful flowers and murals alongside the river.

Thorn: Parking is hard to find by the park. There are pay to park lots and street parking a few blocks away.

Check out our blog post on Ping Tom Memorial Park


Jackson Park: Wooded Island

Neighborhood: Hyde Park/Woodlawn

Address: 6147 South Evans Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637

Website: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/jackson-park-wooded-island

Rose: Variety of ecosystems along the trail to enjoy. Hidden gem in the city.

Thorn: Parts of the trail are under construction.


Burnham Park

Neighborhood: South Commons/Groveland Park

Address: 1199 E Oakwood Blvd., Chicago, IL 60653

Website: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/burnham-wildlife-corridor-burnham-nature-sanctuary

Rose: The best part of the lake shore path with a parking lot. Large open areas with less people than other parts of the shore path.

Thorn: Technically no pets in the corridor section of the lake path, north of the parking lot. However, there are lots of other areas to walk with dogs.

Check out our blog post on Chicago’s Lakefront Parks


Park No. 540

Neighborhood: Armour Square

Address: 24th and Federal, Chicago, IL 60611

Website: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/park-no-540

Rose: Community garden beds and a beautiful view of the Chicago skyline.

Thorn: Wish the path was longer, but we just walk around it a number of times.


Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens

Neighborhood: South Loop

Address: 1801 S Indiana Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Website: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/chicago-womens-park-and-gardens

Rose: Beautiful flowers and trees to observe with walking around the park.

Thorn: No pets allowed.

Check out our blog post on Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens


The 606

Neighborhood: Bucktown/Humboldt Park

Address: N Damen Ave & Bloomingdale Trail, Chicago, IL 60647

Website: https://www.the606.org/

Rose: We love observing the houses, home décor, and landscaping along the trail.

Thorn: Busy at peak hours, not ideal for anxious dogs.


Map of these Chicago Parks

Click here to see the google map of all parks used in this blog post.


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2 Replies to “The 7 Best Parks in Chicago for a Beautiful Walk”

  1. I went to DC and definitely would have benefited from this list . . . especially the day pack. One thing I really wish is that I’d had a pack with water and snacks when we were on the mall since there’s so little food available there.

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