Looking for the perfect nature walk along the Chicago Lakefront? Here is a list of our the best hiking spots along Lake Shore Drive.
1. Northerly Island Park
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.
Address: 1521 S Linn White Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Website: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/northerly-island
Check out our blog post on Northerly Island
2. South Shore Nature Sanctuary
Rose: Beautiful wildflowers and endless amounts of benches to sit and enjoy the variety of wildflower colors
Thorn: The parking lot is far from the nature sanctuary entrance
Address: 7059 S South Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60649
Website: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/south-shore-natural-area
3. La Ronda Parakata
Rose: Wonderful place to read a book, look out at the lake front, or each a picnic lunch
Thorn: Bees–great for pollinating, not great for anyone who is allergic to bee stings
Address: Located south of 31st St. Harbor at approximately 3300 S. Lake Shore Drive on the lakefront
Website: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/la-ronda-parakata-artwork
4. 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.
Address: 6147 South Evans Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637
Website: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/jackson-park-wooded-island
5. Burnham Wildlife Corridor
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.
Address: 349 East 48th Street, Chicago, IL 60615
6. Promontory Point
Rose: The only place on the lakefront path that you can have a fire. They have a handful of firepits you can enjoy a bonfire at while enjoying the amazing views Chicago has to offer.
Thorn: The firepits are first come first serve – get there early.
Address: 5491 S Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60615
Website: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/Burnham-Park/
7. Rainbow Beach Natural Area
Rose: Almost always empty-perfect spot for some solo quiet time
Thorn: Very short–more ideal for a picnic and not for a nature hike
Address: 2873 E. 75th St., Chicago, IL 60649
Website: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/rainbow-beach-natural-area
These parks are beautiful! I didn’t realize that Chicago had such pretty scenery!
This is a great resource, thanks for sharing! I need to get back to Chicago soon and visit some of these parks.
So beautiful and informative! We need a little getaway. This is also one to share. Thank you so much!
La Ronda Parakata looks so beautiful with the sculptures covered in green. It was my favourite from the list.
Although I also liked the Promontory Point with the views of the water.
Gosh! I wish I could fly up the Chicago right now so I can visit all of these stunning parks! So pretty! And I love the pictures too! Thanks so much for sharing these with us!
Thanks so much for sharing, you`ve shown me exactly where to go next time im in chicago.
It`s not always about busy city centers,I really appreciate you sharing this.
Beautiful view with the tranquil nature. La Ronda is so perfect for picnic..
Never knew about these! Makes me want to visit 😄
I have always wanted to go to Chicago and your post makes me want to go sooner! This prepares the traveler to see the best of the city. Thank you!
Chicago sure has some beautiful parks to explore. Chicago is still on my must visit list, so when I do I will be exploring some of these parks.
I’ve only gotten the chance to visit Chicago for a short time so I’m definitely gonna have to go back at some point! All these parks look gorgeous!
Such a great article! I will definitely want to check out some of these parks next time I’m in the windy city. These look like hidden gems and under the radar for visitors to Chicago to visit some of these parks.
These parks on Chicago’s lakefront look so charming! Burnham Wildlife Corridor looks especially beautiful! I’d love to visit and admire the nature! Thanks for the great guide!
Such a lovely place for a walk. I’m going to save this for when I go to Chicago
Haven’t been to Chicago yet but wouldn’t have guessed it had this many park areas!
I didn’t know Chicago had so many great parks! Thanks for such a detailed guide!
I’ve been to Chicago a few times including out to the observatory for a visit, but had no idea there were so many nice walks in the area. I also didn’t realize there were a few wildlife corridors. Definitely putting some nature escapes on my list next time I am in the area!
Well, consider me a bit ignorant then because I never would have considered Chicago a destination home to beautiful nature. And I have visited.. things like pizza and jazz come to mind instantly, but now I know for my next visit to get into the quieter areas like this! And right next to the lake, how peaceful.
This is a nice consolidated list! Especially helpful for nature lovers and those who are visiting the beautiful city. I have been to Chicago two times, never spent time in parks. Looking forward to visit one during my next trip.
We have been to Chicago only once, but only spent time in the city, Next time we definitely need to look into a hike!
I had no idea Chicago had this many park options!
So many great parks in Chicago. I’m going to be in Chicago for a wedding in July if I have time I may need to check out one of these parks.
These are so nice! I had no idea that so many of these park existed!
Thanks for the Chicago intro. Only spent a day or so visiting in the city. Looks as though there is lots to do outside the city as well.
I’ve never been to Chicago, but it’s high on my list! What a great selection of lake front parks to choose from. I think the one I’d like to visit first is for sure La Ronda Parakata!
Chicago has a lot more parks than I imagined. I also didn’t know about the fire pits. It’s awesome!
I didn’t realize Chicago has such beautiful parks! This is such a fabulous guide. And such great photos, too!
The perfect article for getting some fresh air near Chicago! Great share!
Such beautiful parks. I have a friend that just moved to Chicago so I’m going to share this blog post with them! Great photos!
I love it when cities have fantastic urban parks like this! It looks like Chigago has some gooorgeous ones – I especially love how pretty La Ronda Parakata and Northerly Island Park looks like the perfect spot for bird watching.
I LOVE Chicago. It’s my favourite U.S. city. I did a bike tour along the lakefront. I admit I was surprised to even learn there were beaches in Chicago, I had no idea! I can’t wait until I can visit again.
Wow what a great detailed resource of some great spots to walk or enjoy some Water views!