Chicago is a very runner-friendly city. Not only because it graciously hosts thousands of Chicago Marathon runners every year but also because it offers many convenient routes with urban and natural landscapes. So whether you’re following your marathon training plan or just trying to stay in shape, it’s worth knowing the best places to run in Chicago.
1. Lakefront Trail
This scenic trail winds along Lake Michigan from Ardmore Ave. (north point) to 71st St. (south point). Its total length is 18 miles.
If you remember how many miles is a half marathon (13.1, by the way), you can easily arrange a training run, enjoying attractions such as North Avenue Beach, Soldier Field, and Navy Pier along the way.
Why is it great?
- You’ll encounter plenty of restrooms, water stops, and food outlets along the route, meaning you don’t have to interrupt your running workout looking for places to satisfy your natural needs.
- The trail is divided into bike and footpaths, which reduces congestion and the likelihood of collisions.
- The crowdedness of this place in the evenings will please you if you prefer evening jogging but are afraid to be far from people when it gets dark.
- Morning runs will give you a glorious sunrise over the lake and, some say, the freshest air in Chicago.
2. Bloomingdale Trail
The Bloomingdale Trail or The 606 trail passes through areas of Chicago such as Wicker Park, Bucktown, Humboldt Park, and Logan Square. It used to be an abandoned railroad but has been transformed into a landscaped park with lots of green space and stunning city views. Its length is only 2.7 miles. However, if you are comfortable with out-and-back runs, this trail can suit your running training program.
Why is it great?
- The trail is located 20 feet above city blocks. Thus, public transport and the bustle of the city will not interfere with your running workout.
- This paved trail includes distance markers so you can easily keep track of the running mileage you have covered.
- The route leads through some of the best Chicago restaurants, so you don’t have to rush home right away to enjoy an after-workout meal.
3. Humboldt Park
Humboldt Park is 219 acres, and you can run about 2 miles along its route. The park is famous for its historic lagoons and monuments, many landscaped paths, and beautiful cityscapes.
Why is it great?
- The park is only a couple of blocks from the 606 trail (our #2 entry). So if you feel the strength to run longer, you can combine these two locations in your running training.
- There is a 1.4-mile lagoon loop that will suit both experienced and beginner runners as it has no elevation increase.
- There are many food service establishments in the park. If you wish, you can treat yourself to a meal or coffee before or after your run.
4. North Shore Channel Trail
As the name suggests, almost the entire trail runs along the North Shore Channel of the Chicago River, connecting Ravenswood and Evanston. If you are doing a 5k to 10k training plan, this track is perfect for a trial run as it is 6.7 miles long.
Why is it great?
- This trail is further away from the city and thus is calmer and less crowded. So you don’t have to squeeze through a lot of people to complete your running program.
- The entire trail is paved with crushed limestone; therefore, it is easy to pass even for beginner runners.
- It is surrounded by green spaces that perfectly shelter from the sun and wind, which allows you to run in different weather conditions.
5. North Branch Trail
If you’re looking for a place for long-run training, then the 20-mile North Branch Trail might be a great solution. It connects northwest Chicago with the Botanic Gardens of Glencoe, which means that you are provided with picturesque forest views along the entire route.
Why is it great?
- This is another track away from people. So if you’re an introvert or don’t want to make your running workouts public, you have a chance to run in seclusion.
- Although surrounded by a dense forest reserve, there are still recreation areas and public toilets, so you have somewhere to catch your breath.
- If you are just getting started (going from couch to 5k training plan) and don’t have enough energy to get back after a long run, you can rent a bike and explore the local attractions.
6. Riverwalk
If you’re into grand urban architecture, Chicago’s Riverwalk is a great place to go for a run. Unique buildings, floating gardens, and an impressive skyline will make your 3.4-mile running route unforgettable.
Why is it great?
- The smooth and easy-to-navigate trails are ideal for beginner runners building their endurance to run further and faster.
- There’s no heavy traffic like the neighboring streets, so you don’t have to interrupt your running routine to stop at traffic lights.
- If you run in the morning, you have every chance to see the Riverwalk without tourists and bar lovers, which will simplify your workout and allow you to take some good photos.
7. Lincoln Park
The park area, with picturesque lakes and many attractions like the Chicago History Museum and the Abraham Lincoln Monument, is popular among tourists and locals. The park welcomes joggers with over 5 miles of trails.
Why is it great?
- The park has many well-maintained runner-friendly paths, so you and other athletes can avoid running into each other.
- You can exit (or run out) to the Lakefront Trail through this park. So if a long run is on your training plan, you can complete it by aligning two scenic spots along the way.
- The park’s forested areas provide a great shady space, so this is a great choice for a run in the heat.
8. Grant Park
Modeled after the gardens at Versailles, Grant Park is famous for its giant green spaces, Buckingham Memorial Fountain, and the Art Institute of Chicago. It is located between Michigan Avenue and the Lakefront Trail (entry #1 on our list), which means that you, as a runner, will have somewhere to accelerate.
Why is it great?
- With many different trails, you can build a route from 3 to 5 miles depending on your running goals.
- In addition to Lakefront Trail, it also neighbors Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park, so you can easily add a couple more miles to your running distance.
- Grant Park serves as the starting and finishing point for the famous Chicago Marathon. If you have such a grand goal, you can start training here and gradually explore this marathon loop course.
9. Northerly Island
This 91-acre man-made peninsula is a nature preserve with stunning city views. The 1-mile paved trail through the reserve could be your next jog if you’re training to run a mile. However, please note that there is no artificial lighting here, as the reserve recreates the natural habitat for local animals. Therefore, you should choose it for a morning or afternoon run.
Why is it great?
- Northerly Island is within walking distance of Grant Park and the Lakefront Trail. So if a 1-mile track is not your limit, you can continue the route to these no-less picturesque places.
- No traffic jams or traffic lights! Just complete unity with nature, perfect for mental health because we all need a break from the noise sometimes. In this case, you don’t even have to travel far from Chicago.
10. Busse Woods
Busse Woods is located about an hour from downtown Chicago in the Ned Brown Forest Preserve. The 3,700 acres of forests offer runners plenty of trails totaling about 11.2 miles. And if you want to connect with nature and wildlife, here you will find wild animals, including an elk pasture.
Why is it great?
- There is one main 8-mile loop that saves you the hassle of building a route through the woods on your own.
- The main track is smooth and paved, making it friendly for runners of all levels.
- Fishing and boating are available at Busse Woods. So if you come here, you can train and organize a memorable leisure time in nature.
If you are tired of running on the treadmill or the same boring route close to home, our article will greatly improve your running experience. So put on your running shoes and explore some new places in beautiful Chicago.
Do you think our list is incomplete? Tell us about your favorite places to run in Chicago in the comments
