Chicago Lakefront Trail Tours

Hugging the shoreline of Lake Michigan for nearly 19 miles, the Chicago Lakefront Trail — also known as the Lake Michigan Trail — is a popular path for walkers, runners, and cyclists that connects urban neighborhoods with green spaces, downtown attractions, and some of Chicago’s best lakeside and skyline views.
The Basics
Whether you visit the Lakefront Trail as part of marathon training or just to take in the fresh air, you get to experience one of Chicago's top attractions. Walkers take in skyline views, while bicyclists pedal an easy ride to top Chicago attractions such as Grant Park, Lincoln Park Zoo, Navy Pier, Shedd Aquarium, the Museum of Science and Industry, and North Avenue Beach. Many bike and Segway tours use some portion of the trail.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
The Lakefront Trail starts at South Shore Cultural Center on East 71st Street and ends on West Ardmore Avenue near Kathy Osterman Beach. It can be accessed via multiple entry points along the way via foot, bike, or Segway. Look for street parking if driving to the trail.
When to Get There
The trail is open 365 days a year. It is more congested on weekends and on mild spring and fall days.
Take the Lakefront Trail to Navy Pier
The Lakefront Trail connects directly with Navy Pier, one of downtown Chicago's top attractions. Save on parking and walk or bike to this lakeside entertainment complex featuring a 15-story Ferris wheel, movie theater, shopping, restaurants, live music stages, and more. Kids love the Chicago Children’s Museum, and you can take a cruise on Lake Michigan departing from the South Dock.
The Basics
Whether you visit the Lakefront Trail as part of marathon training or just to take in the fresh air, you get to experience one of Chicago's top attractions. Walkers take in skyline views, while bicyclists pedal an easy ride to top Chicago attractions such as Grant Park, Lincoln Park Zoo, Navy Pier, Shedd Aquarium, the Museum of Science and Industry, and North Avenue Beach. Many bike and Segway tours use some portion of the trail.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Look for amenities such as hydration stations, restrooms, and concession stands along the trail.
- Bring a bike lock if you plan on leaving your bike to explore any attractions on foot.
- Car traffic crosses the trail at several points, especially on the downtown section, so use caution when approaching roadways.
- Wear reflective clothing and use bike safety lights if on the trail at night.
- Hourly bike rentals are available from several vendors on the trail's downtown section.
- The entire Lakefront Trail is paved and wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Lakefront Trail starts at South Shore Cultural Center on East 71st Street and ends on West Ardmore Avenue near Kathy Osterman Beach. It can be accessed via multiple entry points along the way via foot, bike, or Segway. Look for street parking if driving to the trail.
When to Get There
The trail is open 365 days a year. It is more congested on weekends and on mild spring and fall days.
Take the Lakefront Trail to Navy Pier
The Lakefront Trail connects directly with Navy Pier, one of downtown Chicago's top attractions. Save on parking and walk or bike to this lakeside entertainment complex featuring a 15-story Ferris wheel, movie theater, shopping, restaurants, live music stages, and more. Kids love the Chicago Children’s Museum, and you can take a cruise on Lake Michigan departing from the South Dock.
Address: Chicago, IL, USA
8 Tours and Activities to Experience Chicago Lakefront Trail
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Bikes, Bites, and Brews: Chicago's Signature Dishes Bike Tour
Chicago dogs, deep-dish pizza, cupcakes and craft beer are all sampled on this half-day bike tour through the Windy City. Cover about 13 miles (21 km), following an informative guide at a moderate pace through the Chicago neighborhoods of Wrigleyville, the Gold Coast, Old Town, Lakeview and Lincoln Park. Stop along the way at a popular downtown bakery, pizza shop, hot dog stand and two breweries for a taste of local flavors.
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From
$84.99
From
$84.99
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Bike Tour of Chicago's Lakefront Neighborhoods
Pedal past the lakefront neighborhoods of Chicago's North Side on this bike tour of the Windy City. Follow a local guide along quiet streets, city parks and scenic beaches, starting at Lake Shore Drive and continuing along Rush Street and the Magnificent Mile. Catch a glimpse of the Playboy Mansion, Oprah’s penthouse and the Victorian houses of Old Town. Select from several departure times in the morning or afternoon.
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From
$49.99
From
$49.99
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Bikes, Bites, and Brews: Chicago's West Side Foodie Ride
Taste food from around the world on this half-day cycling and tasting tour of Chicago. Follow your biking guide through the Chicago streets, stopping for views of Chicago’s famous architecture as well as bites like Polish pierogis, locally made chocolates, and Mexican tacos.
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From
$84.99
From
$84.99
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Chicago's Ultimate City Bike Tour
Explore Chicago’s most iconic sites on a bike tour that explores Museum Campus, parks, and monuments. Follow your guide along the waterfront as you soak up the city skyline and enjoy the breeze along the easy-going route. Circle the Buckingham Fountain while you learn the history of the city’s public art, parks and museums, and capture unforgettable images of the Windy City.
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From
$49.99
From
$49.99
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Chicago Foodie Lovers Tour (Private & All-Inclusive)
Our Chicago Foodie Lovers Tour will take you to the most iconic and delicious spots in Chicago all in one day. If you are looking for a little bit of culture, great photos, and a ton of delicious food then this is the tour for you.
The day will start with meeting with your friendly local guide. From there your tour will begin as you start your day walking throughout Chicago and dining at the most famous and delicious food spots in Chicago.
This half-day tour will be fully packed with famous landmarks, yummy food and much much more!
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Full schedule
11:00 AM - Meet your guide at the Grand subway station
11:05 AM - Taste the famous Portillos hotdogs
11:45 AM - Enjoy an Al’s Italian Beef Sandwich
12:35 PM - Drool lover a Chicago favorite deep dish pizza
1:25 PM - Take some Garrett's Popcorn to go
1:35 PM - Check out Tribune Tower and Wrigley Building
2:05 PM - Try the delicious Do-rite Donuts
2:20 PM - Walk to Buckingham Fountain
3:00 - Get dropped off at the Millennium Subway Station
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From
$289.00
Price varies by group size
From
$289.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

In the Streets: Milwaukee Ave Guided Bike Tour
Not only will you receive a safe and scenic guided tour through the city, your guide is an excellent resource to answer those questions you may have about biking the streets of Chicago or the history of a neighborhood we've cycling through! Finally, an environment where you can explore biking at your own pace, without mad cyclists scorching past.
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From
$25.00
From
$25.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

2-Hour Chicago City Lights and Skyline Segway Tour
Experience Chicago like never before on this guided, 2-hour, small-group Segway tour. Visit popular Grant Park and see famous Buckingham Fountain’s breathtaking, evening light show, with an illuminated Windy City skyline as the perfect backdrop. Glide along the lakefront, taking in views of the Field Museum of Natural History, Shedd Aquarium, Soldier Field and Michigan Avenue. Guided Segway training plus the use of a helmet are included. Dress in weather-appropriate clothes with flat, closed-toed shoes.
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From
$75.58
From
$75.58

Amazing Lakefront Segway Tour in Chicago
Experience Chicago like never before on this guided, 2.5-hour, small-group Segway tour. Visit popular Grant Park and see famous Buckingham Fountain, with the Windy City skyline as the backdrop. Glide along the lakefront, taking in views of the Field Museum of Natural History, Shedd Aquarium, Soldier Field, Adler Planetarium and Michigan Avenue. Guided Segway training plus the use of a helmet are included. Dress in weather-appropriate clothes with flat, closed-toe shoes.
…More
From
$75.00
From
$75.00
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