Best Places to Run in Chicago

Best Places to Run in Chicago

Dedicated Walking Paths

The 606

The 606, or the Bloomingdale Trail, is an elevated path that connects four neighborhoods above city streets. With end points on Ashland in Bucktown and Ridgeway Ave in Logan Square, the 606 is approximately 2.7 miles long, it’s a great option for someone looking for a place with flat, uninterrupted miles. Plus, there are water fountains and bathrooms along the way. The bathroom connected to Wolf & Co near Western is open year round, unlike many of the bathrooms on the lakefront path.

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The Chicago Lakefront Trail

Chicago’s iconic Lakefront Trail is one of the reasons the city is considered one of the best places to run in the country. Stretching approximately 18.5 miles from Edgewater to South Shore along the shores of Lake Michigan, the trail offers stunning views and plenty of options for every type of run. Whether you’re tackling a Saturday long run, taking on a tempo workout, or simply looking for a scenic route for easy miles, the Chicago Lakefront Trail has something for every runner.

Water fountains and public bathrooms available along the route from April through late October. Lakefront Trail is a convenient and scenic option for runners year-round.

Public Tracks

Montrose Track

Montrose Track is a public, eight-lane running track on Chicago’s North Side, conveniently located along the Lakefront Path. Its location makes it easy to add warm-up and cooldown miles before or after your track workout while enjoying the nearby Lake Michigan views.

With free parking surrounding the track, Montrose Track is also a convenient option for runners looking for an accessible public track in Chicago, especially if you’re driving to your workout.

Hours: 6am - 11pm

Lake Shore Park Running Track

Lake Shore Park Track is a three-lane public running track located in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood. Surrounded by beautiful historic architecture, this track offers a unique setting for runners looking to get in a workout in the heart of Chicago.

Hours: 6am - 11pm

River Park Track

River Park Track is a 8 lane, public track in the Ravenswood neighborhood. The track is set right along the North Shore Channel, which is a great spot to get in miles before or after a workout.

Hours: 6am - 11pm