Home › Illinois › Chicago › Lakefront Trail - Ohio Street Beach
Lakefront Trail - Ohio Street Beach
4.9 ★★★★★ 23 Google reviews · Running trail in Chicago, Illinois · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Lakefront Trail - Ohio Street Beach's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Lakefront Trail - Ohio Street Beach
“It was just perfect with a great workout on a gorgeous day!”
“A great place to walk, run, cycle, rollerblade, etc.”
Trail Series, Part 18 If you’re in Chicago, Illinois and looking to combine some long distance exercise with some dynamic photo opportunities, I suggest the Lakefront Trail along Lake Michigan. It spans nearly 20 miles and provides separate lanes for the walkers/runners and for the cyclists/skateboarders/rollerbladers.
The best place to jog when visiting Chicago. Get out early and beat the crowds. I started at Ohio Street, located near my hotel, and headed north on the trail. Have been in multiple seasons and different times throughout the day and always enjoy it, but nothing beats the sunrise. Have a good run! 🏃♂️
A great place to walk, run, cycle, rollerblade, etc. but be aware of those cycling in the pedestrian lanes and the opposite. All lanes need to be restriped to improve safety. Use it for pleasure but pay attention.
It was fantastic to bike on this 19 mile protected loops around the Michigan lake trail. Through this uninterrupted trail, we saw pristine blue water beaches, sailboats, lighthouse, budha head statues on the grass, Lincoln park, cafes and eateries, etc. It was just perfect with a great workout on a gorgeous day!
Trail conditions & character
“Speaking of pictures, I ran North from Navy Pier and was stunned by the view of the downtown skyline when I eventually turned around.”
Plan your run at Lakefront Trail - Ohio Street Beach
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- Websitechicagoparkdistrict.com
- Phone+1 312-742-7529
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Chicago
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Lakefront Trail - Dusable Harbor - 150 N
4.8 ★★★★★ 63 reviews
Popular 28-mile waterside route spanning 2 sides of the city and used for biking, running and walking.
Lakefront Trail - Division - 1200 N
4.8 ★★★★★ 13 reviews
Lakefront Trail - Grant Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 200 reviews
Popular waterfront recreational strip with 18 miles of side-by-side walking & biking trails.
Lakefront Trail - Fullerton - 2400 N
4.9 ★★★★★ 310 reviews
This 18-mile-long route features separate lanes for walkers & cyclists, plus views of Lake Michigan.
The Bloomingdale Trail - East Trailhead - Ashland Ave - 1600 W
4.8 ★★★★★ 32 reviews