Lake Effect
Get a taste of Chicago’s leading attractions on this engaging run
Call it the Windy City if you must, but Chicago might more aptly be called a runner’s city. There are, of course, races like the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon that the die-hard flock to. But there’s something unique about Chicago that draws athletes by the dozens, namely, the 18-mile path that winds along the shore of Lake Michigan. Experience it once and you’ll no doubt be hooked.
Your starting point on this four-mile route is Millennium Park, a 24.5-acre green space that’s Chicago’s newest attraction and an easy walk from nearby hotels. Head to Cloud Gate, a 110-ton elliptical stainless steel structure nicknamed the Bean. Stand in front of it and see the curved reflection of Chicago’s skyline. From here, go straight toward the park’s Jay Pritzker Pavilion, a steel structure in front of the Bean. If you’re visiting in June, July, or August, you can catch a free classical music concert here three times a week, courtesy of the Grant Park Music Festival.
Wind your way around the Pavilion and cross the BP Bridge, a curving, wooden-planked span. After you cross, head right, and you’ll see Lake Michigan in the distance to your left. Run through the park, staying parallel to the lake, until you hit Monroe Street. Here, go left toward the lake, and pass Grant Park on your left.
At the stoplight, cross Lake Shore Drive to meet up with the popular lakefront path. Turn right and begin your trek down the paved route. This path can get busy in warm weather, so the morning might be a better time for a less-crowded run.
Continue on the path, enjoying views of the boats on Lake Michigan as you head south. About a quarter mile from where you started on the path, on your left you’ll pass a large concrete area, Queen’s Landing, so named because it’s the spot where Queen Elizabeth II came ashore during her visit to Chicago in 1959. Directly to your right, across Lake Shore Drive, you’ll see Buckingham Memorial Fountain, where each night throughout the summer, starting at dusk, a colorful light show illuminates the water.
Less than half a mile down the path, in a large grassy area, sit two of Chicago’s most beloved attractions, the Field Museum of Natural History on the right, and on the left, Shedd Aquarium, home to more than 22,000 animals.
Head toward Shedd and run up the stairs between the aquarium and the Field Museum. Then go around Shedd, passing the famous Man with Fish statue on your left, and continue around the back until you join the lakefront path again. If, however, you want to extend the route another half mile or so, after passing Man with Fish, take a left on Solidarity Drive, which will be in front of you, and head toward the large building at the end of Solidarity, the Adler Planetarium. As you run around the planetarium to return to Shedd, notice the spectacular views of the skyline.
Although you’ll be heading back the same way you came, you can add variety by taking the path’s lower level, which runs along the water’s edge. Within half a mile, you’ll pass the Chicago Yacht Club on your right. At this point, the lower level merges with the main path. Continue north, heading toward Navy Pier, a 3,000-foot landing with an enormous Ferris wheel that’s been a Chicago landmark since 1916.
Rather than going to Navy Pier, though, stay on the main path and cross over the Chicago River. At Illinois Street, leave the lakefront path and turn left. You’ll run by the bustling Fox & Obel Café and Market, a sign that you’re almost back to your starting point.
After crossing Columbus Drive, you’ll climb a set of stairs and pass through Cityfront Plaza, a cluster of condominiums. Turn left on Michigan Avenue, also known as the Magnificent Mile, where the shopping attracts thousands of visitors each day.
Near the intersection of Wacker and Michigan, you’ll arrive at the Chicago River. Before crossing over the river, note two of Chicago’s architectural beauties: the Wrigley Building, headquarters of the famous gum maker, on your right, and the Tribune Tower, a 36-story landmark, on your left.
After the bridge, cross Randolph Street and you’ll see Millennium Park and the Bean on your left. Stomach grumbling? Grab an outdoor seat at Park Grill, right after seeing your warped reflection in the Bean, and enjoy a well-deserved repast.
— Karen Asp
Three Other Workouts in Chicago
Looking for more activity? Chicago’s brimming with fitness options. Check out these:
Paddle, Paddle
Get a new view of Chicago through one of several kayaking tours on the Chicago River from May through October. Want to be dazzled by fireworks on a Wednesday or Saturday night at Navy Pier? Sign up for the City Lights Night Paddle or the Fireworks Paddle, both three hours long. Or for captivating views of the skyline, join the Lakeshore Skyline Paddle, Saturdays and Sundays at noon. Another option is the Chicago River history tour. ($40 per person for the tours described here. Another tour, the Venetian Night Fireworks paddle, is $50. 630.336.7245; kayakchicago.com)
Spin Your Wheels
You can gauge Chicago’s efforts to make itself America’s most bike-friendly city by renting from a large selection of bikes at one of four locations along the lakefront. Then grab a map and plot your course from among dozens of routes, including popular Lincoln Park, which boasts a free zoo. Hourly and day rates available. (888.BIKEWAY; bikechicago.com)
Buddy Up
Interested in exploring more running routes in Chicago? Through the Chicago Area Runners Association, you can choose from dozens of free weekly fun runs to participate in. (312.666.9836; cararuns.org) — K.A.
Getting There: Continental offers daily nonstop service to Chicago from its hubs in Houston, New York/Newark, and Cleveland. Continental offers daily nonstop service to Chicago from its hubs in Houston, New York/Newark, and Cleveland.
Fore! (Actually, Five)
These products may help you lower your golf score.
1. Golf Launchpad. Play golf anywhere and work on your game with this PC-, Mac-, and PS2-compatible simulator. Swing your own clubs, and the Golf Launchpad measures your speed, path, and angle and translates that information into an incredibly realistic and accurate on-screen display. ($199 for PS2, $249 for PC/Mac; electricspin.com)
2. Balance-Certified Golf Pro-Balance Drop-In Weighting System. This shaft-tuning device uses strategically placed weights tailored to individual golfers’ needs. USGA approved, the system can be installed at home on any club in your bag to improve shooting and consistency. ($109.95; balance-certified.com)
3. SureShot GPS. You’ll never have to wonder how far you are from the green or what hazards lie ahead. The SureShot GPS is a golf-specific location finder that can be used on any course in the world and even offers club recommendations. ($399; sureshotgps.com)
4. Twilight Tracer. No need to call it quits at dusk. Finish your round with these professional-quality balls that flash brightly for five minutes after impact. ($13.95; twilighttracer.com)
5. Sun Mountain Atlas Bag. The Atlas bag combines protection and convenience when you travel. It has a hard-shell top and base for maximum club head protection, as well as soft sides that allow the case to collapse for easy storage. ($200; sunmountain.com)
— Compiled by Nancy Olds Smay
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