Lake Michigan
Chicago, IL
The largest lake in the world that sits within a single country’s borders, Lake Michigan is most often associated with the city of Chicago, which occupies 26 miles (41.8 kilometers) of its shoreline, including dozens of beaches and several marinas housing thousands of boats. Activities along the shoreline include something for everyone, from kayaking or sailing to sightseeing cruises, biking along the lakefront path, and relaxing in one of the many parks.
The Basics
The city of Chicago boasts 26 miles (41.8 kilometers) of Lake Michigan shoreline, 15 beachfront areas, and several marinas housing thousands of boats. Activities along the lengthy Lake Michigan shoreline include something for everyone, from kayaking, canoeing, or sailing to sightseeing cruises, biking along the lakefront path, and relaxing on one of the many beaches. Travelers to Chicago can see the lake on waterfront Segway tours, sunset dinner cruises, and speedboat rides.
Things to Know Before You Go
Two major beaches easily accessible from downtown Chicago are North Avenue Beach and Oak Street Beach.
Sightseeing cruises and kayak and canoe rentals on Lake Michigan are generally available only from May to October.
The lakefront path in Chicago is shared by pedestrians and bicyclists. Pay attention to your surroundings and always stay to the right.
How to Get There
Chicago sits on the shores of Lake Michigan, so the lakeshore is easily accessible by public transportation, walking, or biking. You can also take a day trip from Chicago to see Lake Michigan from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which is just a train ride away.
When to Get There
Lake Michigan is best visited in the summer months. Beaches are open all along the lakeshore, sightseeing cruises run along the lake and the Chicago River, and it’s a pleasure to get out onto—and into—the water.
Lake Michigan Beyond Chicago
If you’re looking to experience the Great Lakes from a different perspective, head to Mackinac Island. Half a day’s drive from Chicago, Mackinac is located between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, where Lake Michigan meets Lake Huron. Go for a hike or bicycle ride around the island, play a round of golf, or take a sunset cruise from Mackinaw City that takes you between the strait that separates the peninsulas and under the Mackinac Bridge. Other great vantage points from which to experience Lake Michigan are Green Bay, Wisconsin, Traverse City, Michigan, and Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
Ways to explore
No visit to Chicago is complete without a stop to admire Lake Michigan, which lines the eastern border of the city. Join a waterfront cycling or Segway tour, or set sail with a boat tour or scenic cruise for skyline views from the water. Active travelers can paddle along the lakefront with a kayak tour, while architecture buffs can learn more about the city’s skyscrapers on a lake and river architecture tour. Alternatively, take a break from sightseeing with a few hours at the beach—North Avenue and Oak Street beaches are within striking distance of the main downtown attractions.
Accessibility
The lakefront beaches and parks are accessible, as are most boat tours.
Age limits
There is no age minimum for most boat tours, which are a perennial hit with younger visitors to Chicago.
What to pack
A light jacket for boat tours, a sun hat, camera with battery pack
What to wear
Sunscreen, layers,
Not allowed
Swimming along Chicago’s lakefront is only permitted in designated areas when a lifeguard is on duty; do not enter the water when a red flag is flying.
Amenities
Beaches, parks, cycling and walking paths
Address
Lake Michigan lines the entire eastern border of Chicago, and is easy to reach from anywhere in the Loop on foot, by bike, or with public transportation.
Driving
DuSable Lake Shore Drive skirts the entire shoreline of Lake Michigan, making it easy to reach the lake by car. There are numerous paid parking lots at strategic spots along the lakefront, including near Grant Park, Navy Pier, Oak Street Beach, and North Avenue Beach.
Public transportation
Bus 146 runs along the length of DuSable Lake Shore Drive, with stops near the main attractions along Lake Michigan, and the Adams/Wabash and Jackson elevated train stations are a short walk to the shore.
Best times to visit
Daytime along Lake Michigan brings beach crowds, cyclists, runners, kayakers, and sightseeing boat tours. As night falls, sunset sails and dinner cruises set off from the city’s harbor.
Best days to visit
The lakefront beaches and parks fill with Chicago residents and visitors to the city on the weekends, and the marinas empty as boats set off for sightseeing and pleasure cruises.
Best months to visit
The wind off Lake Michigan is famously frigid in winter, and icy water brings water sports and pleasure cruises to a halt. Visit from late spring through early fall to enjoy milder weather both on water and on land.
Special events
The two premier event spaces along Chicago’s Lake Michigan shoreline are Navy Pier and Grant Park, both of which host a variety of food and music festivals, performances, and other events throughout the summer.
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