Chicago Lakefront Trail: A Self-Guided Bike Tour

This self-guided bike tour traces Chicago's reinvention from the ashes of the Great Fire to the skyline that rose in its place, pedaling the Lakefront Trail with Lake Michigan on one side and the city's icons on the other. The route begins near Navy Pier and rolls through Museum Campus, past the Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, and Field Museum. Buckingham Fountain and the towering Willis Tower come next, followed by Millennium Park's Cloud Gate — Chicago's beloved "Bean." A quick pass through the Loop takes in the Chicago Theatre, State Street, and Union Station before crossing the Chicago River. Stories of the Great Fire and the innovators who rebuilt the city play through your headphones the whole way. Perfect for first-time visitors, casual cyclists, and anyone craving a fresh angle on the city. Download the VoiceMap app and enter the ticket code from your confirmation email to start riding.

1. 1

   Navy Pier

   Pass by

   Pass by Navy Pier, built in 1916 as a shipping and recreation hub before training WWII sailors. Today it draws millions with its historic Centennial Wheel, shops, gardens, and skyline views. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.

2. 2

   Field Museum

   Pass by

   Cycle past the Field Museum, a natural history museum holding over 24 million artifacts, including Sue, the most complete T. rex skeleton ever found. Built for the 1893 World's Fair. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.

3. 3

   Adler Planetarium

   Pass by

   Bike past the Adler Planetarium, America's first planetarium, opened in 1930. See its historic Zeiss projector, the Atwood Sphere, and nearby immigrant memorial statues. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.

4. 4

   Millennium Park

   Pass by

   Ride past Millennium Park, home to Cloud Gate ("The Bean"), the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, and Wrigley Square. Built atop a former rail yard, it's Chicago's modern cultural showcase. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   Pass by

   Pedal past Chicago Union Station, a grand 1925 Beaux-Arts rail hub designed by Daniel Burnham's firm. Its Great Hall has featured in films like The Untouchables. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   Pass by

   Cycle past Daley Plaza, home to the untitled 50-foot Cor-Ten steel "Picasso" sculpture, gifted in 1967. The plaza hosts farmers markets and civic events year-round. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.

7. 7

   Clarence F. Buckingham Fountain

   Pass by

   Bike past Buckingham Fountain, a 1927 gift to Chicago modeled after Versailles' Latona Fountain. Its jets soar 150 feet, with light-and-music shows on summer nights. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.

8. 8

   Stop 8

   Pass by

   Ride past Grant Park, "Chicago's Front Yard," built atop rail lines and named for Ulysses S. Grant. It has hosted Lollapalooza, Taste of Chicago, and Obama's 2008 victory speech. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.

9. 9

   Stop 9

   Pass by

   Pedal past the Ogilvie Transportation Center, a commuter rail terminal on the site of the historic 1911 Chicago and North Western Terminal, designed by architects Frost and Granger. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.