I escaped the 90s of New Orleans for cooler temps and took my first trip to Chi-town in late September. I walked away impressed.
You can definitely blaze a trail in downtown Chicago, which is especially clean for its size, and it offers plenty of opportunities for walking. I will share what I found. It is illustrative, not exhaustive. I flew in to Midway, and the cab driver took Lakeshore Drive.
You can’t miss the glorious Lakefront Trail as you arrive downtown. It’s an18.5-mile paved, multi-use path that follows beautiful Lake Michigan. On a sunny 70-degree Sunday, the cool sea breezes were enough to propel me onward! We stayed downtown in a hotel overlooking the Chicago River and the Riverwalk below. The emerald colored river and cool breezes were invigorating. The many slender people walking at a fast clip were motivating, not intimidating. All in all, it was a lovely experience.
First up – Millennium Park, a magnificent green space that was in full fall bloom. Give credit to Chicago for transforming 274 acres of what used to be old parking lots and railroad tracks into a gem of a park perfect for exploring on foot. There are several outstanding attractions nearby:
Cloud Gate (“The Bean”) – On a sunny day, this shiny stainless steel sculpture will catch your eye and leave you searching for your own image on the oval. Lurie Garden is a beautiful nearby accompaniment, offering 3.5 acres of seasonal foliage and peacefulness. The Art Institute of Chicago is a must-see! The museum is steps away from Millennium Park. My favorite was the Impressionist collection. The Mary Cassatt exhibit was really interesting, too. The BP Bridge, designed by the late architect Frank Gehry, winds through the park and drops you at another spectacular green space – Maggie Daley Park, which adds another 20 acres to this urban oasis, which is across the street from Lake Michigan. The Navy Pier is within sight and walking distance, located between Illinois and Grand Avenue. Its 50 acres of waterfront attractions include a carnival, bars, and restaurants. A great place to bring the family for a leisurely waterfront stroll. If you are up for a boat ride, the Architecture Tour is well worth the price of admission. I took the “First Lady” 90-minute tour and really enjoyed learning the history behind the immense buildings lining the riverwalk.
