Bike the Lakefront

The centennial year of the 1909 Plan of Chicago is the perfect time to celebrate Daniel Burnham's vision by bicycling from Millennium Park to a nature park on Northerly Island.  See how Burnham's ideas for protecting the lakefront as a cultural gathering point have been realized in many different ways.

At each stop on this leisurely ride, we'll discuss both the historic and contemporary developments that define our city's lakefront.  This tour covers multilevel Wacker Drive, Municipal Pier (now Navy Pier), Grant Park as a cultural center and a series of recreational islands in the lake.  Today's newest residential neighborhoods are also explored including award-winning park additions, a renewed riverfront and a move away from automobiles to bicycles in enhanced green spaces.  With a discussion of Chicago's second World's Fair along the way, this tour defines Burnham's motto of "make no little plans".

Our three-hour ride ends adjacent to the Museum Campus.  You may then return to the Bike Station or continue your exploration of our extraordinary man-made lakefront on your own.  Helmets are recommended.

Meet at McDonald's Cycle Center in Millennium Park, 239 E. Randolph.  NOTE:  Bring your own bicycle or rent one beforehand at Millennium Park Bike Rental.