Trip 1 - Chicago Lakefront Trail

The Chicago Lakefront Trail portion of the GIT is a 10-mile paved path along the shore of Lake Michigan. This trail is one of the busiest hiking and biking trails in the nation. It passes by a multitude of features that you may find difficult to pass without visiting: McCormick Place, Northerly Island (formerly Meigs Field Airport), the Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum, Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, Millenium Park, Burnham Harbor and Navy Pier. People watching can make the trip a fun and fascinating experience. Take a break at the South Shore Cultural Center located at the far south end of the trail at 71st Street.

The path continues north beyond Navy Pier; however, the route of the Grand Illinois Trail heads west to the Mississippi River at the intersection of Illinois and Grand Streets.

For more detailed information and access to a printed map see Section 1.