Explore the Outdoors

Feel the fresh breeze on your face and touch grass for fun, exercise and clarity when you explore the great outdoors on Chicago’s North Shore. You can boost the pleasure of a hike or a stroll by grabbing a bite to eat or doing some shopping nearby, too. Whatever your pleasure, you can Enjoy Our Lively Parks and Lakefront year-round.
 

Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe

Chicago Botanic Garden
Glencoe
The glamour-puss of the area’s many outdoor experiences is undoubtedly Chicago Botanic Garden. Fancy flowers and native plants attract plentiful birds and animals which you can observe on many (many!) walking paths. You can also bike or take a tram ride through this world-renowned living museum: 27 gardens and four natural areas situated on 385 acres on and around nine islands with six miles of lake shoreline! Whew. All that fresh air will give you an appetite so enjoy breakfast or lunch at The Garden View Café.

Evanston Lakefront

Evanston Lakefront Path
Various locations in Evanston
Take in the lake with its ever-changing hues of blues and seasonal colors all up and down Evanston’s peak shoreline parks and paths. One notable bike route runs for about five miles (dedicated lanes interspersed with a few sidewalks along Sheridan Rd.) through Evanston, Northwestern University and into Chicago. Watch wind surfers (or join them), play some tennis, and try out the exercise stations in Dawes Park. You can also sit and commune with the ducks at the lagoon.
 

Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park, Skokie

Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park
McCormick Blvd. between Touhy & Dempster Sts., Skokie 
Stretch your legs while you take in this robust outdoor gallery with dozens of incredible sculptures. You can access this colorful two-mile path alongside the Chicago River’s north channel by foot, on your bicycle or from several convenient parking areas. The shapes, materials and ideas energize year-round with DIY or friendly tour guides.
 

Harms Trail

Harms Trail
Various locations
With thousands of acres to discover in the Forest Preserves of Cook County, get a good start on the path entrance located at Old Orchard Rd. and Harms Rd. (part of Harms Woods in Skokie). Saddle up to bike about an hour North to Chicago Botanic Garden through ecological restoration sites with diverse native wildlife.
 

The Grove National Historic Landmark, Glenview

The Grove National Historic Landmark
Glenview
The Grove’s highlights extend throughout 150 ecologically-diverse acres of nature trails through oak-hickory savanna and past wetland pools. Amp up your outdoorsy day with some Midwestern history and science. You can enhance the experience with stops at the Interpretive Center (see live birds, turtles, snakes, fish, as well as educational specimens), the Gothic Revival style Kennicott House and the functioning blacksmith shop. 
 

Green Bay Trail

Green Bay Trail
Various locations
This handsome strip of natural beauty has the bonus of an asphalt path for smooth moving through two miles of Winnetka and then some. Whether you prefer a power walk, a gentle jog or speedy bike ride, the trail welcomes you with wildflower gardens, picnic tables, benches and other amenities.