THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Taking It Outdoors as Summer Creeps By!
We’ve already had a touch of autumn temps this past week, as summer creeps closer to its end next month. However, with the return of more summer temps this weekend, I highly suggest taking it outdoors as much as possible before then!
All lakefront parks west of Lake Shore Drive are opened to the public, including Grant Park, Lincoln Park, Burnham Park, Harold Washington Park, and Jackson Park; however, all parks and beaches east of Lake Shore Drive remain closed. Why not get some fresh air and have a picnic with your family or friends before the next seasons arrive!
You may also want to check out the following as well:
The Lakefront Trail welcomes residents and visitors from around the city and is open daily (6 a.m.-7 p.m.) for exercise, walking, running, and biking with safe social distancing. Chicago’s scenic Lakefront Trail is an 18-mile paved path that follows the Lake Michigan shoreline on the city’s eastern edge. It extends from Ardmore Street on the north side to 71st Street on the south side. No matter how you travel the trail, you can take in Lake Michigan’s blue waters to one side and a combination of lush parks and dramatic skyline views to the other! The trail also offers easy access to a variety of Waterfront Dining Options. Please note that Chicago restaurants are open for takeout, delivery, or outdoor dining only, so it’s best to contact the restaurants directly for details!!
The 606 Trail (a/k/a The Bloomingdale Trail) is open daily from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. for exercise, walking, running, biking (bikes are available for rent from nearby Divvy stations), etc. with safe social distancing as well. The 606 is a 2.7-mile elevated park and trail on Chicago’s west side that was built on what was once an industrial train line. Today, this trail features a chain of street-level parks, scenic look-out points, an observatory, and public art installations across four of Chicago’s hippest neighborhoods – Wicker Park, Bucktown, Logan Square, and Humboldt Park!!
The Chicago Riverwalk is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. with restrictions. This 1.25 mile-long path has been constructed in phases over time and includes four distinct districts: The Confluence, The Arcade, The Civic, and The Esplanade. The continuous path from Lake Street to the lakefront also allows a vertical connection from Upper Wacker Drive down to the waterway! And the new Community Marketplace and concessions program are opening in phases, so please check vendor websites for the latest details!!
The Garfield Park Conservatory, located at 300 North Central Park Avenue, has reopened its outdoor gardens with adjusted hours and timed-entry reservations. The 10 acres of outdoor gardens include the City Garden, Demonstration Garden, Play & Grow Garden, Artist’s Garden, and Sensory Garden.
Reminder: Outdoor activities are limited to non-contact sports in small groups only (e.g., tennis). Playgrounds are still temporarily closed. Everyone in the parks or participating in outdoor attractions is required to wear facial coverings at all times, limit gatherings to no more than 10 individuals and maintain safe physical distancing.
Enjoy what’s left of summer outdoors!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
