The City's Best Outdoor Spots

by Citysearch_Staff - 0 Reviews - 2,637 Lists

Updated: May 30, 2002

Whether you're looking to hit the links, take an afternoon hike or simply find a place to relax, these fresh-air Chicago favorites will satisfy your inner athlete.

On this page:Parks, Golf Courses, Hiking Trails, Bike Trails, Outdoor Dining.

Parks

  1. 1 4 Star Rating: Recommended Chicago Park District Oz Park
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    2021 N Burling St, Chicago, IL 60614 (map)

  2. 2 4 Star Rating: Recommended Jackson Park Golf Course
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    E 63rd St & S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637 (map)

  3. 3 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Grant Park
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    337 E Randolph, Chicago, IL 60602 (map)

  4. 4 Gillson Park
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    Michigan and Washington avenues, Wilmette, IL 60091 (map)

    Sixty acres of lush outdoor fun on the North Shore.

Golf Courses

  1. 5 2.5 Star Rating: Below Average Sydney R Marovitz Golf Course
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    3600 N Recreation Dr, Chicago, IL 60613 (map)

    Sandwiched between the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan, this scenic golf course is ideal for players of all levels.

  2. 6 4 Star Rating: Recommended Harborside International Golf
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    11001 S Doty Ave, Chicago, IL 60628 (map)

  3. 7 Pine Meadow Golf Club
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    1 Pine Meadow Ln, Mundelein, IL 60060 (map)

  4. 8 Kemper Lakes Golf Club
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    24000 N Old Mchenry Rd, Hawthorn Woods, IL 60047 (map)

  5. 9 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Cog Hill Golf & Country Club
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    12294 Archer Ave, Lemont, IL 60439 (map)

Hiking Trails

  1. 10 Cook County Forest Preserve/Palos Division
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    9800 S 104th Ave, Palos Hills, IL 60465 (map)

    Hiking, biking, fishing and skiing--you can do it all at this 14,000-acre preserve.

  2. 11 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Chicago Botanic Garden
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    1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022 (map)

  3. 12 Glacial Park
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    6512 Harts Rd, Ringwood, IL 60072 (map)

    This glacier-scrubbed terrain challenges cross-country skiers in the winter--and hikers the rest of the year.

  4. 13 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Starved Rock State Park
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    Rte 178 & 71, Utica, IL 61373 (map)

    Miles of picturesque trails and a cozy lodge on a bluff overlooking the Illinois River.

Bike Trails

  1. 14 4 Star Rating: Recommended North Branch Bicycle Trail
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    Devon Ave and Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60646 (map)

    Glide from the city through north suburban greenways on this pleasant Chicago River trail.

  2. 15 Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit
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    S91 W39091 Hwy 59, Eagle, WI 53119 (map)

    Nordic skiing buffs and mountain bikers go wild on this hilly, glacier-scrubbed terrain.

  3. 16 Illinois Prairie Path
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    616 Delles Rd, Wheaton, IL 60187 (map)

Outdoor Dining

  1. 17 4 Star Rating: Recommended Vines on Clark
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    3554 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657 (map)