Cycling Chicago's North Lakefront Trail 08/31/09

Chicago’s gem is not the Sears Tower and other skyscrapers or the Magnificent Mile and high-end shopping. Rather, it’s the beauty of nature carefully curated by city planners – the Lakefront Trail that runs along Lake Michigan from the north to the south of the city, with downtown in the middle.

Betty and Chicago's Skyline

My old work commute took me south down the trail to downtown. Now that I have a lot of time on my hands, I decided to explore the trail in the opposite direction: north from my neighborhood to the very top. I have ridden this route before, but this time I stopped to sit down at the beaches, smell flowers in the gardens and discover little sanctuaries I’d never known before.  The low 60′s F temperature and blue, sunny skies were perfect for such an expedition.

Betty meditates to Lake Michigan's horizon

These pictures were taken at the north-most point of the trail.

Me and Betty courtesy of camera's timer

Sidewalk Art

To the Lighthouse

Going south from the top of the path, I encountered this Bird and Butterfly Sanctuary. Could anything be sweeter?

Bird and Butterfly Sanctuary

Stop to smell the wildflowers

Two little girls chasing butterflies

There are many facilities for free use by the public, including this baseball diamond, tennis courts, playgrounds, and a golf course.

Public baseball diamond

The Ivy League

The poignant Peace Garden has a zen feel and a trickling fountain that does not drown out the noise of the passing traffic, but makes a melody with it.

Peace Garden Fountain

May peace be in Chicago

Enjoying this side of the city reminds me not to let life slip by unexplored.  There’s so much beauty out there.  Chicago is definitely best seen by bicycle, especially the lakefront!