Ride
Divvy
Bike-share for a short hop or a longer ride. Check the current service map, bike type and return rules.
Plan your visit / current detailsChicago / Outdoors
Outside. Chicago.
Bikes, boats, skates, trails, parks and nature. Fishing, hunting and ski trips too—with regional destinations clearly identified. Find rentals, equipment and repairs alongside the places to go.
Ride Water Trails & nature Skates & snow Fishing & hunting Gear & services
Ride
Ride
Lakefront Trail
Walk, run or ride along the lake. Use the designated bike and pedestrian sections and leave room for other people.
Plan your visit / current detailsRide
Scooters & shared rides
Use the bike-share operator’s current map to check scooter availability and parking instructions before starting.
Plan your visit / current details
Water
Water
Wendella
River and lake sightseeing tours. Choose the route, departure dock and sailing that suit your day.
Plan your visit / current detailsWater
Park district boathouses
Find canoe and kayak rental operators at Chicago’s boathouses. Confirm the season and the launch location directly.
Plan your visit / current detailsTrails & nature
Trails & nature
Burnham Wildlife Corridor
A lakefront habitat corridor for a slower walk, birdwatching and learning about native plants. Stay on designated routes.
Plan your visit / current detailsTrails & nature
Forest Preserves of Cook County
Regional woodland walks, hiking and nature centers. Use the preserve map to choose a route and check access.
Plan your visit / current detailsTrails & nature
Habitat restoration
Look for preserve volunteer opportunities to help care for woodland, prairie and wetland habitat. Read the activity requirements before signing up.
Plan your visit / current details
Skates & snow
Skates & snow
Maggie Daley Park
Check the current skating ribbon season and rental information. Winter ice and warm-weather activities have separate schedules.
Plan your visit / current detailsSkates & snow
Cross-country skiing
Regional Cook County preserve routes make a snow-day option when conditions allow. Check trail conditions and equipment arrangements.
Plan your visit / current detailsSkates & snow
Downhill skiing: a regional trip
Use the resort’s current winter program for skiing, lessons and rentals in Wisconsin. This requires travel outside Chicago.
Plan your visit / current detailsFishing & hunting
Fishing & hunting
Illinois fishing
Start with the state’s current fishing licences, seasons and access information. Permission to enter a site and permission to fish are separate.
Plan your visit / current detailsFishing & hunting
Hunting beyond the city
Plan a regional trip using Illinois DNR’s hunting information and approved sites. Check the species, season, licence and site-specific requirements.
Plan your visit / current detailsGear & services
Gear & services
Motorcycle rentals & road trips
Use the rental company’s location directory to find the nearest operating branch. Confirm pickup city, licence requirements, equipment and the return arrangement; a branch may be outside the city.
Plan your visit / current detailsGear & services
Outdoor equipment & shop services
Check the retailer’s store directory for a nearby outdoor shop and its actual services. Ask about activity-specific equipment, fitting and repair before making a trip.
Plan your visit / current detailsFYI before you go.
Read the linked operator or public agency’s current information for conditions, closures, equipment, permits and bookings. Regional activities involve travel beyond the city. Source review: October 4, 2026.
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Your quick destination list.
Direct links to the places and organizations described above.
MORE TO EXPLORE
Divvy Lakefront Trail Scooters & shared rides Wendella Park district boathouses Burnham Wildlife Corridor Forest Preserves of Cook County Habitat restoration Maggie Daley Park Cross-country skiing Downhill skiing: a regional trip Illinois fishing Hunting beyond the city Motorcycle rentals & road trips Outdoor equipment & shop services
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