View A tale of city trails in a larger map
If you're bored of biking around the same-old places in Evanston, get adventurous with the following trails.
Spokes and Sculptures
Length: Approximately eight miles from South Campus and back
This loop takes bicyclists on a tour of the Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park, an outdoor art museum perfect for a bike adventure. Ride north along Green Bay Road to connect to the bike paths through the sculpture park. Enjoy the vibrant, abstract artwork and views of the north channel of the Chicago River before connecting back to Oakton and riding north to campus along Lake Michigan on the Lakefront Trail.
Hipster Highway
Length: Approximately nine miles from Fullerton Red Line stop and back
The discerning bicyclist can find prime bike lanes, cafes and thrift stores on this loop through Wicker Park and Bucktown, perhaps the best biking neighborhoods in Chicago. To load your bike on the El, just ask the station attendant to let you through the swing gate (but avoid this during rush hour). Head west on Fullerton and turn south onto Damen, which connects with Milwaukee Avenue. You’ll ride past the Boring Store, a quirky spy shop. Take a right onto Division and stop at the Alliance Bakery for amazing macarons, then continue right on California. Complete the loop on Milwaukee, past the Congress Theater and to Armitage. Take Damen north to head back towards the Red Line.
You’ll Bike It Off
Length: Approximately five miles from Roosevelt Red Line stop and back
Red Line stop and back Travel a bit further to explore some of Chicago’s best biking and food in and around Pilsen. Starting on Roosevelt Street, ride to South Halsted and into University Village, the neighborhood of University of Illinois - Chicago. Take a right onto 18th Street, and you’ll end up in Pilsen. Grab a cheap and delicious lunch at Nuevo Leon just past Laflin Street, then ride up Blue Island Avenue, through Taylor Street and into Little Italy. You’re already exercising, so enjoy some food, including Flirty Cupcakes Dessert Garage near UIC.