A Bike Trail Runs Through These Illinois Towns And It's The Ultimate Outdoor Playground
By Linze Rice|Published July 17, 2023
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Linze Rice
Author
Ope! From the rural cornfields of DeKalb County, Linze is an Illinois native and true Midwestern gal who can make a mean bonfire and whip up a perfect marshmallow salad. Since 2014, her bylines and photography have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and Block Club Chicago/DNAinfo Chicago, Only in Your State, and more. She has interviewed Dolly Parton, written about beloved diners along historic Route 66, visited the last Rainforest Cafe in the Illinois, and reviewed luxurious English manor-inspired hotels. Whether it's writing about a local gem or world-renowned establishment, Linze brings a heartwarming and historical perspective to each story, using facts, wit, and personal experience to impress upon readers the importance of culture, food, travel, and all things local. Her favorite destinations in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, the charming small town of Sycamore, and historic Rosehill Cemetery. When she's not writing or photographing, Linze enjoys gardening, spending time with her husband and pets, cooking, baking, and grilling, and relaxing with trashy TV.
In Chicago, people often think of public transportation or gridlock traffic when trying to plan out travel routes. Yet, there is actually an ever-growing system of paved trails that are perfect for getting around — be it through the city or to another town entirely. Just like the rest of Illinois is known for its amazing hiking trails, these urban pathways offer not only a way to get great exercise and spend time outdoors, but plenty of cool stuff to see and do along the way, too. That’s why the North Shore Channel Trail is the best bike trail in Evanston & Skokie, Illinois.
The North Shore Channel Trail is an "out-and-back"-style trail that runs 13 miles round trip between Chicago and Evanston.
In total, it's expected to take about 4 hours max — but could be quicker depending on your mode of travel.
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You'll stroll through countless parks along the way with picnic groves, so there are plenty of spots for rests or snacking while passing from Chicago to Skokie to Evanston.
The trail follows the North Shore Channel, an offshoot of the Chicago River created in 1910. Don't be surprised if there are kayakers following the route from the waterway!
One of the highlights of the trip is passing through the Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park, a 2-mile stretch of outdoor art exhibits that range from playful to abstract to lifelike.
You'll also pass by the Circle of Flags, a display of 17 flags that represent different nationalities that participated in the 1991 Skokie Festival of Cultures.
Another highlight is the Rotary Club of Evantston's International Friendship Garden, which sees gorgeous flower gardens, a green lawn, seating, and a beloved globe sculpture memorial.
The trail is one of the most popular in the area, yet provides plenty of space for those who use it — so you can enjoy the scenery without being overcrowded.
At the furthest point of the trail are the Evanston Ecology Center and Ladd Arboretum, an over 17-acre outdoor museum that offers an incredible collection of trees, gardens, a bird sanctuary, and paths.
