The Top 20 Lakes in Cook County
Looking to visit the best lakes in Cook County? After all, there’s nothing better than the serenity of the lakeshore — or a quick dip when the weather’s warm. So, browse our list of Cook County’s top lakes below as recommended by the komoot community, and experience more on your next adventure!
Last updated: November 20, 2025
Belmont Harbor
Highlight • Structure
Lincoln Park is a 1,208-acre park along Lake Michigan and is Chicago's largest public park. The park offers several recreational facilities such as baseball/softball fields, basketball courts, beach volleyball courts, …
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Skokie Lagoon No. 3
Highlight • Lake
From this grassy spot you get a lovely view of Skokie Lagoon No. 3. This lagoon is part of the Skokie Lagoons nature preserve, located in Glencoe and Winnetka, Illinois. …
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McCormick Bird Sanctuary
Highlight • Natural
Experience The McCormick Bird Sanctuary in the heart of the Burnham Wildlife Corridor. Spanning 9 acres, this sanctuary blends native prairie and woodland, with a distinctive prairie situated above an …
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Skokie Lagoon 5
Highlight • Lake
Nestled within the north and central sections of Skokie Lagoons, this lagoon is encircled by trails from the North Branch Trail System, providing cyclists with a tranquil and picturesque route. …
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Lakefront Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Chicago's Lakefront Trail, a sprawling pathway that extends for miles along the mesmerizing shores of Lake Michigan. Revel in the stunning turquoise hues of the lake, especially when the sun …
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Chicago Lakefront Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
A wonderful walk along the lake! Yes, it's not a beach but concrete, but the view is great!
Translated by Google •
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Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods)
Highlight • Forest
Ned Brown Forest Preserve, also known as the Busse Woods, is a 3,558-acre preserve with almost 13 miles of paved trails to ride. This park has an elk pasture and is one of the most popular parks in the state.
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Lincoln Park
Highlight • Rest Area
Lincoln Park is a 1,208-acre park along Lake Michigan and is Chicago's largest public park. The park offers several recreational facilities such as baseball/softball fields, basketball courts, beach volleyball courts, …
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Lakefront Trail, Chicago
Highlight • Trail
Lake Michigan – the most striking natural feature in Chicago backdropped against the rising city skyline. It's a popular place to run and cycle in the city and a great …
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Margaret T. Burroughs Beach and Park
Highlight • Beach
Margaret T. Burroughs Beach and Park sits between the communities of Prairie Shores and Lake Meadows. The beach has privileged views of the Chicago skyline in the background, with many …
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Find the best lakes in Cook County per region:
LemontOrland HillsWheelingPalatineOrland ParkPalos ParkBarringtonNorthfieldBridgeviewWestern SpringsSchaumburgElk Grove VillageGlenviewWorthOak ForestArlington HeightsRolling MeadowsChicagoTinley ParkMount ProspectHickory HillsInvernessCalumet CityLincolnwoodMorton GroveOak LawnGlencoeSkokieProspect HeightsStreamwoodDes PlainesWilmetteWinnetkaPalos HillsBurbankBurnhamChicago RidgeKenilworthNilesNorthbrookCountrysideBlue IslandEvanstonSouth BarringtonHodgkinsBarrington HillsDoltonPalos HeightsRiverdaleBedford ParkGolfIndian Head ParkJusticeWillow SpringsAlsipHoffman Estates
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