The Top 20 Lakes around Chicago
Looking to visit the best lakes around Chicago? 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 Chicago’s top lakes below as recommended by the komoot community, and experience more on your next adventure!
Last updated: November 26, 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, …
Tip by
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 …
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
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 …
Tip by
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.
Tip by
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, …
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Chicago.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Other adventures around Chicago
Most popular attractions around Chicago
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures around London and beyond.
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around Chicago? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
Prospect HeightsSkokieNorthbrookEvanstonWheelingNorthfieldGlenviewWilmetteWinnetkaKenilworthGolfArlington HeightsSchaumburgLincolnwoodNilesMorton GroveHoffman EstatesPalatineInvernessElk Grove VillageGlencoeRolling MeadowsPalos ParkOrland ParkStreamwoodPalos HeightsMount ProspectLemontOak LawnHickory HillsChicago RidgeWorthPalos HillsBridgeviewJusticeSouth BarringtonBurbankWillow SpringsBarringtonBarrington HillsOrland HillsOak ForestTinley ParkBedford ParkWestern SpringsDes PlainesHodgkinsBlue IslandAlsipDoltonCalumet CityBurnhamIndian Head ParkCountrysideRiverdale
Get ready to conquer new peaks
Sign up for Free