Wolf Lake Loop

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Chicago, IL, US

Route Overview

Major Taylor Cycling Club of Chicago

Roll with Soul!

22 mi.

208 ft.

A quick 20 mile ride from La Rabida to and around beautiful Wolf Lake. If you have less than 90 minutes and would like to go for a short ride, this one will not disappoint.

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Route Details

This route is a nice introduction to the southside of Chicago.  The route hugs Lake Michigan as you head south to Wolf Lake.  I do recommend that you ride this route during non-peak drive times.  Avoid morning and evening rush hours, or just go on the weekend.  The route is mostly flat, typical of what you can expect in Chicago.  This is a short route for someone who would prefer to do a shorter ride or doesn't have a lot of time.

## START LOCATION

This route starts at La Rabida Children's Hospital.  Parking is scarce on weekdays during working hours.  Parking is plentiful before or after work and on weekends, so plan your ride accordingly.  Additionally, you are not allowed to use their bathroom facilities, so please take care of that business before you arrive.  Parking is safe with hospital security patrolling the lot.  Lake Michigan provides a beautiful backdrop for You'll be inclined to snap a few.

## THE ROUTE

From La Rabida, you will head south on Chicago's Lakefront Trail @point[to 71st street](d,1352.49), where you will ride on the new extension of that trail, which is really an on street bike lane.  You will ride that bike lane to @point[Calumet Park](d,7843.78) where Lake Michigan will be just off your left shoulder.  Calumet Park is a hidden gem which many Chicagoans never see.  Enjoy it because there is very little traffic there, *for now*.  The city is looking to build up the area.

From Calumet Park you continue south to the Burnham Greenway Trail.  This trail will take you right up to the Indiana border.

Turn left onto 112th Street, then head east.  At the T intersection of 112th street and Avenue A is the Illinois-Indiana border.  You will now enter the 2nd state of your short journey.  Continue east until you see a trailhead.  This is where you will pick up the Wolf Lake Trail.  You will ride right behind a Walmart store, and if you need anything, you can pick it up there.  There is bike parking at the store.

As you follow the trail, you will come to a sharp right turn at @point[mile 8.7](d,14012.41).  Be sure to stay on the trail.  **DO NOT** venture onto Indianapolis Blvd.  Once you've safely navigated the right turn, then you will pass the sign for the Horseshoe Casino, and about a quarter mile down the trail, you will now begin riding parallel to Wolf Lake.

As you continue on the trail, there is a good chance that you will see fishermen trying to earn the day's catch.  And, if you're riding in May, you may see a mother goose followed by her newborn goslings.  Naturists will love this trail at this time of year.

@poi[At mile 10.5](3116919), you will come upon the Pavilion at Wolf Lake.  The bathrooms are generally open from dusk to dawn, according to an employee there, during the spring, summer, and fall months.

After leaving the Pavilion, you will head around Wolf Lake.  The trail allows you to get close to the water.  The proximity to the water will prove to be exhilirating as you head to the Wolf Lake Boardwalk.  Many people stop to take pictures there, so be careful when crossing, or stopping to take photos of your own.

Continue on the trail.  When you get to 112th street, turn left, then make a right onto the Burnham-Greenway Trail.  Follow the Burnham-Greenway Trail back to Calumet Park.  Then take the Lakefront Extension back toward La Rabida.

## NOTES

* Begin at @point[La Rabida](d,5.76)
* Head south on the Lakefront Extension to @slice[Calumet Park](d,7825.24,9682.79)
* Under the overpass, turn left onto the @poi[sidewalk at the alley](3116918), and get onto the @slice[Burnham-Greenway Trail](d,9949.26,12601.61)
* Turn left onto 112th street
* Continue east (slight left) onto the @slice[Wolf Lake Trail](d,13625.04,21988.17)
* Enjoy your time at the @photo[Wolf Lake Pavilion](2370933)
* Be sure to take in the vista at the @poi[Wolf Lake Boardwalk](3116921)

# More resources

Although it's not used very often, you may want to check to see if there are any activities at the [Wolf Lake Pavilion](https://www.wolflakepavilion.com/).  Also, if you have anyone who would enjoy a small aquatic park or lake activities, this is the place for you to meet them.

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Wolf Lake Loop

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