Biking Chicago

During our first day in Chicago, we noticed that everyone was traveling by bike. And biking just happens to be one of our favorite ways for getting around. We loved biking the Golden Gate Bridge while in San Francisco and pedaling along the sand in Nantucket. So we knew we had to bike Chicago too!

On Day 2, we set out to rent bikes for ourselves. The easiest and least expensive option was to go with Divvy Bikes. You will find Divvy bike stations all over the city and rentals are just $10/person for 24 hours. We couldn't pass up such a good deal.

First stop of the day was Millennium Park

If you ever visit Chicago, you can't miss a trip here, especially since it's home to CloudGate aka The Bean. Tom didn't understand the appeal at first, but I told him if you

build shiny things…people will come!

Gorgeous morning views around Millennium Park…love this place

After biking all through the park, we headed over to the Chicago Cultural Center, one of the city's FREE hidden gems. Really though, the architecture here is jaw-dropping.

Tom explored the galleries around the building, but I was perfectly content to gaze up at this gorgeous Tiffany Glass Dome. I laid down right on the floor, sitting up just long enough to sip my Starbucks and nod at the only other person in the room-who just so happened to be playing the grand piano. Not a bad way to enjoy your morning coffee.

Thank You Chicago

Humbling to spend a quiet morning in a place that has hosted presidents, diplomats, and world leaders. But finally, we had to leave {we got kicked out}, so we biked over to the Art Institute of Chicago. Without a doubt, this is one of the best art museums I've ever been too!

But after walking around the art museum for nearly 4 hours, we were happy to get off our feet and hop back onto our bikes.

We headed to the best place to bike in the city---the Lakefront Trail. It's an 18 mile path that sits right alongside Lake Michigan. On one side of the trail is sparkling Lake Michigan dotted with sailboats and beaches. On the other side is the Chicago cityscape.

B-E-S-T B-I-K-E R-I-D-E E-V-E-R!

Navy Pier Ferris Wheel <--- Enter Stage Left
plus following along behind the cutest biker

We decided to follow the LakeFront Trail to the Lincoln Park Zoo. As far as zoos go, this one is pretty small, but the zoo and the surrounding conservation area are also completely FREE. Of course we had to take advantage of this.

Then back onto the bikes and headed towards the main part of the city…over to Willis Tower. Willis Tower is one of the tallest buildings in the world and offered up perfect sunset views of the City of Chicago.

What an amazingly busy day. We visited
Millennium Park and The Bean ---> The Chicago Cultural Center ---> The Art Institute of Chicago ---> Lake Michigan + The Lakefront Trail ---> Navy Pier --->

Lincoln Park Zoo ---> Willis Tower

The only reason we were able to see so much of the city in a single day is because we biked.

And since we had a 24 hour rental, we still had time to bike more of the LakeFront Trail the next morning!

Random Sidenote: I think I deserve a little credit for biking while managing our clunky camera and maneuvering through other bikers/pedestrians {without hitting anyone} all while making sure my dress didn't ride up. Who knew I was so coordinated?