Lakeshore in CHICAGO?

Question

are there alot of tourist traps down by Lake Michigan?

Is there a nice path to walk...or is it icky?

Answer 1

the lake is awesome!

some parts have tourist traps, especially in the loop's part of the lake.  the loop is what we call chicago's downtown.

also some parts are kinda icky, but most are really nice.

Answer 2

The bike/run path on the lake is beautiful! I believe it's 19 miles long point to point (n/s).The most touristy areas are probably Navy Pier and the Field Museum/Shedd Aquarium Campus.

Answer 3

You will find tourist traps downtown because that's where the tourists tend to go. It's a shame when they don't venture into other neighborhoods; I would argue they haven't truly experienced Chicago if they haven't been anywhere but the airport and the downtown areas. Chicago is at its heart a city of neighborhoods.

I consider Navy Pier a tourist trap; it's a carnivalesque boardwalk. If that appeals to you and you don't often get to see that sort of thing, then by all means, see it. It's popular with visitors. As for me, the only things I like about it are walking to the very end on a sunny evening if it's not crowded (rare) and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

Chicagoans are proud of the massive lakefront (which was early on ordained open to the public), and no, it is not "icky." Especially during the summer months, you will see joggers, walkers, bicyclists, bladers---everyone out using the lakefront trail. The trail is by the beaches and green park areas, so you'll also see people playing soccer or enjoying barbecues.

If you are walking along the path, be sure to stay on the portion intended for walkers, as the bicyclists will be speeding past (sometimes irresponsibly, as some seem to think it's the "lakefront bike path" only, which is not the case).

Late add: The Loop forms only a portion of our downtown area. I find that there are more tourist traps in River North and the Mag Mile. The Loop can certainly cater to visitors, but it's more business-oriented than the rest of the downtown areas.

Answer 4

its not icky at alll!!!!!!!!!