Chicago Lakeshore Historical Overview

We owe our thanks to Chicago planners, Daniel Burnham and his assistant, Edward Bennett, who in 1909 created a plan for Chicago which specified that the lakeshore remain publicly owned and be developed as parks, beaches and recreational space to be enjoyed by all. One of the best places to run in any city is Chicago's Lakeshore!

Chicago has one of the most scenic, accessible shorelines of any city throughout the world. Located on one the largest of the Great Lakes, Chicago's Lake Michigan Shoreline is 33 miles long and provides miles of sandy beaches, natural wildlife habitats, scenic harbors, abundant green space, and magnificent skyline views. Chicago's Lakeshore is an awesome place to run!

Host Hotel

The Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers, the Host Hotel for the inaugural Lakeshore Marathon, is located at 301 East North Water Street, on the SE corner of East North Water Street and Columbus Avenue, directly north, walking distance, to the Lakeshore Marathon Start/Finish.

Additional Recommended Hotels



The Chicago Athletic Association is conveniently located near the Start/Finish Line of the Lakeshore Marathon.





The Westin Chicago River North, conveniently located in the Theatre District and a sister hotel of the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers, the Lakeshore Marathon Host Hotel.

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Chicago Museum Campus
You may like to visit one or more of these great Chicago museums which are in the Chicago Museum Campus, the Start/Finish site for the Lakeshore Marathon.

	The Adler Planetarium Opened in 1930 as the first Planetarium in the Western Hemisphere, the Adler fuels the imagination of its visitors with all new exhibits, state-of-the-art computer technology in the world's first StarRider Theater, while showcasing Adler's renowned collection of historical astronomy artifacts.

	The Field Museum Discover Sue, the largest and most complete T. Rex ever found! Shrink to the size of a bug and go on an Underground Adventure, descend into an Egyptian Pharaoh's tomb, watch a glowing lava flow, be dazzled by sparkling gems, and come nose-to-nose with the man-eating lions of Tsavo.

	The John G. Shedd Aquarium The world's largest indoor aquarium offers more than 6,000 aquatic animals representing more than 700 species from all parts of the world. Shedd Aquarium is the World's Aquarium. Opened in 1929, it is one of the oldest public aquariums in the world and has a rich history which spans decades.

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Other Cultural Attractions

Chicago Cultural Center
The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs invites you to visit the Chicago Cultural Center at 78 East Washington Street, at Washington and Michigan Avenues.

Chicago Architecture Foundation
The Chicago Architecture Center is the Loop's new "front door" for visitors and Chicagoans alike who are interested in learning more about the city's architecture, neighborhoods, and built environment. Visit the Chicago Architecture Center, 224 South Michigan Avenue.

Travel and Tourism Resources

	Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau's Choose Chicago site provides all sorts of useful information for visitors, including hotels, restaurants, cultural attractions, museums, sightseeing tours, shopping, nightlife, and more.

	Make it Chicago Make it Chicago is designed to help you experience Chicago, including travel and hotel.

	Chicago Greeter Discover Chicago's unique charm and many offerings while learning something new about the city with a Chicago Greeter.

	Chicago Transit Authority Whether traveling in from either Chicago airport, the suburbs, across town, or between Chicago neighborhoods, via train, bus, or subway, this site provides route, schedule and fare information you may need to know.

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