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Great Lakes

Activities in Great Lakes

  1. Haunted Chicago Segway Tour

    Haunted Chicago Segway Tour

    2 hours (Departs Chicago, Illinois)

    by Viator

    Learn about Chicago’s haunted past and see its mysterious sights as you glide through the city on a Segway at night! Venture through the dark with your local…

    Not LP reviewed

    from USD$70.40
  2. Ebel's

    Houseboating is the region's rage. Outfitters such as Ebel's can set you up. Rentals range from $260 to $685 per day, depending on boat size. Novice boaters are welcome and receive instruction on how to operate the vessels.

    reviewed

  3. A

    Lakeshore Athletic Club

    Located at the Illinois Center, Lakeshore offers a full range of exercise classes, a pool and squash courts, plus an impressive seven-story indoor climbing wall, for which day use and orientation fees cost $40. General-use gym rates are $25 per day.

    reviewed

  4. B

    Yogaview

    Most Yogaview instructors teach some type of vinyasa, but individual teachers can lean toward an iyengar or ashtanga approach, too. All of the class here are ‘pay what you can,’ with a suggested donation of $14. The studio is at the Ruby Room spa.

    reviewed

  5. C

    St Paul Curling Club

    For those uninitiated in northern ways, curling is a winter sport that involves sliding a hubcap-sized 'puck' down the ice toward a bull's-eye. The friendly folks here don't mind if you stop in to watch the action. Heck, they might invite you to share a Labatt's from the upstairs bar.

    reviewed

  6. Chicago Kayak

    Based in suburban Evanston, this company teaches courses in sea kayaking for the novice to the advanced kayaker. Numerous trips on Lake Michigan and the Chicago River depart from points in the city. Rates start at $75 for a four-hour course.

    reviewed

  7. Best of Chicago Tour Including a Deep-Dish Pizza

    Best of Chicago Tour Including a Deep-Dish Pizza

    5 hours 30 minutes (Departs Chicago, Illinois)

    by Viator

    Accompanied by a local guide, take a city tour of Chicago and see its spectacular sights before ending the tour with a famous Chicago-style deep-dish pizza!…

    Not LP reviewed

    from USD$53.99
  8. Marengo Cave

    Marengo Cave, north on Hwy 66, offers a 40-minute tour (adult/child four to 12 years $12.75/6.75), 70-minute tour ($14.50/7.50) and combination tour ($21/11) walking past stalagmites and other ancient formations.

    reviewed

  9. D

    Fitness Formula Club

    This club is particularly well regarded for its strength training. Along with the usual workout machines, swimming pools and basketball courts, the half-dozen locations around town also offer spinning, yoga and Pilates classes.

    reviewed

  10. E

    McCormick Tribune Ice Rink

    The Chicago Park District operates a first-class winter rink at the McCormick-Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park. Admission is free; skate rental costs $6 to $10. It's open from late November to late February.

    reviewed

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  12. lakeshore Athletic Club – Illinois Center

    The Lakeshore Athletic Club outlet at the Illinois Center has an impressive seven-story indoor climbing wall, for which day use and orientation fees cost about $40. General-use gym rates are about $25 per day.

    reviewed

  13. University of Minnesota Duluth's Outdoor Program

    Rent kayaks, camping gear and other equipment from the university. It also offers rock climbing, paddleboarding and snow-kiting programs; beginners are welcome for all activities.

    reviewed

  14. F

    Lake Shore Park

    If you find yourself getting distracted by the great city and park views, you can regain focus on the free cinder oval track at Lake Shore Park, at the intersection of Chicago Ave and Lake Shore Dr.

    reviewed

  15. Lake Michigan Sightseeing Cruise

    Lake Michigan Sightseeing Cruise

    30 minutes (Departs Chicago, Illinois)

    by Viator

    Admire all of Chicago's fabulous lakefront sights and attractions on this 30-minute Lake Michigan boat tour. Cruise along Lake Michigan and take in amazing…

    Not LP reviewed

    from USD$17.00
  16. G

    West Loop Athletic Club

    Part of a local chain, this outlet has a five-lane lap pool, a basketball court, a slew of cardio and strengthening machines, a long list of group classes and a steam room with a whirlpool. A day pass costs $25.

    reviewed

  17. H

    Sledding Hill

    The Park District operates a free, 33ft sledding hill by Soldier Field in winter; bring your own gear. They fire up a snow-making machine for the times when the weather doesn’t cooperate.

    reviewed

  18. Chicago Lakefront Neighborhoods Bicycle Tour

    Chicago Lakefront Neighborhoods Bicycle Tour

    3 hours (Departs Chicago, Illinois)

    by Viator

    Accept no imitations! This tour taking you off the tourist beat and onto the quiet neighborhood streets, city parks, and packed beaches of the North Side of…

    Not LP reviewed

    from USD$41.97
  19. Itasca State Park

    Northwest of Walker, Itasca State Park is an area highlight. You can walk across the tiny headwaters of the mighty Mississippi River, rent canoes or bikes, hike the trails and camp.

    reviewed

  20. I

    Diversey Driving Range

    If you just want to knock a bucket of balls around, this driving range in Lincoln Park will let you whack away to your heart’s content. Rental clubs are available, and a bucket of 50 balls costs $9.

    reviewed

  21. Bluffdale Vacation Farm

    Guests at Bluffdale Vacation Farm help with chores like grooming horses, collecting eggs and feeding ducks. It's a kid-friendly family favorite located in Eldred, north of Grafton.

    reviewed

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  23. J

    Kayak Chicago

    This group is best known for its lakefront paddles. Take a four-hour beginner’s lesson ($85) or a two-hour tour ($50). They teach paddleboarding here too. Located in the beach’s southeast corner.

    reviewed

  24. Chicago River Canoe & Kayak

    The launch point is about 2 miles north of downtown, so it’s better for beginners (ie away from traffic). Guided trips, like the Skyscraper Canyon tour ($50) on Sunday evenings, head downtown.

    reviewed

  25. K

    Bikram Yoga

    For a great yoga-only experience, try this place in Wicker Park, where classes run daily and cost $15 per 90-minute session. This is ‘hot’ yoga, in a heated room, so arrive hydrated.

    reviewed

  26. North House Folk School

    Do-it-yourself enthusiasts can learn to build boats, tie flies or brew beer at the North House Folk School. Classes start at $35, and the course list is phenomenal

    reviewed

  27. L

    Harmony Mind Body Fitness

    A staff of fully certified Pilates purists offers classes in Pilates, Gyrotonic and other core-strengthening techniques. Group classes cost $20; private sessions run up to $80.

    reviewed