Chicago North Side Run to Montrose Harbor and an East Lakeview Day Pass
Updated October 2, 2026
For a quieter Chicago run, start at FFC East Lakeview, head north through Lincoln Park, return along the shore past Montrose Harbor, and rinse off at the club.
North Siders guard this stretch of shoreline as their own, and it feels calmer than the crowded paths near Navy Pier. The circuit begins and ends at a full-service club by Waveland Avenue, heads north under the trees of Lincoln Park beside the drive, and turns near the dog beach. Beyond the harbor sits Montrose Point, a former Cold War missile site turned fifteen-acre sanctuary where birders have logged over three hundred species, many drawn to a shrub thicket nicknamed the Magic Hedge. The return runs south by the water, past sailboat masts in Montrose Harbor and the golf course, before you jog home for steam, towels and a swim in the indoor pool.
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The run: Montrose Harbor and Lincoln Park circuit
Lake views, bobbing masts, a golf course by the beach and shady parkland add up to a quiet North Side outing, with far fewer crowds than the paths downtown.
- Distance
- 6.8 km (4.2 mi)
- Start
- FFC East Lakeview
Leave the club eastbound on Waveland Avenue, pass beneath the drive and take the inland park path north beside the drive to Lawrence Avenue near the dog beach. Turn there and come back south on the shoreline path, past Montrose Harbor and alongside Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course, then return to Waveland and the club. For a longer outing, detour east along the harbor road to the sanctuary on Montrose Point, slowing down near birders with binoculars.
Open the route mapBuy the pass online, then show photo ID and sign the waiver at the desk; the club has towel service, a steam room, a whirlpool and an indoor pool for recovery.
- Price
- As of October 2026, $50 single-club day pass, ages 18 and up
- Showers
- Yes
- Hours
- Mon to Thu 5 am to 11 pm, Fri 5 am to 9 pm, Sat and Sun 6 am to 8 pm
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