Things To Do In Lakeview Chicago

Lakeview is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Chicago. The neighborhood includes two areas that locals call "Wrigleyville" and "Boystown," but Lakeview is much bigger than these two clusters. "Wrigleyville" refers to the area closest to Wrigley Field where the Chciago Cubs play at the intersection of Clark and Addison Streets. "Boystown" runs along North Halsted and is the local name for Chicago's gay village, the first such designation made in the United States. Beyond these two hubs, Lakeview stretches from Diversey Parkway on the south to Irving Park Road on the north and from Ravenswood Avenue on the west to Lake Michigan. In these boundaries, you can find plenty to do to stay active.

Join a Gym

If you want to workout close to home in Lakeview, you have several choices. In the boundaries of the Lakeview neighborhood you will find a Bally's franchise in the Century City Mall near Diversey, the Halsted Street Gym and Quads on Broadway in the North Halsted area. Lakeview is also home to a YMCA on the western edge of the neighborhood.

Dance at Smart Bar

One of the most popular dance clubs in the city is in Lakeview. Located on North Clark Street just a couple of blocks from Wrigley Field you will find the Metro and Smart Bar. Metro is a live venue and Smart Bar is the dance club on the lower level of the old theater building that houses them both. The dance floor is open late on weekends.

Take Advantage of the Lakefront

It's not called Lakeview for nothing. It takes only a few minutes to walk to Lake Michigan from Lakeview, and even shorter to run, cycle or skate to the 20-mile Chicago Park District Lakefront path. Belmont Harbor stretches across the majority of the lakefront in Lakeview, but the lakefront park and path lead you to the beaches to the north and the south. The lakefront path is also a great place to take a walk with a friend or a date.

Watch a Game or Hit the Batting Cage

One of the most obvious activities in the Lakeview neighborhood is to see a Cubs game. Cubs fans are some of the most fiercely dedicated fans in the country and games frequently sell out, so book your tickets ahead of time. Cubs games in the summer draw people from all over the country. If watching the game is not for you, check out the batting cages at Sluggers, the popular bar across the street from the park.

The Chicago Marathon

Each fall the Chicago Marathon starts in Lakeview. If you aren't a marathon runner, head down to the starting place for the race anyway to cheer on the competitors as they embark on their run. The race begins at the northern end of Lakeview.

Street Fairs

Two major street fairs take place each summer in Lakeview. In August, Lakeview welcomes both Market Days and the Music Fest. Market Day takes over the North Halsted area for two days of music, food and fun in the gay village. The Lakeview Music fest goes on each year near Wrigley field with vendors, bands and food from neighborhood restaurants. In addition, each June the Gay Pride Parade takes place in Lakeview.

The Driving Range

If you are a golfer, the Chicago Park District's driving range is just north of Diversey Parkway on the northern tip of Lincoln Park. The range is situated so you have both green and urban views while you play.