Our Stay in Edgewater, Chicago, IL

Illinois

March - April 2026

Four Weeks Near The Lake

After returning from the Netherlands, we first settled in Naperville and pet-sat while the young family was on spring break. We then drove to our Airbnb in Edgewater, a Chicago neighborhood just half a mile from the lakefront.

My Miles on the Chicago Lakefront Trail

Watching the Chicago Lakefront Trail transform over the last four weeks has been mesmerizing. When we first arrived at the end of March, the trail was colored by a wintry landscape of bare branches, dark skies, and an unfriendly-looking Lake Michigan. By our last day, the white blossoms were finally popping against that deep Chicago blue sky, the teal-colored lake looked friendly, the waving grass was turning a vibrant green, and the skeletal trees of winter were covered in spring colors. It was the ultimate motivation to keep coming back for our walks and runs.

The Lakefront Trail isn’t just scenic it is an 18.5-mile trail that honors Chicago’s 1837 motto, Urbs in Horto, or City in a Garden. Much of this lakefront land was created through massive landfill projects in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Daniel Burnham’s visionary 1909 Plan of Chicago inspired the idea that the lakefront remained accessible to all Chicagoans. Today, the area is well-used with the trails filled with active walkers, runners, cyclists, and soccer players on the adjacent soccer fields. Or people just relaxing on the benches and sandy beaches along the water.

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Several local landmarks along the trail stood out out. The iconic lighthouse was one of them. It now displays LGBTQ+ pride colors to honor the inclusive spirit of Edgewater. This welcoming vibe is also shown in the “Welcome to Edgewater” bricolage mural and the colorful mosaic detail of the Thunderbird.

Becoming A Member of The ChiRunners

I often started at the northern trailhead, right at the 0.0 mile marker near Edgewater and Hollywood Beach. By running this trail four times, I officially became part of the honorable ChiRunners club. Because of the dynamic vibe of the city, I certainly became a Chicago runner in heart and practice.

Living in Edgewater with the Urban Rhythm

During these four weeks, we also learned about Edgewater on Chicago’s North Side, a vibrant area with historic architecture and an inclusive, friendly urban atmosphere. Our street, North Ridge Avenue, came with an unmistakable Chicago soundtrack. Throughout the day, the sound of sirens from police cars and fire trucks signaled another hurry to the next emergency. That energy, in fact, was what I loved about the Windy City.

Even in the heart of the city, Lake Michigan’s calmness was a short walk away, like two worlds within a mile. Maybe three, since Andersonville’s Clark Street, with its small-town feel and independent shops, was just as close. With everything nearby, we almost never drove, except to visit family and friends in Naperville.

And just as we began to feel like locals, it was time to pack up again. Despite having to leave, we had a marvelous time here, with that intended mix of being active and just taking it easy. It was absolutely a month well spent.