Sophie from Chicago

About me A proud Chicago native and past Fulbright scholar, I hold a BA in English and Spanish from the University of Iowa and an MFA in Creative Nonfiction Writing from Columbia College Chicago. It was during graduate school I really started exploring many of Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. I occasionally teach English classes but am primarily a copywriter. I also host an open-mic...

Sep 17, 2025

The 606 Chicago

Quiet nature path

"The 606 (aka the Bloomingdale Trail) in Chicago is a repurposed walking trail on a disused piece of L train track. In my opinion, it's a piece of art."

The 606 (aka the Bloomingdale Trail) in Chicago is a repurposed walking trail and, in my opinion, a piece of art. What used to be an old "L" train track is now an elevated walkway stretching 2.7 miles long west of the Loop. There are plenty of access points and, if you have the time, I'd recommend walking the entire pathway, from west to east.

While walking along the 606, you may see trees and flowers planted on the path, sculptures, and pass by joggers and friends taking a stroll together. If you get fatigued, there are plenty of coffee shops and bars alongside the trail. It's Chicago's version of the NYC High Line, but less crowded or even well-known. I'd recommend walking the trail at dusk for sunset views or early in the morning during the summer since the trail has little shade.

It's a walkway with plenty of city views nestled within the Humboldt Park and Wicker Park neighborhoods and a personal favorite spot along which to saunter.

Relaxing

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About this spot

1600-3700 W Bloomingdale

USD

free

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