From Rail to Trail: The Chicago 606

Brief History

The 606 originally began as the Bloomingdale rail line that ran through the Northwest part of Chicago, built after the Great Chicago Fire. The rail line helped to increase the city's industrial growth by bringing goods in to the Chicago River. Over time, the rail line was elevated due to the high number of deaths occurring each year when people would try to cross the tracks. By 1913, the rail line had been elevated with the concrete foundation seen today. It still was used for the manufacturing business in the Northwest part of the city, but eventually was completely abandoned by the mid-1990s. At this time the city began plans to make it into a bike path – a plan that has finally been completed a decade later, to the delight of the residents in the Logan Square, Bucktown, Wicker Park and Humboldt Park.

Interested in learning more about the history of the 606? Click here to view the full history page on the website.

The 606

Having been converted from the Bloomingdale Rail Line, the 606 is now a working trail for the people of Chicago to enjoy. It runs 2.7 miles from Ashland (1600 W) to Ridgeway (3750 W). It is the perfect place for bikers, runners, skateboarders, roller skaters, dog walkers, and those who just want to stroll above the streets of Northwest Chicago. With 10-foot-wide paths and 2-foot-wide running track along either side, there is plenty of room for everyone, though the park asks that no motorized vehicles ride along the trail.

The trail includes picnic tables for those who want to dine, benches for those who need a break or want to sit and read a book. There are several access points along the trail approximately every quarter mile. As the newest Chicago park, the 606 has several art installations along its length. It also offers educational programming (check the website), an observatory where you can catch great sunset views of the city, and a wheel-friendly event plaza.

606 Map

Below you can find a map of the new trail with the access marked. As you can see, there are many places to get on and off the trail, making it extremely user friendly and convenient. I often will hop on with my bike and take the trail to the Wicker Park North Ave/Milwaukee/Damen intersection, grab a bite to eat, and bike back home! Perfection!