Free Essential Workers Bike Camping Trip with Out Our Front Door out of Chicago, IL

A 2-Day Bike Camping Adventure from Chicago to Camp Shabbona

This ride is to acknowledge Chicago’s Essential Workers.

The COVID-19 pandemic placed an unprecedented strain on folks across industries. Essential Workers have served as the backbone to Chicago’s operations prior to the 2020 shutdown, and Out Our Front Door recognize the innumerable additional challenges placed on workers since the start of the pandemic. Organizers see many of the incentives to remain employed in an essential industry are slowly expiring, and many accommodations that organizers hoped would be long term are no more.

This ride is offered as a way to say ‘thank you’ to Chicago’s Essential Workers community. Camping spots, navigation and cooking will be covered by OOFD. All you have to do is show up.

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Pace: Casual10-12 mph. Beginner level.

Trail/Route: Paved road with minimal gravel incorporated.

Lodging: Tent (camping gear not provided). We will stay at Camp Shabbona Woods (Cook County Forest Preserve) located 15810 S. Torrence Ave, South Holland, IL, 60473 (map)

Meals: Dinner Day 1 and Breakfast Day 2 included

Lunch stop on Day 1: Likely 18th Street Brewery in Hammond IN

Lunch stop on day 2: Likely Grindhouse Café in Whiting IN

Transportation: Our starting point will be accessible by Metra, CTA green line, and car. Street parking is available.

TRIP DESCRIPTION

Travel south over bridges, canals, and railroads to a hidden gem among the industrial past of Chicago: Camp Shabbona Woods. This is the closest Cook County camping site from Chicago and is an accessible low-stress ride, suitable for beginners and experienced riders. The route is almost entirely on bike paths and/or bike lanes that include the Lakefront Path, the new South Lake Shore Drive extension bike lanes, Calumet Park, Hammond, IN, and the Burnham Greenway.

The facilities at Shabbona Woods are excellent and amenities include the Sand Ridge Nature Center with animals, exhibits, and walking trails, as well as the Green Lake Aquatic Center across the street featuring a lazy river and a water slide.

Campsite features a fire pit, picnic tables, full-service bathrooms with showers, dining pavilions with electrical outlets for device charging, and camp store with concessions.

To learn more about the region the ride will be traveling through, check out the Wetlands Initiative page on the Calumet Region.

Transfers: There are limitations for ticket transfers, but organizers may accommodate in the event certain criteria are met. You may review this updated Transfer Policy flowsheet to determine what next steps you need to take.

MILEAGE

Day 1: 28 Miles | Day 2: 28 miles