Chicago has a bike path right on the edge of Lake Michigan. Runs about 18 miles. 36 round trip. No cars.

Back in the late 1800's the city turned the entire lakefront into a long park. The path is somewhat crowded on weekend mornings, after 8am, especially north of the river. It's just as pleasant south of the river. Bring a lock and your bathing suit. There are fine sand beaches along the route.

Art = Art Institute, Mexican Fine Arts Museum (a real gem), Museum of Contemporary art, Smart Museum on the U of Chicago Campus, Renassiance Society Art Gallery also on U of Chgo campus.

Museums: Museum of Science and Industry, which is right off the lake front path at 57th street. Oriental Institute on U of C Campus has a great collection from the middle east. Museum campus at 12th street = Field Museum of Nat History, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium.