Back to Our Original Recreations

-Part of OOFD's Wander Ride Series

Cemeteries have played a key role in Chicagoan's ability to recreate in pleasant native habitats. In fact, Lincoln Park was a cemetery at one point, and to this day, they are havens for wild life. And while some have closed due to the amount of folks strolling around, many are still open and worth a cruise. There is a suggested route per google maps though all y'all are coming from different spots, so take a bike lane or the side roads, and check these places out. Soaked in Chicago history. 

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Bohemian National Cemetery
Here's some interesting bits about just one of the 4 cemeteries that this route covers. Some reasons to love Bohemian National Cemetery even more when you get there. 

1. Built in 1877 by the Czech community from the township of Jefferson.
2. It is known for the gatehouse and bell tower, the original of which was built in 1878 though the one that stands now is a fair bit new, built in 1893. Will remind ya of the Water Tower downtown a bit. 
3. At one point, there was a saloon in the cemetery. Sounds perfect. 

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Ideas on How to Get There

Get there how you want. Just be safe and do your best to take less traveled routes. And its possible that some of these cemeteries will end up closing (or could even be closed by the time we post this). Either way, you'll be finding joy in the journey. Have fun out there Springtime Chi!

​OOFD's Wander Ride Series
We know with COVID 19 many folks are craving some outside time. Some of the go to trails are not open or crowded as heck, so not the best to ride in as you try to stay socially distant. Instead, use our city's incredible bike lanes to cruise a new neighborhood. By the way, out of the 77, how many have you been to? Get out there. Explore this city. Ride its streets to soak in its mourning and enclosure and distance.

Find that interesting neighborhood you've heard of. Seek out that place that carries weight of our history. Stroll that cemetery or park for the first time. Take the back streets to get there. Wiggle around the city on two wheels and keep exploring. Use The Reader's Mellow Map and Openland's Get Outside Map. And check out our Bike Camping hopes and dreams. We'll do our best to keep you inspired enough to wanna immerse and educate yourself in the beauty that is our home, Chicago.