Chicago Half Marathon Parking 2026: Jackson Park Race Day Guide
Lake Shore Drive closes at 6 a.m. for the Life Time Chicago Half Marathon — here’s exactly how to get to Jackson Park without missing your start.
Chicago Half Marathon parking 2026 requires a plan — and if you wait until race morning to figure it out, you’re already behind. The Life Time Chicago Half Marathon & 5K takes place on September 27, 2026, starting and finishing in historic Jackson Park on Chicago’s South Side. Lake Shore Drive closes completely at 6:00 a.m., and the race organizers are clear: arrive early or risk missing your start.
Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
Start/Finish: Jackson Park, South Side — near the Museum of Science and Industry
Lake Shore Drive closes: 6:00 a.m. | Last shuttle arrival: 6:00 a.m.
If driving yourself: Arrive no later than 5:45 a.m.
Where the Half Marathon Starts and Ends
The Life Time Chicago Half Marathon starts and finishes in Jackson Park, just south of the Museum of Science and Industry. The course heads north along a closed DuSable Lake Shore Drive, giving runners views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline before looping back through Hyde Park and Kenwood to the finish.
Parking Near the Chicago Half Marathon
Do not follow Google Maps or Apple Maps if they route you via Lake Shore Drive — it will be closed by the time you arrive. The closest parking is at the Museum of Science and Industry lots on 57th Street, within easy walking distance of the Jackson Park start line. These fill up fast on race morning.
Reserve Half Marathon Parking on SpotHero
South Side parking near Jackson Park is limited compared to downtown Chicago. Spots book up in the weeks before the race — don’t leave it until the night before.
Reserve Half Marathon Parking on SpotHeroRoad Closures on Race Day
Lake Shore Drive closes completely between 31st and 67th Streets at 6:00 a.m. and remains closed until runners have cleared the course. This affects anyone trying to approach Jackson Park from the north or along the lakefront.
Your Route In
- Take I-90/94 (Dan Ryan) south and exit toward 57th Street
- Head east toward Jackson Park and the Museum of Science and Industry
- Avoid Lake Shore Drive entirely on race morning
- Allow at least 30 extra minutes for race day traffic
The Easiest Way to Get There: Shuttles and CTA
Official race shuttles are the lowest-stress option. Shuttles depart from Millennium Park (Corner of Randolph & Michigan Ave) and CTA Belmont L Station (950 West Belmont Ave). The last shuttle departs in time to arrive at Jackson Park by 6:00 a.m. You’ll need a digital pass sent to your email to board the return shuttle, which begins running at 9:45 a.m. The last return shuttle leaves at 12:00 p.m. sharp.
| Option | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Official shuttle — Millennium Park | Randolph & Michigan Ave | Easiest — no parking needed |
| Official shuttle — Belmont L Station | 950 W. Belmont Ave | Good for North Side runners |
| Metra Electric Line | 59th St / University of Chicago station | Short walk to Jackson Park — solid option from downtown |
| Drive yourself | I-90/94 to 57th St — arrive by 5:45 AM | Pre-book SpotHero near Jackson Park |
Spectator Guide: Where to Watch
Because the course runs along a closed Lake Shore Drive and through South Side neighborhoods, spectator access is more limited than a downtown race.
| Location | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Jackson Park start/finish area | Cheer at the beginning and be back for the finish |
| Hyde Park and Kenwood neighborhoods | Accessible by car or CTA along the return portion of the course |
| Museum of Science and Industry area | Good viewing near the finish |
Where to Stay for Race Weekend
Since the race starts on the South Side, staying near a Red Line or Metra Electric stop makes race morning significantly easier. The South Loop and Hyde Park both put you on a direct line to Jackson Park without needing to drive at all. Runners doing both the Half and the full Chicago Marathon (October 11) should book a hotel for the full week.
→ Find Chicago hotels on Hotels.com
→ Compare Chicago hotel deals on Expedia
→ Browse Chicago vacation rentals on VRBO
Quick Reference: Chicago Half Marathon 2026
| Situation | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Driving yourself | I-90/94 Dan Ryan to 57th St — arrive by 5:45 a.m. |
| Closest parking | Museum of Science and Industry lots — pre-book via SpotHero |
| Lowest stress option | Official shuttle from Millennium Park or Belmont L Station |
| From downtown via transit | Metra Electric Line to 59th St/University of Chicago |
| Spectating | Jackson Park, Hyde Park, or Kenwood along the course |
| Return shuttle window | 9:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. — last one sharp |
| Also running the full marathon? | See our Chicago Marathon parking guide |
| Where to stay | South Loop or Hyde Park — book via Hotels.com, Expedia, or VRBO |