Big Marsh Bike Park – Free Pump Tracks and Jump Lines in Chicago, Illinois
Free pump tracks, jump lines and singletrack on Chicago's South Side
About
Big Marsh Bike Park sits inside Big Marsh Park on the far South Side of Chicago, run by the Chicago Park District. Big Marsh Bike Park is the city’s go-to spot for dirt riding, with trails and features for BMX, mountain bike and cyclocross riders of all ages and skill levels.
What you can ride
The park has two asphalt pump tracks built by Velosolutions. Together they cover about 33,000 square feet, and the Park District calls them the largest asphalt pump tracks in Illinois. Around them you will find singletrack with technical and wooden features, multi-lane jump lines and a cyclocross area. It is a good place to work on pumping, jumping and cornering close to the city.
Rentals and support
Dirt jumper bikes can be rented by the hour at the park, with blocks of one, two, four or eight hours booked online. Friends of Big Marsh, a local nonprofit, donated the pump tracks. The nearby Ford Calumet Environmental Center supports the bike park with classroom space.
Good to know
Riding is free. The pump tracks follow Big Marsh Park hours, which run from dawn to dusk. Use the southern park entrance off Stony Island Avenue. Bring your own helmet, or check with the rental desk before you go. Check the Chicago Park District website for alerts and closures before you visit.