Big Marsh is between the neighborhoods of South Deering, Jeffery Manor, Pullman, Riverdale, East Side, and Hegewisch. It is just 15 miles from the loop!
Visitors can get to the area by car, Metra, CTA, or bike. It isn’t too hard, but can be a little tricky the first time.
Please don’t bike down Stony from 95-103rd! It really isn’t very safe.
This is the most direct route from the Lake Front Path: the route takes Jeffery, through Van Vlissengen, and over the 103rd street bridge. (you can get on Jeffery at Marquette on the Lakefront Path) through Van Vlissingen. South on Crandon, West on 103rd to Doty. Be advised, 103rd street overpass is not for the faint of heart! It features fast moving truck traffic, and a very narrow sidewalk. Left at Doty, followed by immediate right at fork. Left at stop sign (Stony Island). 8.4 miles from 63rd street beach.
This is the scenic route with the least amount of time biking with car traffic: Burnham Greenway (trailhead is just outside Calumet Park at 100th and Indianapolis) to William Powers State Park. Get off greenway and find way to 126th street exit. Indian Creek sidepath is on south side of 126th and runs down Torrence and over bridge. Ride west down 122nd into Calumet Corridor and make a right on Stony. 14.9 miles from 63rd street beach.
Directions from Dan Ryan expressway southbound at 63rd.
Exit Bishop Ford Extension at 103rd/Stony Island and bear right. Right (south) at Doty Road. Follow Doty to the right, Left at the stop sign (Stony, but now a two lane road). Follow Stony 1.5 miles. Once you cross the train tracks, everything to your left is Big Marsh Park. Pass the first small parking lot (north end of park), Left into bike park parking lot.
The Jeffery Jump (J14) bus stops on Michigan Ave in downtown chicago. There is space for 2 bikes on front rack of bus. Last stop is at 103rd street bus station. From there, cross 103rd onto Doty, make a right at first stop sign and a left at second stop sign (Stony Island). Big Marsh will be on your left after the tracks.
