Visiting Chicago's Millennium Park, a 24.5-acre downtown park that opened on July 16, is particularly easy for bicyclists. Thanks to the city's Department of Transportation, bike commuters and recreational bicyclists can park their two-wheelers for free at the 16,448-square-foot heated Bike Station located on the northeast corner of the park. The facility, housed on two levels of a parking garage, includes free indoor parking for 300 bicycles, showers and lockers, bicycle rental and repair, an Internet station and a snack bar. During special events, the facility will offer free valet bicycle parking, and bicycle tours of the city will leave from the facility twice daily in the summer.

The $3.1 million station was designed to serve bike commuters, recreational bicyclists, runners and inline skaters who visit the park and use a nearby multi-modal transit center. Its construction was funded by a federal grant program designated for projects designed to ease traffic congestion and improve air quality. For more information, visit www.chicagobikestation.com.