Northerly Island Park

Nature's Urban Escape

Right next to Lake Michigan's shoreline, Northerly Island Park is a refreshing 119-acre breath of fresh air in Chicago's concrete jungle. This man-made peninsula connected to the city by Solidarity Drive sits just east of Soldier Field and forms part of the Museum Campus - yet offers a distinct contrast to the surrounding urban environment.

If you're a history buff, you might appreciate knowing this spot was actually part of Daniel H. Burnham's ambitious 1909 Chicago Plan, which envisioned several lakefront islands. Northerly ended up being the only one that materialized, first hosting the 1933 Century of Progress World's Fair and later representing Meigs Field airport. The fair brought an unexpected piece of aviation history with it: a formation of 24 Italian Savoia-Marchetti S55X flying boats, commanded by General Italo Balbo, touched down here after completing the first transatlantic formation flight from Italy to Chicago - the island was chosen precisely because Chicago had no suitable airport at the time. Today, it functions as a natural sanctuary where ecological restoration meets city views, providing a peaceful retreat in the heart of Chicago.

Wildflowers and native grasses flourish in the park's natural areas

Photo: David Wilson (CC BY 2.0)

Wild Chicago

Wander into the southern section and you'll discover a 40-acre nature preserve that feels almost surreal against the backdrop of skyscrapers. Prairie grasses sway in the lake breeze, savanna landscapes stretch before you, and a serene 5-acre lagoon reflects the sky. The walking and biking paths here wind through landscapes intentionally left a bit wild - they've even kept the paths unlit to preserve the natural setting, so it's worth bringing a flashlight if you're planning an evening walk.

The preserve was planted with more than 11,000 shrubs and 400 trees to help establish habitat for wildlife, and it shows: migratory birds use it as a stopover, herons stalk the shallows, and monarch butterflies flutter by in season. You might even spot deer or coyotes if you're lucky - yes, right here in Chicago. Dogs are not permitted inside the preserve, a rule meant to protect the animals that have taken up residence there.

For photographers, the contrasts make for compelling shots - natural prairie grasses framing the dramatic Chicago skyline, especially during golden hour as the sun rises or sets.

Blue waters of Lake Michigan at Burnham Harbor

Photo: Warren LeMay (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Play, Relax, Repeat

Beyond its natural charm, Northerly Island offers plenty of ways to spend a day. Music lovers flock to the Huntington Bank Pavilion, a seasonal outdoor concert venue that can host up to 30,000 people. There's something uniquely Chicago about enjoying a concert with Lake Michigan on one side and that iconic skyline as your backdrop.

Need to cool off? The adjacent 12th Street Beach provides a more laid-back alternative to Chicago's busier shores. This small, less crowded beach is great for wading in the water, collecting interesting stones, or simply sprawling out on a towel with a good book. You'll find restrooms and food options at the beach house when hunger strikes.

Families with kids should check out the Northerly Island Nature Play Space, where little ones can engage in imaginative play surrounded by natural elements rather than plastic playground equipment. Fishing enthusiasts can cast lines from several shoreline spots, while the concrete paths winding across the park attract cyclists and walkers seeking exercise with a view.

Canada goose pauses on the grass near the harbor

Photo: bradhoc (CC BY 2.0)

Beyond the Basics

The park's visitor center acts as a launching point for year-round programs that help you connect more deeply with this unique space. Guided nature tours reveal details you might otherwise miss, while camping programs offer the rare opportunity to sleep under the stars with the city skyline as your nightlight. During winter, the popular Polar Adventure Days transform the island into a family-friendly festival: the Chicago Park District provides free snowshoe rentals whenever snow accumulation reaches at least three inches, along with cross-country skiing on the island's grounds. Indoor programming is also available inside the visitor center for those who prefer to warm up between outdoor activities.

Art and history add another dimension to your visit through installations like the Adler Planetarium Sculptural Relief Panels and the solemn Chicago Police Memorial. The approach to the island along Solidarity Drive is also worth a closer look - three large Neoclassical sculptures line the causeway, depicting Tadeusz Kościuszko (the Polish general and hero of the American Revolutionary War), Karel Havlíček Borovský (a Czech journalist and political activist), and the astronomer Copernicus. They make for a striking, if sometimes overlooked, introduction to the park. Practical amenities include portable restrooms across the park, with upgraded trailer bathrooms featuring running water during concerts and events.