Northerly Island Park

Nature's Urban Escape

Northerly Island Park has one of the more layered backstories of any park in Chicago. It was envisioned as part of Daniel H. Burnham's ambitious 1909 Chicago Plan, which called for several lakefront islands - but Northerly ended up being the only one that materialized. It went on to host the 1933 Century of Progress World's Fair and later served as Meigs Field airport. The fair even brought an unexpected piece of aviation history: 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.

This 119-acre man-made peninsula sits just east of Soldier Field, connected to the city by Solidarity Drive and forming part of the Museum Campus - yet it feels like a distinct contrast to everything around it. Today it functions as a natural sanctuary where ecological restoration meets city views, providing a peaceful retreat in the heart of Chicago.

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.

Flags fly in front of the Northerly Island Visitor Center

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.

The dome of Adler Planetarium sits at the island's northern tip

Photo: Kevin Stephenson (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.