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. Today, it functions as a natural sanctuary where ecological restoration meets city views, providing a peaceful retreat in the heart of Chicago.

Prairie grasses frame a distant view of the Chicago skyline

Photo: bradhoc (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.

The ecological transformation includes over 20,000 trees and shrubs that create habitats for various wildlife. 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!

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

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

Photo: David Wilson (CC BY 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.

Chicago appears behind the calm waters of Northerly Island

Photo: David Wilson (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 ground with activities that embrace rather than escape the Chicago winter.

Art and history add another dimension to your visit through installations like the Adler Planetarium Sculptural Relief Panels and the solemn Chicago Police Memorial. Practical amenities include portable restrooms across the park, with upgraded trailer bathrooms featuring running water during concerts and events.

What makes Northerly Island truly special is this perfect contradiction - it's both connected to and separate from the city, offering a natural retreat that doesn't require leaving Chicago. It's that rare place where urban energy and natural tranquility don't just coexist but actually enhance one another.