Northerly Island Natural Area

Bird life, paved paths and a built-in music venue give one of Chicago’s newest green spaces much to offer to nature lovers, exercisers and music fans.

Though entirely man-made and built on an artificial island on the land of a small now-closed airport, Northerly Island Park abounds with nature and beauty. From the native grasses that have reclaimed the land to the numerous bird species that come off Lake Michigan to roost, this park is a haven in the midst of Chicago’s most frequented areas. Spend a leisurely day exploring the area, or see a concert or show at the Huntington Bank Pavilion.

Walk to the park through the beautiful and historic Museum Campus, a complex of buildings that includes the Field Museum of Natural History and Adler Planetarium. Stop at the fieldhouse before entering the park to chat with the friendly staff or sign up for a discovery tour with volunteers providing information on the area’s plants and animals.

Continue on to the park, which is covered with native prairie grasses. Bring your binoculars to spot local great blue herons and your camera to capture the sight of the Chicago skyline silhouetted against a Midwestern sky.

Walk or bike along the paved trails, enjoying the cool breezes that flow off Lake Michigan even on the hottest days. Linger on the shores of the lagoon to look for fish and amphibian species or sit atop one of the hills and look back at the city.

Stroll to the Huntington Bank Pavilion, a theater that’s a fascinating site even when a show is not on. Bring picnic supplies and a blanket to sit and appreciate the fresh air and serenity, which make Chicago’s concrete jungle feel far away.

Find Northerly Island Park at the southern end of Northerly Island southeast of Chicago’s downtown. Drive from the park in 10 minutes from downtown or ride public transportation for 30 minutes. Northerly Island Park is a half hour drive from Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Metered parking is available in lots and on the street throughout Museum Campus, a 10-minute walk from the park’s entrance. The park itself is open all day every day. The fieldhouse is open daily during business hours in summer and on Saturdays and Sundays in winter.