Northerly Island Park
4.7(2.1K)google
3.5(96)yelp
LakeFamilyOutdoor
Overview
Northerly Island Park is a beautiful 91-acre man-made peninsula located along Chicago's beautiful Museum Campus lakefront. Formerly the site of the historic Meigs Field airport, this vast urban nature park has been beautifully re-engineered to feature winding multi-use paved trails, a massive central lagoon, and beautiful restored native Illinois prairie habitats. It is a fantastic peaceful sanctuary for urban bird-watching, casual cycling, and fishing, all while enjoying spectacular, unobstructed views of the soaring downtown skyscrapers across the harbor.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 1.5-2.5 hours
Best TimeSunny days in summer and autumn are best. This man-made peninsula, converted from an old airfield, features restored prairies and urban wildlife wetlands. Walking the southern loop trail offers a grand, off-angle vista of the entire Chicago skyline from deep within the lake, free from tourist swarms.
Getting ThereLocated at the southern tip of the Museum Campus, just south of the Adler Planetarium. Take city bus No. 146 to its Adler Planetarium terminal, then enjoy a scenic 10-15 minute walk south along the lakefront trail into the island's nature area.
Travel Tips
- This park is a narrow peninsula extending into Lake Michigan with a rugged ecosystem. There are virtually no shade trees, pavilions, or vending machines. Expect severe sun exposure in summer and brutal winds in winter; bring your own water and gear accordingly.
- The northern part of the island houses the Huntington Bank Pavilion. During major summer concerts, Museum Campus traffic completely gridlocks and parking rates spike to $50+. Always check the venue schedule beforehand and avoid driving on event nights.
Photo Tips
Photo Spots
- Walk along the Southern Nature Trail toward the middle section of the island and look back north. This angle allows you to frame the Adler Planetarium and the entire city skyline together perfectly without tourist interference. It is a premium spot for landscape shooters.
Reviews
Positive
- Looking back at the full Chicago skyscraper panorama from this long peninsula, its lakeside visual impact is completely spectacular and real.
- The southern half features a massive prairie restoration zone with a clear lagoon, preserving rare raw peace downtown with great bird-watching.
- Entry is entirely free, and high-quality asphalt multi-use accessible paths run throughout; you can bike straight along the Lakefront Trail.
- It features descriptive ecological guide plaques and ample trash cans, serving as the best outdoor treasure to escape Millennium Park crowds.
Heads up
- Due to its strict natural restoration design, the deep paths feature zero public restrooms, shelters, or commercial food vendors.
- Jutting into Lake Michigan with zero tall trees or windbreaks, it suffers from bone-chilling winter winds and extreme summer sun exposure.
- The northern part houses a massive outdoor pavilion; during summer concert nights, crowd density explodes, bringing immense noise and gridlock.
- Without a car, transit requires a grueling, unshaded walk across the outer Museum Campus, making direct public transit access fairly tough.