Northerly Island | Chicago

Northerly Island is a remarkable 119-acre man-made peninsula located along Chicago’s Lake Michigan shoreline, just south of downtown. It’s part of Chicago’s Museum Campus and stands as a unique urban park blending natural restoration, recreation, culture, and spectacular city and lake views.

History and Background

Originally created in the 1920s as part of Daniel Burnham’s visionary Plan of Chicago (1909), Northerly Island was intended as a natural “lungs” area amid the city’s urban landscape.

It hosted the Century of Progress International Exposition in 1933–34.

From 1948 until 2003, it was home to Meigs Field, a small single-runway airport serving private and business aviation.

After the controversial and abrupt closure of Meigs Field in 2003, the island underwent a major transformation into a public park focused on ecology, public access, and recreation.

Natural Environment and Trails

Northerly Island is designed as a natural area with native prairie, savanna, and wetland habitats restored to encourage biodiversity.

A six-acre pond connects to Lake Michigan, serving as a habitat for fish, migratory birds, and other wildlife, making it a prime spot for birdwatching.

Visitors can explore the park through a multi-use paved trail that loops around the island, approximately 1.3 miles long. It’s popular for walking, jogging, biking, and nature observation.

Several overlooks and scenic points provide stunning views of Lake Michigan, the Chicago skyline, and the nearby Museum Campus.

Visitor Center

The former Meigs Field terminal building was repurposed into the Northerly Island Visitor Center, located at 1521 S. Linn White Drive.

The Visitor Center underwent an 18-month restoration after a fire in late 2023 and reopened in April 2025.

It now offers amenities like public restrooms, shelter, educational displays, and nature programming.

The Visitor Center serves as an information hub for visitors to learn about the island’s history, ecology, and ongoing conservation efforts.

Huntington Bank Pavilion

On the northern tip of Northerly Island sits the Huntington Bank Pavilion, an open-air amphitheater that hosts concerts and live events primarily during the summer.

The pavilion has a capacity of about 30,000 people, making it one of Chicago’s largest outdoor music venues.

It offers fantastic views of both the city skyline and Lake Michigan, enhancing the concert experience.

Additional Amenities and Attractions

12th Street Beach at the southern tip of the island provides a relaxing lakeside beach area popular in warm months for swimming, sunbathing, and picnics.

Nearby is the Adler Planetarium, located just off the island’s northeastern tip, America’s first planetarium and a major cultural institution featuring astronomy exhibits and shows.

The island offers seating areas, picnic spots, and plenty of open space for visitors to enjoy.

Access and Visitor Information

The park is open daily from dawn to dusk, offering a peaceful retreat close to the city center.

The Visitor Center is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed on weekends.

Northerly Island is accessible by foot, bike, and car, with parking nearby and easy transit connections.

The island provides a rare opportunity for urban dwellers and tourists alike to experience nature, recreation, and culture all in one scenic lakeside location.

Summary

Northerly Island stands out as an urban ecological gem that honors Chicago’s history while promoting sustainability and outdoor enjoyment. Its restored natural habitats, accessible trails, cultural venues, and stunning views make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers, families, concert-goers, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape on the Chicago lakefront.