Northerly Island

Poised right on Lake Michigan—and with views overlooking the city’s iconic skyline—Northerly Island is where Midwest nature meets Chicago’s urban heights. Unveiled to the public in 1925, the man-made peninsula was the site of a World’s Fair in 1934 before being used as an airport. Today, in the midst of extensive rewilding efforts, the island now boasts miles of walking and bike trails, a lagoon, prairie ecosystems, and populations of migratory birds.

Its proximity to the Museum Campus makes it a popular destination for families (and the Adler Planetarium is technically located on Northerly Island), while the Huntington Bank Pavilion is one of Chicago’s major venues. Northerly Island also features hop-on hop-off bus tours and biking tours of Downtown Chicago.

• Because Northerly Island is home to a range of migratory and protected species, dogs are not permitted in the park.

• The park’s paved paths do not have artificial lighting; if visiting at dusk, be sure to bring a flashlight.

• Northerly Island is accessible for wheelchair users, and Huntington Bank Pavilion also has accessible seating.

Northerly Island is connected to Chicago’s Museum Campus via E Solidarity Drive (for those driving, there is paid parking available on the island). The closest L stop to Northerly Island is Roosevelt, which is served by the Red, Green, and Orange lines; buses also serve the area. On good-weather days, it’s best to explore the trails by bike or on foot.

Northerly Island is open daily to visitors, from early in the morning until late in the evening. The island’s Visitor Center is also open from morning to late afternoon on weekdays, while the Adler Planetarium is open daily, except Tuesdays and Thursdays. The island is most crowded when concerts and events are held at the Huntington Bank Pavilion, while Northerly Park offers its own range of family-oriented programming throughout the year.

Just next door to Northerly Island, Chicago’s Museum Campus is one of the most popular family-friendly, cultural destinations in the city. Featuring world-class institutions like the Field Museum of Natural History and the Shedd Aquarium, it is also home to Soldier Field (where the Chicago Bears play), as well as numerous walking trails and scenic spots.