Is Northerly Island public?
Tall prairie grass and rare birds thrive at its southern end, where the rising waters of Lake Michigan threaten to swallow the landmass completely. Walking the parkway, it feels almost inevitable that nature will reclaim the 91 acres of land. Welcome to Northerly Island, Chicago’s most cursed public park.
Can you walk around Northerly Island?
The majority of the space is dedicated to nature, featuring a concrete trail for walking and bicycle riding, a 5-acre lagoon, casual play areas, landscaped wildlife habitats and a spectacular view of the Chicago skyline.
Why is it called Northerly Island?
The land in question, some 40 acres, comprises the southern part of a 91-acre peninsula that is, confusingly, called Northerly Island. The name derives from the stretch of islands off Chicago’s shoreline that Burnham proposed in his great 1909 Plan of Chicago.
Can you bring a blanket to Northerly Island?
Soft coolers, sealed water bottles and blankets are allowed and encouraged.
Does Northerly Island have food?
Yes, food is available before and during concerts. Be warned that because of Northerly Island’s location, you’ll have to travel a bit to find food options outside of the venue’s offerings, so plan accordingly.
What time do gates open at Northerly Island?
Hours
| Day | Time slot |
|---|---|
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 10:00 am-4:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 10:00 am-4:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 10:00 am-4:00 pm |
Is there food on Northerly Island?
You won’t go hungry on Northerly Island. There are plenty of food and drink vendors once you enter the theater. Grab one of Questlove’s Cheesesteak™, named for the GRAMMY Award-winning drummer’s innovative spin on the Philly classic made with Impossible™ plant-based meat.
What is Northerly Island?
The site of the Century of Progress World Fair in 1933, Northerly Island has since been transformed into an urban nature sanctuary, making it the ideal location to investigate the intersection of Chicago’s natural and built environments.
What happened to Northerly Island?
In 1938, the Chicago Park District removed the bridge leading to Northerly Island and built a causeway connecting the island to Burnham Park. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Northerly Island featured paths and walkways, scattered trees and grass, a parking lot and the 12th Street Beach.
When is northerly island nature center open?
Northerly Island’s Nature Center is open weekdays from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Chicago’s famous architect and planner Daniel H. Burnham imagined Northerly Island as one of the northernmost points in a series of manmade islands stretching between Grant and Jackson Parks.