Northerly Island
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Northerly Island is a unique place located on the coast of Lake Michigan in the city of Chicago, Illinois.
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Summary
This man-made peninsula was originally built for the purpose of an airport but was later transformed into a public park and nature reserve in 2005.
There are many good reasons to visit Northerly Island, including the stunning views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan, as well as the diverse range of flora and fauna that can be found in the nature reserve. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the walking paths, rent bicycles or kayaks, attend concerts or events at the Huntington Bank Pavilion, or even go fishing at the fishing wall.
One of the main points of interest at Northerly Island is the Northerly Island Habitat Project, which aims to restore and enhance the natural habitats of the area. This includes the creation of wetlands, prairies, and woodlands, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to observe and learn about different ecosystems. Other notable attractions include the Adler Planetarium, Soldier Field, and the Museum Campus.
Interesting facts about Northerly Island include its history as the site of the 1933 World's Fair and the fact that it was once home to a thriving Native American community. Additionally, the area is known for its migratory bird populations and is an important stopover for many species during their annual migrations.
The best time of year to visit Northerly Island is during the summer months when the weather is warm and the park is bustling with activity. However, visitors can also enjoy the beauty of the area during the fall when the leaves change color or in the winter when the park is transformed into a winter wonderland with ice skating and other seasonal activities.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
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