Northerly Island is a 91- acre peninsula that juts into Lake Michigan at the heart of the Museum Campus. It is located just south of the Adler Planetarium and east of Soldier Field. The majority of this space is dedicated to nature. The nature area at Northerly Island features beautiful strolling paths, casual play areas and a spectacular view of the Chicago skyline. It is also home to some of the best fishing in Chicago. Map. Pack a lunch, walk or grab a Divvy and explore the island.
Where: Northerly Island, 1521 S. Linn White Dr.
Activities are subject to change. Visit their Facebook page for ideas and things going on there or call (312) 745-2910. Admission: Free
During the winter and early spring (November – April), the Northerly Island field house is open on Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 am to 4 pm. The rest of the year, the field house is open daily, from 9am to 5pm. When the field house is open, staff is available to answer questions about the island and provide information on a discovery tour.
Free family fishing is offered periodically. Read more here.
The southern 40-acres of Northerly Island has opened. Improvements include more camping areas, expanded wetlands and additional trails and boardwalks. Per Blair Kamin, “The park’s cost was covered by $6.3 million in federal funds and $3.4 million from the Chicago Park District. The Park District’s share was paid for by revenue from a concert pavilion on the northern half of the island, officials said.”
12th Street Beach
12th Street Beach, 1200 S Linn White Dr, Solidarity Drive and Linn White Drive, (773) 742-5121. This beach is nestled on the northern end of Northerly Island Park just south of Adler Planetarium on Chicago’s Museum Campus. It has a beach house, restrooms, and a concession Del Campo Tacos that serves delicious tacos for $3 each.
You can catch the Shoreline Water taxi at the northwest of the Shedd Aquarium to Navy Pier or catch the 146 bus on Solidarity Drive which runs east-west toward the Adler Planetarium. This bus heads back into the Loop. While you’re on Solidarity Drive walk to the north side and check out the spectacular view of the city.
View from Solidarity Drive just west of the Adler Planetarium
Exploring Chicago’s Lakefront Trail South
Divvy Bikes: transportation on the cheap
South Loop Stations:
- Wabash & 8th Street
- Federal & Polk Street
- Michigan Avenue & Congress Parkway
In Grant Park:
- North West corner of Buckingham Fountain
- Indiana & Roosevelt
- Shedd Aquarium
- South west corner of Field Museum
- Adler Planetarium
