Northerly Island Park

Northerly Island Park is a lakefront nature area south of Chicago’s Museum Campus, at 1521 S Linn White Dr. The peninsula was once home to Meigs Field Airport; traces of the airport, including its terminal and control tower, remain. Walk its trails past ponds, wildflowers and bird habitat, with views across Lake Michigan toward the downtown skyline. The park also hosts outdoor concerts and special events. It’s a quieter place to explore the lakefront, though event traffic and parking can make arrival slower.

From airport to nature area

Northerly Island was once the site of Meigs Field Airport. The former terminal and control tower are still on the peninsula, offering a reminder of its aviation past. The airport site has since become a nature area with ponds, walking paths and plantings that provide habitat for wildlife.

The park sits on Lake Michigan south of Adler Planetarium and beyond the Field Museum. Its position on the water gives walkers views toward downtown Chicago, while its paths lead away from the busier parts of Museum Campus.

Trails, wildlife and lake views

Explore on foot or by bike using the Northerly Island Trail and the Lakefront Trail. Along the way, look for birds around the ponds and through the park’s planted areas. Wildflowers bloom in season, and the open lakefront brings a breeze that can make evenings feel cool.

The peninsula is also used for outdoor concerts and special events. Concert nights bring a different kind of visit, with performances set against the lake. Arriving and leaving can take longer when traffic builds around Museum Campus, so plan your route before an event and consider public transportation.