Honestly, in my opinion one of the BEST views of the Skyline and the Navy Pier fireworks! The main park is a live concert venue in the summer, however the lake front paths right outside of the Planetarium are open to the public. Parking is very limited along the street here, especially in the summer on Wednesday and Saturday evenings for the fireworks. If you want to be able to park here and enjoy this SPECTACULAR view of our beautiful city then early arrival is strongly suggested. The fireworks start after 9pm, and I will arrive to this spot around 7pm to ensure a parking spot. It gets crowded quickly, but do not get discouraged; just keep driving around and keep your eyes peeled. Not everyone stays for the fireworks, so a watchful eye will easily spot vehicles leaving and can snatch up the parking spot. Parking is free but be extremely mindful of no parking, emergency lanes, and fire hydrants. Basically if it’s after 8pm, almost any visibly open spots will be fire hydrants and no parking. CPD actively patrols the area, especially before,during and after the fireworks. They generally do not disturb anyone looking to get a glimpse of the fireworks, but after as it gets closer to the 11pm closing time they will start pushing people towards the exit. If you’re looking for a fantastic view of the Navy Pier fireworks, as well as a spectacular view of the Chicago Skyline, this is a MUST visit!

Northerly Island Park is a truly wonderful and captivating destination, offering a delightful escape close to Lake Michigan. The park provides a refreshing contrast to the bustling city, creating an uplifting atmosphere that makes it an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts. The proximity to Lake Michigan enhances the overall experience, providing a serene backdrop for visitors to enjoy. One of the standout features of Northerly Island Park is its commitment to community engagement, with a multitude of upcoming family and community events. I highly recommend checking their schedule and participating in these events for an even more enriching experience. The staff at Northerly Island Park contributes to the positive atmosphere, being consistently nice and pleasant to all visitors. Their welcoming demeanor adds to the overall appeal of the park, making it a destination that not only offers natural beauty but also a warm and friendly environment. In conclusion, Northerly Island Park is a gem for those seeking a peaceful retreat near Lake Michigan. Whether you're a photography enthusiast or simply looking for a serene escape from the city, this park, with its welcoming staff and diverse events, is definitely worth exploring.

Went here for a quick Sunday evening stroll. It takes about an hour to walk the loop at a leisurely pace. Parking is weird, it's $2.50 for one hour but then like $30 for anything greater than an hour... The island itself is quite scenic for the skyline views but the path needs some work. The path that follows the shoreline (east side) is non-existent and consists of mainly large rock barriers. Easy enough to navigate with good shoes but kids and dogs might have a hard time. Definitely no strollers or bikes on that side. The path that's on the other side (west side) is paved and in much better condition. There are also weird run down construction sites for large gatherings (tents or stages?) that destroys the natural beauty of the island. Overall, not too bad but not necessarily a place to re-visit due to the path and abandoned construction sites. The area by the museums/planetarium is much better.

Amazing park for being next to the museum park. Locals and visitors please respect the rules and do not bring your dogs. There is a sign at the parking lot. There is restoration work being conducted and dogs destroy that effort and wildlife. Lastly, to the 4 people on dirt bikes, with the little green space in the city. It is best not to destroy what little prairie is left in the entire state. The air pollution and noise ruins being in a green space.

This place is really cool. It’s beautiful and there aren’t a lot of people around so you can hog all that beauty for yourself. I don’t know what it is about the grassy hills but they just satisfy me on a soul deep level. Plus you can see the city from afar. I’m talking prime skyline. I hesitate to rate it so highly cause I don’t want it to start getting crowded but people looking for a beautiful park should check it out cause it’s too good to miss.

We haven't gone there for a while, but I remember the winter festival was fantastic, my daughter had her birthday party there. There's also a nice picnic area and some cool sculptures, great place to catch up with friends!
Restrooms
Pretty accessible but mainly during the day not early or late, otherwise you can use porta potties.
Picnic area
Nice shady tree if you don't mind not having a table, but there's also tables if you need it.

I’ve been here a couple times but I was never in awe as I was last night when I visited here. I got such a feeling of peace and beauty. You have the beach, music venue, plenty of space to park and walk with your significant other. I saw others enjoying the view like I was and it just hit me different. I recommend going here alone with someone just wait till night time because the way the skyline hits in the dark words can’t describe!

Overall I think it’s a great park. I loved the natural habitat which has been created for the plants & birds native to Illinois. However it’s out of the way to visit even if you live in the neighborhood (South loop). It’s mostly accessible to the boat owners who are docked in the harbor. I think have the bike path connect to it would be great, give more people the opportunity to see it more often.

Close to some of the most popular tourist sites in the city, this park is still somehow overlooked by many. Probably it's because it's not very easy to get to, being behind a concert venue. This is an oasis in the city. I recommend everyone go here at least once in every season. I've been all over the city, and this place is still one of my favorite places in Chicago.

A quiet place, save for the hum and buzz of the local wildlife, and even with the engine noises of boats or helicopters...it's still possible to hear your own heart beat. A walkthrough can be done with a little bit of effort, and the views looking out into the middle horizon of the lake versus the sweeping skyline vista are worth the time.

Really well located just off downtown yet incredibly inefficient ingress and egress plus decision to place it on a Traffic less peninsula pretty much cancels out that benefit. Still better than Alpine or Tinley but when you have a 30 minute walk to get to an uber then something is pretty bad in the design and planning!! Please fix it.

Such a quiet beautiful little nature reserve that has paved roads up and down the whole "island". I went on a bike ride through here and it was such an amazing get away. Not crowded at all like Lakeshore Drive is and you get beautiful hills and skyline views! Gunna definitely take more bike rides down here :)

This is a great place for a peaceful walk / skate / bike; Very limited people . Walk till end if you are a explorer! Also if you get accustomed to walk on this trail you will see different colors every season, for it changes drastically with weather ; it’s a completely different place in winter.

Nice little nature resort just in walking distance of downtown Chicago. Beaches where you can relax, good pavement to run. Just after Dawn it was a joy to run through Millenium Park, by the observatory and further to northerly island. Very recommend if you want to escape the bustling city.

This is a fantastic park for a walk or jog and offers spectacular views of the city. There’s a marked trail. I came here in the middle of the winter, so the place looked dull. Cannot wait to be back in the summer for more greenery and activity!

Great in the fall and winter when it’s nearly deserted, just you and the howling wind. There is an American Kestral that makes it’s home there. Always hangs out on one of the young oak trees in the protected natural area easily seen while

It is more fun during the day but if you go up during a lightning storm it is also very fun. You will get to see lightning rods in action, and may feel close to death as well. Enlightening experience. Would recommend to a friend.

Anything below 5 stars review is not true of this park. Great views. Wonderful experience. Will definitely be back hopefully in several weeks-months as a training run route. Points of interest are eastern beach, southern shore.

Great place to take photos of the Chicago skyline. Great place to escape the crazy noise of urban life But in winter, it's cold as hell and windy enough to blow you into the not very welcoming water of Lake Michigan...

A nice place to go for a jog or a walk with great views of city. There were also a variety of birds including a crane while I was there. Great place to be at if you just want to take a little break from the city life.

Great place to go and relax and just enjoy the sound of the waves and enjoy the breeze! A definite place to visit!
Dog-friendliness
Dog friendly and great place to enjoy some exercise with your furry friend!

The trails are amazing and such a great detour when on the lake front path. Love just biking or walking the paths and sitting on the breakers watching the waves. Highly recommend this oasis in the city.

Beautiful scenery with lots to do in close proximity. Parking was a beast but we were able to find close valet parking for $35. Walked around for hours and enjoyed the aquarium, planetarium, and museum

Of all the things you can do in Chicago. Take a day to visit the Navy Pier and a long walk in this park. Ignor the traffic of hassle of the city and absorb this magnificent walk along Lake Michigan.

A place to escape the life in dense downtown. Contrast of nature and metropolis. Like the underconstruction environment. There is a parking lot at the park entrance where the price is $2/hr.

I was at the Hamilton Experience specifically. The Island has great views of the city and a beach area. There is also a building to tell you more about the island with cool world sculptures.

The most amazing views to the city! Also, great for concerts when they come back one day. It feels dangerous in bad weather, but this is also a great way to experience a Chicago storm. :)

Great park, great trail for bike or run, excellent progress over the last few years since its opening. Wish they'd bring back the 2hour parking lot increment. But still a gem in the city.

Greatest place on earth not even exaggerating. Very special place to me I’ve spent whole days in this park i take all the people important to me here so they can see how gorgeous it is.

Polar adventure day. It wasn't snowing, so no snow shoes. We saw a pelican, falcons, owls, a wolf and a few other critters. On a quick hike we saw a few birds of prey flying overhead.

If you want an in-depth, immersive, theatrical exhibit, this is it. I’ve only heard the music of Hamilton and this exhibit took my knowledge to the next level.

A little known gem of the city, it offers a nice way to get out into a bit of nature with great views of the lake and the cityscape. Highly recommended!

One of my favorite views of Chicago minus all the large crowds and traffic. It’s the perfect place to sit and relax and soak up all the Chicago beauty.

One of the best places in Chicago to watch both the Sunrise and Sunset. I was there when the last super moon was visible. Amazing!

If you're at the aquarium/planetarium make the extra effort to see Northerly Island park! It offers unexpected views of the city.

Beautiful all times of the year. Peaceful and quiet retreat along the lake, tucked behind the museum campus off the beaten path.

Walked this morning with some great folks. The wind was whipping but we know how to dress in CHICAGO! Some trails were closed.

Perfect weather for a Perfect weekend. Lots of exciting things going on. Excellent sight seeing with great helpful people

This place was amazing...we went fishing and hiking I felt so close to nature...The guides were so nice and knowledgeable

Movies in the park was an excellent experience. Thank you M&M Mars and other sponsrrs for the goodies and refreshments.

A fantastic oasis in the middle of the city. A perfect escape to take in the lake views and the unique vegetation.

Incredible place to walk and bike ride In the city. Watch the boats, view the skyline and feel the lake breezes.

Clean beach. Not too crowded with enough space to bring your own grill and have a family cook out. Kids had fun!

This place is awesome. I heard it used to be an old airport. Its a hidden gem for sure. Great views from here

They’ve done a great job at trying to bring back the prairie grasses and make this a more natural habitat.

A most beautiful and clean place where you can see the majestic Michigan Lake and the Chicago Skyline

Awesome place for photographing the skyline. I have been coming here for years and it is so awesome.

came here to meet a special friend. it was a peaceful beautiful place away from the bustling nearby.

A wonderful place to go take a walk. Hard to believe there was an airport on this land at one point.

Good place for a walk along the shores of the lake and great views. But parking expensive-$2 per hr.

Great view of the lake and city. Lots of walking and bike paths. Electric bikes available for rent.

Just an awesome place to walk bike and sight see beautiful views and nature city lake and peaceful

Surprisingly nice trails hidden away in plain sight. Must visit for those who live nearby

The Hamilton Exhibition was well worth going to. We now want to go to the Hamilton show.

We have been coming here since 2000 to watch the first sun rise of the new year. Magical

I don’t know why they destroyed the airfield to build this pond that almost nobody uses

....one of the most nice places to see a different view of the Chicago skyline...

So peaceful and serene. Great views of the city. Perfect place for a bike ride.

Great place to enjoy peace and quiet with views of Chicago, lake and harbor.

Really cool place to get things off the mind... Very clean as far as i seen

Great place to enjoy music and also be sure to check out 12tg street beach

This is my office. With beauty comes work. There are worse places to work.

Great park very near the center. I would definitely recommend visiting it.

Nice views and best part is that it’s not that busy and parking available

An oasis in the city. Secluded. Quiet. No dogs allowed. No restrooms.

Cool venue. Too bad DMB was rained out when a storm ran through.

Absolutely beautiful. There's lots of fun history behind it too

Lake is frozen over and beautiful. Amazing view of the city.

It is a nice outdoor concert venue with awesome acoustics!

Nice place to go on a walk and a great view of the city.

Chicago city view from Northerly Island Park is amazing

Nature haven in Chicago
Restrooms
Porta-potty

Nice view for Chicago downtown and beautiful design

It has a good view! It was relaxing to rest there..

Lovely getaway within walking distance of the city

Gorgeous views of the city and nice walking path.

A nice place to visit with kids and family

It is so wonderful and beautiful here

Great place for a group pic

Great public Beach