Taking a Stroll through Northerly Island Park in Chicago
When you grow up in a big city like Chicago, you take for granted all of the sites people travel thousands of miles to see. I joined a photography group on Meetup.com to get me out and exploring my childhood city. My first outing with them took us to Northerly Island. It’s a tongue twister for me to say. I want to say Northern Ireland. Lol.
A little history about Northerly Island, it is a man-made island envisioned by Architect Daniel Burnham to be a lakefront park. After he had died, the property was turned into a small airport called Meigs Field. The airport closed in 1996 after its lease expired. In 2003, conversion of the airport began turning into a lakefront park like Burnham intended.
Although it is spring, the trees and flowers haven’t started to bloom yet. It still made for a picture perfect day. The park is close to the Alder Planetarium, where you can learn about the stars and find the best lakefront views of Chicago.
Northerly Island features a walking and bike riding trail, a lagoon and is home to migratory birds and natural wildlife.
Trees
No one in the group knew what kind of tree this was. We assume we could better identify it once the leaves have grown in. Nonetheless, it was nice watching the branches sway back and forth with the wind.
Tree
It feels like winter looking at this tree. In the middle of April, it still hasn’t grown any leaves.
Birds
Northerly Island, is home to several species of birds. I caught this looking back at me.
I caught this one flying above us and hoping he didn’t drop us any unwanted gifts.
Flying High
The geese were enjoying an afternoon snack.
Five Geese are laying
Why did the geese cross the road?
Geese crossing the road
A bird’s life.
Afternoon swim
Sculptures
This bronze sculpture called “Man Enters the Cosmos” by Henry Moore is located outside of the Adler Planetarium. Northerly Island is located south of the museum and is also where you can see the best views of downtown Chicago.
Man Enters the Cosmos
This section of Northerly Island is called Daphne Garden. The sculptures are by Artist named Dessa Kirk. She built the trio out of welded automobile parts of scrapped cars. The sculptures were one of my favorites in the city.
Dessa Kirk
By Dessa Kirk
Dessa Kirk
Chicago Lakefront
Waves on the rocks
I don’t know who was brave enough to climb over and paint the rocks, but that was fun to see a little bit of art everywhere.
USA
City skyline
Most of the group had gone, but I stayed behind to watch the sunset and the city lights to shine through.
Time to go home
I would go back to Northerly Island. This park is one of Chicago’s must-see parks. I think Burnham would be proud.
Originally published on www.mylestotravel.com