Address: 87th at S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60617
Open: Dawn to Dusk
Parking: Diagonal parking along E. 87th Street after turning East from S. Lake Shore Dr.
About: Once the site of a thriving steel mill along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, the park is now one of the city’s unique natural areas, perfect for birding, stargazing, and other outdoor fun. Feeling adventurous? Try your hand at rock climbing up a portion of the repurposed historic ore wall left behind by the steel industry. Or keep your feet on the ground with a relaxing walk or bike ride along meandering nature paths lined with native grasses and plants.
Climbing Days: Join us during the summer months for facilitated community climbing events. Ages 8 and up (climbers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). These climbs are FREE and include equipment (harness, helmet, climbing shoes) and the use of the climbing systems. Registration is required. Walk-ups are welcome but climbing opportunities are limited to availability.
2024 Community Climbing Saturdays from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM:
Address: 2200 E. 103rd St., Chicago, IL 60617
Open: Dawn to Dusk
Parking: Limited parking is available at the south entrance at 103rd St.
About: Named for the late environmental activist Marian R. Byrnes, this 135-acre park is one of Chicago’s largest natural areas. A teacher turned community organizer, Marian’s preservation work began in 1979 with a diverse neighborhood coalition to block the construction of a CTA bus garage that would demolish half the prairie. The campaign was successful, and Marian became well-known for her environmental advocacy within the Southeast Side community for more than 25 years.
Address: 11740 S. Torrence Ave., Chicago, IL 60617
Open: Dawn to Dusk
Parking: Indian Ridge Marsh is divided into two sections by 122nd Street. There are free, public parking lots for both the north and south sections of the marsh:
About: Once used for the disposal of slag, a waste product of the steel-making process, Indian Ridge Marsh is taking on a new life. This natural area – located in the Southeast Side’s South Deering neighborhood – covers 145 acres between Lake Calumet to the west and the Calumet River to the south. Large portions of the marsh were once filled with dredge material from disposal activities of the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2015. Since then, the site has been restored to its historic wetland habitat thanks to the Chicago Park District and its partners. On the north end of the marsh, mulched trails cut through wet prairie, an important habitat once common throughout the Calumet region. Native flowers and grasses offer food and habitat to a myriad of birds and insects. Visitors can walk the trails and connect with nature or relax and take in picturesque marsh and wildlife views. In the center of IRM is a nature play space and picnic tables – it’s a great place to relax, play, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the marsh and savanna.
Address: 13298 S. Torrence Ave., Chicago, IL 60633
Open: Dawn to Dusk
Parking: Visitors should parallel park along the west shoulder of the asphalt access road directly off of S. Torrence Avenue. Parking is not allowed on the gravel area in front of the park gates. This area is reserved for CPD natural area work crews.
About: Hegewisch Marsh is located on the western side of the Hegewisch neighborhood and bordered by the Calumet River with interesting views of the Thomas J. O’Brien Lock and Dam. The site provides a safe place for the surrounding community to enjoy passive eco-recreation activities, like hiking. Escape the bustle of city life to explore this park’s vibrant landscape, comprised of native wetland, prairie, savanna, and woodland ecosystems. Venture out on its mulched hiking trails with scenic marsh views, and keep your eyes peeled for interesting critters native to our region, including deer, muskrats, and wetland birds.
Address: 7901 S. Farragut Drive (at S. Lake Shore Drive), Chicago, IL 60649
Open: Dawn to Dusk
Parking: No official parking lot, but informal parking is available along the shoulder at the access gate, or a short hike away at Rainbow Beach.
About: Park 566, also known as “USX,” is a former steel mill that operated for more than 100 years as part of US Steel’s South Works facility. Having been demolished in the late 1900s, the 68.2-acre space is now undergoing a major restoration process that includes controlled burns, mowing, and installing native plants suitable for prairie and savanna habitats. The resulting natural area will provide wildlife habitat and a place for people to explore and enjoy nature along Chicago’s southern lakefront.
