What to do and see in Near North Side, Illinois (IL): The Best Nature & Parks

February 25, 2022 Alice Mieles

The windy city is a cornucopia of modern art, fine dining, cutting edge comedy, and die-hard sports fans. Snap a photo of your reflection in the silver Cloud Gate sculpture at Millennium Park before heading to Grant Park to get hit with the refreshing spray of Buckingham Fountain. There are dozens of museums and theater companies in Chicago, so a cultural experience is never hard to find. You’re sure to laugh your head off at the Second City Theater, the professional launch pad of many famous comedians.
Restaurants in Chicago

1. Oak Street Beach

1000 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611-5303 (312) 742-7529 https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/oak-street-beach-area
Excellent
44%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 351 reviews

Oak Street Beach

Great place for water sports and biking.

2. Kathy Osterman Beach

5800 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611
Excellent
67%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 12 reviews

Kathy Osterman Beach

3. Ward A. Montgomery Park

630 N Kingsbury St, Chicago, IL 60654-8117 http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks/ward-aaron-montgomery-park/
Excellent
25%
Good
75%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4 reviews

Ward A. Montgomery Park

4. Milton Lee Olive Park

500 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611-3779 +1 312-744-6635
Excellent
57%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 42 reviews

Milton Lee Olive Park

5. Mariano Plaza

State and Rush Streets, Chicago, IL
Excellent
43%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7 reviews

Mariano Plaza

6. Lakefront Trail

540 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611-3414 +1 312-742-7529 http://www.bobbysbikehike.com/rentals/
Excellent
72%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,416 reviews

Lakefront Trail

The Chicago Lakefront Bicycle Trail is roughly 22 miles of bike paths, stretching from Indiana border up to Evanston. The trail rides through many parks including Jackson Park (including U of Chicago), Grant Park (including Buckingham Fountain/Museum Campus) Millennium Park, and Lincoln Park with its Free Zoo. Plenty of beaches and bike rentals available at Bobby's Bike Hike - 540 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago IL 60611 (free maps, helmets).

Reviewed By rudi498 - New Delhi, India

to explore the beautiful skyline of Chicago it is a must for every visitor to rent a bike abd follow the trail. Nice views, aa lot of places to rest and enjoy the lake and the the city skyline.

7. Polk Bros Park

600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611-3419 +1 800-595-7437 http://navypier.com/polk-bros-park/
Excellent
33%
Good
67%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6 reviews

Polk Bros Park

Reviewed By O6378WFannag - Park Ridge, United States

I live in Chicago for more than 20 years but I don't visit Navy Pier too often. I was impressed on my recent visit to learn about new park with a lovely outdoor venue/amphitheater. Nicely kept. I like landscaping with prairie and native plants. Nice picnic area and some hidden picnic tables. Now I need to figure out if there are any concerts performed at that amphitheater with a gorgeous background: Lake Michigan.

8. Jane Addams Memorial Park

550 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611-3091 +1 312-742-7891 https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/addams-jane-memorial-park
Excellent
80%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5 reviews

Jane Addams Memorial Park

Reviewed By YourHelpfulWendy - Miami, United States

Such a cute, beautiful, and serene park. I walked here on top of the snow that I saw for the first time in my life and it was such a beautiful experience. This park has nice trees and benches. Easy to walk and then a little bit farther you can even see the water and the view it’s marvelous.

9. Ohio Street Beach

400 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611-4308
Excellent
37%
Good
49%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 126 reviews

Ohio Street Beach

Reviewed By Adventure809910 - Tecumseh, Canada

This is a nice little beach located right downtown right beside the Navy Pier. It was quite busy when we were there. They had all 3 volleyball courts going ,there was a restaurant that serves alcohol as well. There are lounge chair with pad rentals and umbrella and tent with pad rentals as well. We rented 2 chairs at 10.00 each. The water is cold and the beach is sandy with no rocks or shells and it’s pretty shallow.

10. Seneca Park

808 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611-2402
Excellent
13%
Good
63%
Satisfactory
25%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 8 reviews

Seneca Park

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