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Either it's on an island or on a peninsula, but this park is a pretty cool place for seeing a concert. It's also good for going to a beach or getting views of the lake. Northerly Island Park is a great repurposing of an area into something better looking and useful. An airport used to be here. The way it looks now you could hardly tell it was. Basically there was an airport but now it's open space mostly. It was Meigs Field, a small airport for small planes. This is now a nature preserve, and a site for concerts and other stuff. Along the east side is 12th Street Beach. Even though it's a beach, it looks like you can't go swimming because there's no lifeguards or the water looks rough. A pretty good view of the lake at least. There's also a few trails to hike along and see some cool nature and plants. Has lots of flat open space good for having concerts. It's loud then but quiet any time else. This is a good walk from Adler Planetarium and the Museum Campus, good for getting outside and things.
Love my town another nice outdoor space in the city of Chicago. The park district is located here and some music concerts happen the entire summer. I love the beautiful wildflowers and access to lake after parking at the 12th street beach.
Every time I visit my friend Kevin in Chicago, I go to this park for morning walks...His condo, on 18th and S Prairie is just steps away from the park and it's an easy walk. I am a morning person, so my experience with the park is related to walking and strolling around....not been there for concerts or any events... The views are beautiful and peaceful. Very clean and well kept park. Northerly Island is actually a 91-acre man-made peninsula along Chicago's Lake Michigan lakefront. The site of the Adler Planetarium, Northerly Island connects to the mainland through a narrow isthmus along Solidarity Drive. This street is dominated by Neoclassical sculptures of Tadeusz Kościuszko, Karel Havlíček Borovský and Copernicus. With the demolition of Meigs Field Airport, Northerly Island is now a part of the Museum Campus and has been converted into parkland. A semi-temporary concert venue, the Huntington Bank Pavilion, occupies part of the site of the former airport.
We came out twice last summer for concerts - Jason Mraz and Greta Van Fleet. Two VERY different experiences. If you're coming to a more chill show like the one for my main man Jason Mraz, you're likely going to have a really great time. There was room to breathe and we got a gorgeous sunset over the Chicago skyline behind the stage. Amazing! If you're coming for a sold out rock concert during a pandemic, you might feel a little claustrophobic. It was outside, which is why it worked for us, but very crowded. I was in close proximity of a perfect stranger and probably absorbed some weed smoke from a few neighbors. Not totally my jam, but hey I can hang one or twice a year for a concert like this. One of the cons for this show: visibility. I'm 5'8" and couldn't see the stage at all from the front of the back section. The screens were in black and white and that's all I could see. We ended up walking around the last part of the show just to see more and move around. That was good! Back by the back row vendors there was a bit of an incline to help visibility. Both shows: $16 big White Claws. OUCH. They know what the people want and will pay for! I liked seeing a good variety of food options, too. Pro tips: book parking ahead of time via your favorite parking company (Spot Hero for me). I think my parking was $8 for the concert. Give yourself time to walk over from the "mainland" which is roughly a mile. Comfy shoes are a must unless you're willing to shell out roughly $50 for a rickshaw/pedi-cab. Sometimes VIP parking is available if you're in need, but from what I remember it was pricey. With all that said, this is probably my favorite music venue in Chicago. I love that it's outside and they can jam since there aren't homes nearby. Being out near the water is awesome! Last thoughts: they mean business with the clear bags. Don't take a purse unless you KNOW it's within the guidelines they send out with the ticket/show updates. They will make you leave it in a locker and take a plastic bag in. Thankfully I saw the notes and didn't have any issues. If you get super lucky and are offered a free upgrade, PIT IS THE WAY TO GO! Just make sure you get a wristband or you won't be able to go in and out for bathroom breaks, drinks, and food.
11/08/20 - I've heard of Northerly Island but have never been there before. I was walking out by Solidarity Drive yesterday. Northerly Island is an area just to the south of Adler Planetarium & east of Soldier Field. Meigs Field use to be where Northerly Island is now. On March 31, 2003 Mayor Daley had bulldozers start tearing up Meigs Field wo/authorization from the FAA. At the time Meigs Field was the busiest single strip airport in the United States. Part of Northerly Island is being used as a concert venue. The other portion has turned into Northerly Island Park. There is a large central lagoon where the Meigs Field airstrip use to be. The lagoon is surrounded by a trail that loops around the lagoon. I started walking on the east side of the lagoon. This trail runs between Lake Michigan on the east and the lagoon on the west, unfortunately I wasn't able to progress very far because the Chicago Park district fenced it off due to erosion from Lake Michigan. They have placed a continuous pile of large boulders between the lake on parts of the path and lagoon making very difficult & potentially dangerous to navigate. The high level of the water and the destructive force of the waters & waves has necessitated the need for this barrier. I back tracked on this east path and took the path that runs to the west of the lagoon all the way to the end of northerly island. The path crosses the west to east via a bridge that reconnects to the path on the east side. There is an outlet from the lagoon into Lake Michigan to the south. "This path does continue further along McCormick Place to the south" I walked Northerly Island today from Adler Planetarium to the south end just south of the original McCormick Place building & back. There are large hilly fields along both sides of the path and a spectacular view of The Chicago skyline from a different perspective. This time of year there is a lot of brown prairie grass. I need to revisit this area during the spring when I'm told there are all sorts of flowers in bloom. This was a very nice walk but not very frequently traveled (maybe the time of the year?). There were a handful of other hikers and bikers on the trail
I finally took the trip around the park completely. I walked from millennium park and racked up 6.3 miles but I think the Northerly Island trail runs about 4 miles. Oddly enough, the next day I see a bunch of features. It has a quite interesting history about how it was an airport and converted. The western side of the island that's adjacent to piers is paved 90% of the way to the southern tip where is blocked off and head to a dirt trail that goes straight across to the bridge to the other side or up and over the hill. The hill offers a pretty sweeping panoramic of the city, it was pretty overcast but still pretty and dramatic. The hill on the eastern side offers a slightly better view, I think it's a tad higher. The east side of the peninsula is mainly gravel and dirt. Also muddy and has a lot of repurposed industrial concrete. There's a concrete block wall that migratory birds are using for nesting similar to Montrose Bay. I could see this side of the island and the stream especially good for birding. Also the southern tip is elevated like a pier so there was a few fisherman lurking about. Exiting on the East side had an added bonus of exiting into the... I think Daphne Garden, but it features sculptures by dead's Kirk. Very dynamic sculptures. With the contrasting weather it's looks like three sorcerers summoning a storm. Anyway I was good and tired after about two hours of walking. Seems like a great spot to pack a DSLR and a drone. A nice escape without to nuisance of travel!
Kind of a waste of space in my opinion... What was once an small airport known as Meigs Field was converted into present day Northerly Island Park ~ think wild prairie grasses, strolling paths, open space areas, and views of the Chicago skyline. First thing is first... of the few times I've tried to check out the strolling paths through the island, ITS BEEN CLOSED OFF. About the only thing open is a short walkway from south of Adler Planetarium and going through some grassy fields to the harbor walkway which goes to Soldier Field. But this grassy area is now in construction and they are in process of putting up a concert stage it seems. I was able to take a small path along the westside of the island until I could go no more. Doesn't seem to be maintained or cleaned as there's kind of random debris along the walkway and trashcans overflowing with trash. But still some nice views from there. Anyways, in short we got a free park with nothing really to do here. Kind of a disappointment. Maybe you'll luck out and the pathways exploring the island will be open. I have yet to have any luck in my two years here. 'Til next time! 116/365
2 things, you can't bring in umbrellas. You pick it up in a pile outside after the concert hoping it's still there. Good luck finding your black one. You can only buy tickets at the box office to save on the ridiculous service fees on days they have an event. Otherwise I like the Venue itself. My son and I accompanied my wife and my sons Girlfriend went to see Charlie Puth - good show and no bad seats in the house.
Technically I'm reviewing the Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island. Okay now that that's out of the way let's talk about the venue. Wow. I was blown away. The area was formerly known as Miegs Field which was a small airport servicing downtown Chicago. For more than 50 years, smaller planes arrived and departed from Miegs Field. This all changed when the former Mayor of Chicago, Richard M. Daley, had the runway destroyed under the cover of darkness. This also costs taxpayers of the city $33,000 in fines and the repayment of $1,000,000 in funding to the FAA. Nice job Richie. Anyway, since the airport was closed, Chicago has tinkered with Northerly Island (peninsula actually, man-made) and it's current incarnation is that of a concert venue. The venue is temporary and the name has changed with sponsors. I went to my first show last night. Better Than Ezra was playing with K.T. Tunstall and the Barenaked Ladies. I parked at Soldier Field for $30 and walked around the harbor to get to the venue. I later realized that parking is also available closer to the pavilion but it fills up quickly. Getting through security was easy and within a few minutes I was walking the venue. The capacity is about 8,000 seats. There are floor seats, grandstands, and a VIP area. Numerous food and drink options are available. They had taco stands, burger stands, etc. There are also beer tents, beer tubs, wine tents, Tito's vodka stands, and other options. The venue was clean and the employees were friendly. After getting a beer and surveying the area I found my seats up in the VIP section. This area had patio tables, patio couches, a full bar (yes!!!) and staggered seating. The chair in which I sat was perhaps the most comfortable folding chair I have ever sat in. It was a cash bar but gourmet food was included in the ticket price. The lighting and sound from the venue was top notch. This surprised me given that it is somewhat of a temporary setup. Watching live music with the Chicago skyline in the background is very cool. Behind you is the 12th street beach. I could not have asked for better weather and the evening was awesome. I highly recommend this venue. If you check the concert schedule and find anything you like then do check this place out. Richie's wrongdoing has turned out to be very nice. Five stars.
After visiting the Adler Planetarium, I need more outdoor time. What better place than the Northerly Island Park? At the park, there is a small sand beach. The beach looked really relaxing and the few beach goers seemed to enjoy the beach. The walking paths are very well laid out and well defined. Prairie grass /flowers are just coming out for the season. There were plenty of walkers and cyclists enjoying the park. The concert venue looked really great. I would consider going to a concert at the venue. Plus having the city as a background has to be incredible. Due to not have a concession stand or rest area, I had deducted a star. Looking forward to return later in the summer.
Go there on a bike, go past the concert venues and go to the restoration area. On the southern side is where the city is restoring prairie back. Even on a bustling summer weekend this place feels like a little quiet piece of paradise in the Chicago concrete jungle. There usually isn't a whole lot of people here, and that's perfect. Nothing better than to watch the sail boats pass by and the ducks swim in the marsh. Sunset is a beautiful time to come. I hope the city continues restore nature back into the city scape.
This is a review for the Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island. I like this venue and I don't like this venue. It's in a great location, you have a wonderful view of the city, and the venue is smaller than some of the other outdoor venues in the Chicagoland area. However, if you don't have close seats in the 100 and 200 sections, sound can be a bit of a bust. Even if you are in those sections and you are off to the side, sound can still kind of suck. The views are ok in the closer sections. Even the 300 section views aren't that bad because it's a small venue. However, the lawn...that lawn has been the bane of this venue since it was first constructed. If you pay for lawn, note that you are sitting there to watch a tv. That is all. We can't see the lawn from where we are sitting, and you definitely can't see us. It's like an afterthought of the venue. It doesn't even feel connected to the venue! Also, food and drinks are astronomically high of course. Bring your own closed water, choose to drink alcohol before or after the actual concert outside of the venue. If you are seated close to the aisles where the alcohol vendors are, I feel for you. The amount of chatter in these lines is so bad, you will feel like you are more on the floor of some convention hall than an actual concert. I'm sure I'll be back here, but I do prefer other venues in and around the city.
Parking is expensive, mosquitoes are in abundance, near lakefront, great views, nice stage, good sound, decent food - slow, expensive, small variety, portable potties, high school stadium seating.
This is a great space to see a summer outdoor concert! The views are gorgeous and there isn't a bad seat at all. Honestly the 300 sections are the best!! Well this is a beautiful view and the sound system is great, there are a few cons. Unfortunately leaving the venue sucks. You need to walk at least 20/30 min to be able to get an Uber. If you want to park there, it's an extra $40. The drinks are very expensive as well. You are looking at about $30 for one cocktail. If you drink and eat before hand though, you'll have a wonderful time. I do recommend going back and I will be before the summer ends! read more
Northerly Island gets its name from its part in Daniel Burnham's Plan of Chicago, because it was envisioned to be the northern most in a chain of islands that spanned between Grant Park on the northern end and Jackson Park on the southern end. It's the only one of the islands that was ever completed. Northerly Island was the site of the 1933 Century of Progress World's Fair, the second World Fair held in Chicago. Once upon a time, a single-runway airport called Meigs Field existed at this site for about 50 years, right in the middle of the city. It was the busiest singlet-runway airport in the city for a time. The air traffic control tower still exists here--an odd homage to what one was here--but the airport was destroyed overnight by the second Daley mayor and the park created shortly thereafter. Although It's present day use is that of a nature sanctuary. There's a nice view of the city from here, and there's a variety of events that take place taking advantage of the nature sanctuary. I was surprise to find that the amphitheater isn't as large as I imagined. Parts of the park may be closed during, or on the days surrounding, an event at the music venue that's here so it may not be the most reliable of parks. read more
Either it's on an island or on a peninsula, but this park is a pretty cool place for seeing a concert. It's also good for going to a beach or getting views of the lake. Northerly Island Park is a great repurposing of an area into something better looking and useful. An airport used to be here. The way it looks now you could hardly tell it was. Basically there was an airport but now it's open space mostly. It was Meigs Field, a small airport for small planes. This is now a nature preserve, and a site for concerts and other stuff. Along the east side is 12th Street Beach. Even though it's a beach, it looks like you can't go swimming because there's no lifeguards or the water looks rough. A pretty good view of the lake at least. There's also a few trails to hike along and see some cool nature and plants. Has lots of flat open space good for having concerts. It's loud then but quiet any time else. This is a good walk from Adler Planetarium and the Museum Campus, good for getting outside and things. read more
Love my town another nice outdoor space in the city of Chicago. The park district is located here and some music concerts happen the entire summer. I love the beautiful wildflowers and access to lake after parking at the 12th street beach. read more
Every time I visit my friend Kevin in Chicago, I go to this park for morning walks...His condo, on 18th and S Prairie is just steps away from the park and it's an easy walk. I am a morning person, so my experience with the park is related to walking and strolling around....not been there for concerts or any events... The views are beautiful and peaceful. Very clean and well kept park. Northerly Island is actually a 91-acre man-made peninsula along Chicago's Lake Michigan lakefront. The site of the Adler Planetarium, Northerly Island connects to the mainland through a narrow isthmus along Solidarity Drive. This street is dominated by Neoclassical sculptures of Tadeusz Kościuszko, Karel Havlíček Borovský and Copernicus. With the demolition of Meigs Field Airport, Northerly Island is now a part of the Museum Campus and has been converted into parkland. A semi-temporary concert venue, the Huntington Bank Pavilion, occupies part of the site of the former airport. read more
We came out twice last summer for concerts - Jason Mraz and Greta Van Fleet. Two VERY different experiences. If you're coming to a more chill show like the one for my main man Jason Mraz, you're likely going to have a really great time. There was room to breathe and we got a gorgeous sunset over the Chicago skyline behind the stage. Amazing! If you're coming for a sold out rock concert during a pandemic, you might feel a little claustrophobic. It was outside, which is why it worked for us, but very crowded. I was in close proximity of a perfect stranger and probably absorbed some weed smoke from a few neighbors. Not totally my jam, but hey I can hang one or twice a year for a concert like this. One of the cons for this show: visibility. I'm 5'8" and couldn't see the stage at all from the front of the back section. The screens were in black and white and that's all I could see. We ended up walking around the last part of the show just to see more and move around. That was good! Back by the back row vendors there was a bit of an incline to help visibility. Both shows: $16 big White Claws. OUCH. They know what the people want and will pay for! I liked seeing a good variety of food options, too. Pro tips: book parking ahead of time via your favorite parking company (Spot Hero for me). I think my parking was $8 for the concert. Give yourself time to walk over from the "mainland" which is roughly a mile. Comfy shoes are a must unless you're willing to shell out roughly $50 for a rickshaw/pedi-cab. Sometimes VIP parking is available if you're in need, but from what I remember it was pricey. With all that said, this is probably my favorite music venue in Chicago. I love that it's outside and they can jam since there aren't homes nearby. Being out near the water is awesome! Last thoughts: they mean business with the clear bags. Don't take a purse unless you KNOW it's within the guidelines they send out with the ticket/show updates. They will make you leave it in a locker and take a plastic bag in. Thankfully I saw the notes and didn't have any issues. If you get super lucky and are offered a free upgrade, PIT IS THE WAY TO GO! Just make sure you get a wristband or you won't be able to go in and out for bathroom breaks, drinks, and food. read more
11/08/20 - I've heard of Northerly Island but have never been there before. I was walking out by Solidarity Drive yesterday. Northerly Island is an area just to the south of Adler Planetarium & east of Soldier Field. Meigs Field use to be where Northerly Island is now. On March 31, 2003 Mayor Daley had bulldozers start tearing up Meigs Field wo/authorization from the FAA. At the time Meigs Field was the busiest single strip airport in the United States. Part of Northerly Island is being used as a concert venue. The other portion has turned into Northerly Island Park. There is a large central lagoon where the Meigs Field airstrip use to be. The lagoon is surrounded by a trail that loops around the lagoon. I started walking on the east side of the lagoon. This trail runs between Lake Michigan on the east and the lagoon on the west, unfortunately I wasn't able to progress very far because the Chicago Park district fenced it off due to erosion from Lake Michigan. They have placed a continuous pile of large boulders between the lake on parts of the path and lagoon making very difficult & potentially dangerous to navigate. The high level of the water and the destructive force of the waters & waves has necessitated the need for this barrier. I back tracked on this east path and took the path that runs to the west of the lagoon all the way to the end of northerly island. The path crosses the west to east via a bridge that reconnects to the path on the east side. There is an outlet from the lagoon into Lake Michigan to the south. "This path does continue further along McCormick Place to the south" I walked Northerly Island today from Adler Planetarium to the south end just south of the original McCormick Place building & back. There are large hilly fields along both sides of the path and a spectacular view of The Chicago skyline from a different perspective. This time of year there is a lot of brown prairie grass. I need to revisit this area during the spring when I'm told there are all sorts of flowers in bloom. This was a very nice walk but not very frequently traveled (maybe the time of the year?). There were a handful of other hikers and bikers on the trail read more
I finally took the trip around the park completely. I walked from millennium park and racked up 6.3 miles but I think the Northerly Island trail runs about 4 miles. Oddly enough, the next day I see a bunch of features. It has a quite interesting history about how it was an airport and converted. The western side of the island that's adjacent to piers is paved 90% of the way to the southern tip where is blocked off and head to a dirt trail that goes straight across to the bridge to the other side or up and over the hill. The hill offers a pretty sweeping panoramic of the city, it was pretty overcast but still pretty and dramatic. The hill on the eastern side offers a slightly better view, I think it's a tad higher. The east side of the peninsula is mainly gravel and dirt. Also muddy and has a lot of repurposed industrial concrete. There's a concrete block wall that migratory birds are using for nesting similar to Montrose Bay. I could see this side of the island and the stream especially good for birding. Also the southern tip is elevated like a pier so there was a few fisherman lurking about. Exiting on the East side had an added bonus of exiting into the... I think Daphne Garden, but it features sculptures by dead's Kirk. Very dynamic sculptures. With the contrasting weather it's looks like three sorcerers summoning a storm. Anyway I was good and tired after about two hours of walking. Seems like a great spot to pack a DSLR and a drone. A nice escape without to nuisance of travel! read more
10 years ago
Kind of a waste of space in my opinion... What was once an small airport known as Meigs Field was converted into present day Northerly Island Park ~ think wild prairie grasses, strolling paths, open space areas, and views of the Chicago skyline. First thing is first... of the few times I've tried to check out the strolling paths through the island, ITS BEEN CLOSED OFF. About the only thing open is a short walkway from south of Adler Planetarium and going through some grassy fields to the harbor walkway which goes to Soldier Field. But this grassy area is now in construction and they are in process of putting up a concert stage it seems. I was able to take a small path along the westside of the island until I could go no more. Doesn't seem to be maintained or cleaned as there's kind of random debris along the walkway and trashcans overflowing with trash. But still some nice views from there. Anyways, in short we got a free park with nothing really to do here. Kind of a disappointment. Maybe you'll luck out and the pathways exploring the island will be open. I have yet to have any luck in my two years here. 'Til next time! 116/365 read more
2 things, you can't bring in umbrellas. You pick it up in a pile outside after the concert hoping it's still there. Good luck finding your black one. You can only buy tickets at the box office to save on the ridiculous service fees on days they have an event. Otherwise I like the Venue itself. My son and I accompanied my wife and my sons Girlfriend went to see Charlie Puth - good show and no bad seats in the house. read more
Technically I'm reviewing the Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island. Okay now that that's out of the way let's talk about the venue. Wow. I was blown away. The area was formerly known as Miegs Field which was a small airport servicing downtown Chicago. For more than 50 years, smaller planes arrived and departed from Miegs Field. This all changed when the former Mayor of Chicago, Richard M. Daley, had the runway destroyed under the cover of darkness. This also costs taxpayers of the city $33,000 in fines and the repayment of $1,000,000 in funding to the FAA. Nice job Richie. Anyway, since the airport was closed, Chicago has tinkered with Northerly Island (peninsula actually, man-made) and it's current incarnation is that of a concert venue. The venue is temporary and the name has changed with sponsors. I went to my first show last night. Better Than Ezra was playing with K.T. Tunstall and the Barenaked Ladies. I parked at Soldier Field for $30 and walked around the harbor to get to the venue. I later realized that parking is also available closer to the pavilion but it fills up quickly. Getting through security was easy and within a few minutes I was walking the venue. The capacity is about 8,000 seats. There are floor seats, grandstands, and a VIP area. Numerous food and drink options are available. They had taco stands, burger stands, etc. There are also beer tents, beer tubs, wine tents, Tito's vodka stands, and other options. The venue was clean and the employees were friendly. After getting a beer and surveying the area I found my seats up in the VIP section. This area had patio tables, patio couches, a full bar (yes!!!) and staggered seating. The chair in which I sat was perhaps the most comfortable folding chair I have ever sat in. It was a cash bar but gourmet food was included in the ticket price. The lighting and sound from the venue was top notch. This surprised me given that it is somewhat of a temporary setup. Watching live music with the Chicago skyline in the background is very cool. Behind you is the 12th street beach. I could not have asked for better weather and the evening was awesome. I highly recommend this venue. If you check the concert schedule and find anything you like then do check this place out. Richie's wrongdoing has turned out to be very nice. Five stars. read more
7 years ago
After visiting the Adler Planetarium, I need more outdoor time. What better place than the Northerly Island Park? At the park, there is a small sand beach. The beach looked really relaxing and the few beach goers seemed to enjoy the beach. The walking paths are very well laid out and well defined. Prairie grass /flowers are just coming out for the season. There were plenty of walkers and cyclists enjoying the park. The concert venue looked really great. I would consider going to a concert at the venue. Plus having the city as a background has to be incredible. Due to not have a concession stand or rest area, I had deducted a star. Looking forward to return later in the summer. read more
Go there on a bike, go past the concert venues and go to the restoration area. On the southern side is where the city is restoring prairie back. Even on a bustling summer weekend this place feels like a little quiet piece of paradise in the Chicago concrete jungle. There usually isn't a whole lot of people here, and that's perfect. Nothing better than to watch the sail boats pass by and the ducks swim in the marsh. Sunset is a beautiful time to come. I hope the city continues restore nature back into the city scape. read more
9 years ago
This is a review for the Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island. I like this venue and I don't like this venue. It's in a great location, you have a wonderful view of the city, and the venue is smaller than some of the other outdoor venues in the Chicagoland area. However, if you don't have close seats in the 100 and 200 sections, sound can be a bit of a bust. Even if you are in those sections and you are off to the side, sound can still kind of suck. The views are ok in the closer sections. Even the 300 section views aren't that bad because it's a small venue. However, the lawn...that lawn has been the bane of this venue since it was first constructed. If you pay for lawn, note that you are sitting there to watch a tv. That is all. We can't see the lawn from where we are sitting, and you definitely can't see us. It's like an afterthought of the venue. It doesn't even feel connected to the venue! Also, food and drinks are astronomically high of course. Bring your own closed water, choose to drink alcohol before or after the actual concert outside of the venue. If you are seated close to the aisles where the alcohol vendors are, I feel for you. The amount of chatter in these lines is so bad, you will feel like you are more on the floor of some convention hall than an actual concert. I'm sure I'll be back here, but I do prefer other venues in and around the city. read more
One of the best hidden gems along Chicago's downtown lakefront. If you're driving, go ahead and park in the Park District lot. As long as you're using the park, they don't mind. (Just don't try parking there, and heading over to Soldier Field) We first discovered Northerly when I was researching outdoor activities to do in the Winter. They do FREE rentals of snowshoes and cross-country skiis in the winter, and then you can tromp all over the island in your own winter wonderland. Inside the field house, they also offer hot chocolate, so you can come in and warm up! In the summer, as long as there isn't a Bears game, you can also rent kites to fly on the island. For some odd reason, there seems to be a lot of Segway tours going through. No idea why the tourists would be so interested in it.... read more
This was an average park. It's spacious but lacked activities. The only thing that I thought was beautiful was the rocks stacked on top of each other and a couple scenic places to take a picture with the skyline in the background. Northerly could definitely be improved to make it more appealing. To walk around the whole park, it takes about 30 minutes to an hour depending on who you're with and if you're stopping and taking pictures. read more
13 years ago
This place is awful. First the location itself is in the middle of nowhere. It takes roughly 20-30mn to walk to the venue and there are ZERO taxi's waiting for you after the show. Second the venue is basically on the lake so be prepared for awful weather. Rain, snow and wind will play a major part of your life if you see a show here. Third, the layout of the venue is just awful. There is no reason to have the "field/lawn" seats available. There is NO WAY you can see the stage past the seats. Bathrooms are non-exsistant, cell service is non-existant and beer is roughly $11-15. (not to mention an 11:pm curfew) SKIP read more
So, this passed summer I have visited here three separate times. All those times were for music venues (Phish, Spafford, and Umpherys McGee) This venue is by far the best outdoor venue I have ever experienced. The Chicago Skyline behind the stage is absolutely incredible, the small concessions were packed with people but the maturity of the group of people made everything fast and delightful. The beer choices were very limited and expensive (Its Chicago) but from one penny pincher to another we always find a way to get a silly for cheap haha. If this is going to be your first time at this venue just make sure you prepare yourself with a lot of water and a full stomach of food to max out all of your energy to dancing and having a great time! read more
7 years ago
I came here for a concert and before the concert we looked around and it was gorgeous. I went to a taco place that was right on the lake. There is also a beach on the lake that you could go swimming in. The skyline of Chicago is gorgeous. I definently recommend anyone to have a walk there. read more
9 years ago
Absolutely one of my favorite venues to visit in Chicago during the summer time the only time this venue becomes a problem if the weather does not cooperate including rain or storms because the venue pretty much is uncovered the performer will be covered in section 300 has an upper deck that's covered reception 100 and 200 you you are exposed to the elements. This is the second time at this venue both times seeing Jill Scott who is an awesome live performer if you have not seen her before perform live please bless yourself by doing that Devine you have lots of security and Usher's to assist you to your seat the seats I might add are relatively close together and proximity not too much Elbow Room when when you're in a concert you're pretty much up on your feet dancing around not too much sitting around they did have two jumbo jumbo trans that increase your visuals fields The drinks are pretty pricey my husband told me that he spent $15 on a 24 oz strawberry Rita Margarita which was absolutely outrageous but I tell you I held onto that drink for share life I made sure to get his money's worth but you can't take those drinks out so you pretty much have to finish it there The view of Chicago Shoreline is absolutely breathtaking and on that Saturday night we witnessed the fireworks as well it was a beautiful night read more
9 years ago
As others have noted, the food and drinks here are way overpriced so we didn't even bother. We saw Elvis Costello here last week and were really looking forward to it. While the views are spectacular, the sound quality at this outdoor venue was not good. We love Elvis but everything sounded too bassy. If we knew what we were getting going in, we would not have spent the money on tickets. Next time, Elvis! read more
9 years ago
The venue itself, is beautiful, except for the nasty women's bathrooms. 2 of the stalls were unusable. Disgusting. As for the prices.. WOW! Ridiculous. I wouldn't even pay 7.50 for a water. I was in section 204. Paid about 120.00 for my seat. They should be raised highwe so ppl can see over heads. Also the 1st parking place, is the museum's garage. 30 bucks. Closer to the park is 35 but worth it. Now, as for the band's, I saw (which has nothing to do with the park) Doobie Brothers and Chicago. Sounds great, right? I left after 5 songs from Chicago. New lead singer, sucked. Just sayin read more
3 years ago
What was once Meigs Field is now Northerly Island. What was once a small airport catering to small-plane pilots has been converted into a nature preserve. A new element this summer has been live concerts, which may help concertgoers reconnect with nature by the lakefront, but perhaps not. It is a relaxing spot to walk around, and you will certainly enjoy the views from here. read more
I've seen Crosby Stills and Nash, as well as Jason Mraz here this summer. The concerts were probably the most different two groups could be, but both so awesome! The venue is unreal. Its about 20 degrees cooler here than in the city, so be sure to bundle up! Even in August, it was a bit chilly once the sun goes down. At CSN we were some of the younger folk in attendance. The music was so nice and chill, very relaxing. We had seats in the center, front row of the bleachers. Great sound! And look left or right, you have Lake Michigan and the Chicago Skyline. Jason Mraz concert was a totally different feel... as in totally crowded with screaming hysterical 14 year olds and their moms as chaperones. Regardless, I can't explain how awesome any live band sounds here. It carry's so well, its never that "too loud" feel where you kind of want to pull out earplugs/have buzzing in your ears for the next 36 hours. Highly recommend seeing any shows here, even if they aren't your top 5 fave bands. The venue is worth it. Word to the wise - leave while the last song before the encore comes on or you will be waiting for cabs in a 5 block line, or be willing to walk a good bit! read more
I was fortunate enough to have some free time on one of those nice warm days a while back so I grabbed a book and went to the closest beach which happens to be tucked away behind the Charter One Pavilion on Northerly Island. Aside from the concert venue the rest of the park is great. I had gone there a few times last summer but never had taken the time to go beyond the beach and into the expansive peninsula that was once a tiny air field. They happened to be conducting a controlled burn at the time. I'm assuming then that there are normally large swatches of natural prairie plants scattered about in the warmer months. A paved walking and bike trail forms a loop around the whole thing. It's another one of those places you blow right past if you're a biker (like Milton Lee Olive Park north of Navy Pier) but makes for a nice detour. Great views and tons of birds. There are houses set up for migrating purple martins that spend the winter months in South America. There are other birdwatching opportunities as well as it's set up as somewhat of a sanctuary. read more
We live right by Museum Campus and Northerly Island, so we come here quite a bit during the warmer months. Essentially, Chicago has converted an old airport into a lovely peninsula park with bike trails and lots of grassy areas. 12th Street Beach, right next door, is a fantastic beach if you have little kids or want to take a dip in Lake Michigan, but if you're looking for something quieter, more serene, you'll find Northerly Island just a few steps south. We love coming here for a bike ride and picnic, or simply to read our books and get a bit of sun. There are usually quite a few people fishing at Northerly Island as well if that's your gig. While trees are a bit scarce on the island (in other words, bring your sunglasses and a hat!), there are plentiful wildflowers and prairie grasses. And best of all, there's hardly any people, so you feel like you've left the city for a few moments. Charter One Pavilion is also located on the island, and it's a great venue for an outdoor concert. I can't even truly describe how amazing it is to watch a concert with the Chicago skyline in the background. If you have a chance to see a show there, I would highly recommend it! read more
8 years ago
The only good thing about the Huntington Bank Pavilion is the proximity to the Lake otherwise it's overpriced parking and food vendors. Just what you would expect from a Chicago venue. read more
8 years ago
9 years ago
The pavillion is a great place for concerts! It is sunny and hot with a nice breeze from the water. The view of the city is awesome. Everything is overpriced as most concert things are. Bring your own bottle of water. I always park way far away and train then walk or divvy bike. The flooring is concrete or pavement so bring comfy shoes. I have been here twice now and would come again and again. read more
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