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The Chicago Park District has announced the reopening of the Northerly Island Visitor Center at 1521 S. Linn White Dr. The center is now open to the public following a comprehensive restoration project. The restoration was necessary due to damage from a fire that occurred in November 2023.
The Visitor Center is located in the 119.7-acre park along Lake Michigan on Chicago's Museum Campus. The building, which was once the terminal for the now-closed Meigs Field Airport, has undergone significant renovations. These include a fully restored lobby, replaced large glass windows, and the reapplication of bird-strike prevention film. LED lighting has been installed to enhance energy efficiency, aligning with the Chicago Park District's sustainability efforts.
Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, General Superintendent and CEO, stated, "I am extremely grateful to the public for their patience during the restoration process and to our team for helping to reactivate this community asset that offers more access to nature-based programming opportunities."
The Visitor Center will operate Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is equipped with public restrooms and offers spaces to relax, making it a convenient stop for park visitors. The Center also provides access to programs such as fishing, camping, and birding within the park's Natural Area and nearby access to the Lake.
The park's Adventure Camp is fully enrolled with 60 campers who will engage in activities like wildlife education, nature play, and eco-recreational pursuits such as fishing, hiking, and archery. Popular events like the Campfire Horrors Movie Series and Polar Adventure Days will return in the fall and winter.
Year-round programs such as Family Fishing and ‘Birding is for Everyone’ are resuming. A new program, Fly Fishing, will be introduced in May and June, with specific dates to be announced on the Chicago Park District website and the Northerly Island Facebook page. The Camping Gear Library, returning in early July, will provide various camping equipment for rent. Family Camping will also be back in the fall.
Additionally, the Indigifest event, part of the Night Out in the Parks series, is scheduled to take place at Northerly Island on September 27.
