lakefront

More wildlife sanctuaries

McCormick Place Bird and ButteRfly Sanctuary

Snake through 2 prairies as well as shrub and woodland habitat at the McCormickPlace Bird and Butterfly Sanctuary. This 6-acre respite for the spring and fall arrivals includes a tempting freshwater stone birdbath.

Paul Douglas Nature Sanctuary's Wooded Island

With binoculars at the ready, zoom in on the variety of species that can be spotted in the Paul Douglas Nature Sanctuary’s Wooded Island. Its lush habitat and abundant food supplies have allowed numerous species to nest here over the years. Beavers and muskrats call it home too, but spotting them is a challenge since they frequently submerge.

Bill Jarvis Migratory Bird and Butterfly Sanctuary

Besides birds, rabbit, raccoon, and opossum, the occasional fox or coyote can be seen at the 8-acre Bill Jarvis Migratory Bird and Butterfly Sanctuary. While the Sanctuary is fenced to protect the plants and wildlife, keep an eye out for bitterns and herons, including the black crowned night heron, wood ducks, snipe and woodcock, hawks, yellow-billed cuckoos, hummingbirds, thrushes, purple martins, vireos, warblers, and 18 native species of sparrows.

Lakefront bike rides

Catch the breeze on a guided bike tour or
your own lakefront bike ride.

The Amazing Lakefront Tour

A fun, casual ride, The Amazing Lakefront Tour covers top sights such as the Lakefront Trail & Beaches, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Lincoln Park Zoo, Lincoln Park Conservatory, Notebaert Nature Museum, and North Avenue Beach.

Sites @ Nite

See attractions like the Magnificent Mile and Millennium Park’s Crown Fountain bathed in nighttime light during Sites @ Nite, which begins on bikes, then moves to a boat and culminates with a grand fireworks display.

McDonald's Cycle Center

Set out on the open trail with a rented bike, available by the hour, day, week, or month from the McDonald’s Cycle Center. Park any bike, including your bike from home, for FREE.

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Key to Icons

	Free
	Kid Friendly
	Wheelchair Accessible

bird and butterfly sanctuaries

McCormick Place Bird and Butterfly Sanctuary
South of Soldier Field
(Douglas Grand Boulevard)
Approach via the Lakefront Trail on foot or park at 31st Street and walk north about .8 miles on the Lakefront Trail
312.742.PLAY (7529)

Bill Jarvis Migratory Bird and Butterfly Sanctuary
3550 N. Lake Shore Drive
From the south, take Lake Shore Drive and exit at Recreation Drive. From the north, take Lake Shore Drive to Irving Park, turn left onto Irving Park and right onto Recreation Drive. Take Recreation Drive to W. Addison Drive. The Bird Sanctuary is just south of the Marovitz Golf Course.

Paul Douglas Nature Sanctuary (Wooded Island)
6401 S. Stony Island Avenue Park in the lot off of Hayes Drive and approach on foot; or post–Museum of Science & Industry walk behind the Museum and head south
312.742.PLAY (7529)

bicycle tours

The Amazing Lakefront Tour
Daily, April–August; Millennium Park; 10 am, Navy Pier 10:30 am
Bike Chicago: Millennium Park 239 E. Randolph Street and Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue
888.BIKEWAY (888.245.3929); reservations recommended; adults $30; seniors/ military/students $25; kids under 12 $15 (bikes included)

Sites @ Nite
Wednesdays and Saturdays, June 4–July 30; Navy Pier 7pm; Milennium Park 7:30pm
Bike Chicago: Millennium Park, 239 E. Randolph Street and Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue
888.BIKEWAY (888.245.3929) (reservations recommended) adults $30; seniors $25; students/ military $20; kids under 12 $15 (bikes and boat tour included)

McDonald’s Cycle Center
Millennium Park
239 E. Randolph Street
888.BIKEWAY (888.245.3929)
Individual memberships: monthly $20; annually $149 (registration fee $20)

Other resources

• Centerstage Chicago
• City of Chicago
• Metromix