Chicago's Montrose Beach, Harbor, and Bird Sanctuary

  
    Anglers enjoying the amazing view of the downtown skyline from Montrose Point

Montrose Beach, Harbor, and Bird Sanctuary have a ton of summertime activities for the Chicago adventure traveler.  There are recreational opportunities for everyone at this unique little spot located on Lake Michigan just east of Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood. Volleyball, sailing, kayaking, boating, photography, picnicking, swimming, fishing, bird watching, dog walking, running, and biking are all on the menu here.

Just follow Montrose, Lawrence, or Wilson Avenues east (or exit on these roads from Lake Shore Drive) to the Lake underneath Lake Shore Drive and there are a labyrinth of trails and roads that follow the lake with ample parking. Montrose Beach can also be easily accessed by public transportation. The Wilson or Lawrence red line stops are a ten minute walk away.

Bring your own food and cook out in the grassy area or enjoy the ample concessions available along the beach. There are also concessions available that rent out lawn chairs, volleyballs, and even kayaks thanks to Kayak Chicago.
The beach is the hot spot where most people congregate, but the harbor has a couple of unique features. Adjacent to the beach lies a cement pier structure that extends out into the lake in a fish hook like formation. This feature attracts both fishermen and photographers.  This structure has one of the best views of the downtown skyline in the city. This area would be an ideal place to view The Chicago Air & Water Show as the crowds would not be as thick here and it would still offer great views of the action.

The most surprising aspect of this beach is the fact that the point is home to a bird sanctuary. The sanctuary is a 15 acre section of woods and shrubs that attracts more than 300 species of birds during migratory season. There is a particular 150 yard stretch known as “the Magic Hedge” due to the dense trees and shrubs and the amount of birds they protect. According to the Chicago Park District website, this location is a nationally recognized birding location and it boosts the most diverse number of warbler species found in the Chicago area.

Walking through this sanctuary there are times when no other people are present and one forgets he is in a city populated by millions. It is amazing that animal life can adapt to urban environments and as long as they have habitat they can thrive even in the middle of one of our biggest cities.

American Goldfinch seeking refuge in the "Magic Hedge"

Spend a summer day at Montrose Beach and pick your outdoor activity. There is something to do here for everyone from just lounging on the beach to taking a kayak out on Lake Michigan.

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