MONTROSE POINT BIRD SANCTUARY

The Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary is an oasis in the city, both for North Side residents and the migratory birds that use this area as a rest stop. Many people head to that northern part of Lincoln Park to sunbathe at Montrose Beach, play soccer at the fields near Cricket Hill, or hop on a boat at Montrose Harbor, but there’s more to see at the easternmost edge.

The familiar concrete steps outline Montrose Point and on warm, summer days, you’ll see people fishing, dogs splashing in the water, and picnic blankets dotting the cement. The steps abut a narrow border of prairie plants, tall and colorful, and beyond that, in the center of the point, is a densely wooded area. The northern edge features a long concrete pier that stretches into Lake Michigan (a great place to take photos of the skyline) and dunes along the water. The variety of plants and natural features make Montrose Point a welcoming place for many types of birds. According to the Lake-Cook Audubon Society, more than 300 species of birds have been recorded in this 15 acre sanctuary!

Whether you want to take a stroll with your binoculars to try to spot some rare birds or you are looking to disappear from city life for a bit on wooded trails, this gem of the Chicago Park District should be on your “must-visit” list.