On a hot day in Chicago, the beaches and parks are always crowded with people enjoying the sunshine. However, in the middle of the picnickers, swimmers, sunbathers, and boaters at Montrose Beach, there is shady piece of solitude.

It’s hard to take a vacation during a pandemic, so many of us are looking close to home for places where we can get away. The ultimate socially distant trip in 2020? A solo backpacking overnight only a few hours from Chicago without crossing state lines!

Looking to get an escape from city life for an afternoon? There are great outdoor spaces close to Chicago where you can stretch your legs, soak up the sunshine, and relax in nature. Whether you want to take public transportation to a green space within the city limits or are willing to drive a few hours to get away, there’s a great spot for you!

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.