McCormick Place Bird Sanctuary - Click Around Chicago

McCormick Place Bird Sanctuary

31st and LakeShore Drive
Chicago IL, 60631
Phone:

Built in 2003, the McCormick Place Bird Sanctuary in Burnham Park became the Park District's fourth bird sanctuary on Chicago's lakefront. The 6-acre sanctuary contains two prairies, shrub and woodland habitat, and a freshwater stone birdbath. Together, these habitats provide food, resting places and shelter for some of the millions of birds that migrate along Chicago's lakefront every spring and fall.

More Info

General Info

Speciality: Bird Sanctuary
Neighborhood: Bronzeville
Parking: McCormick Place Lakeside Center
Walking: Visitors can also walk or ride their bicycles south from the Museum Campus along the Lakefront Trail.

The prairie at the north end of the sanctuary was built on top of an underground parking garage. The wildflowers and grasses selected to grow on top of the roof are ones with fibrous spreading roots such as aster and goldenrod that can adapt to the shallow 18-24 inches of soil over the garage. A wooden overlook with interpretive signage on the east side provides views into the prairie and a fence keeps people and dogs from disturbing the birds.