Curious about how Chicago reshaped its lakefront? Then you’ve come to the right place. Welcome to Burnham Shores Park. This park is more than just green space. It embodies Chicago’s ambition and architectural vision.
Burnham Shores Park stretches six miles along Lake Michigan. It connects Grant Park to Jackson Park. The park is named after Daniel Burnham. He was the architect and urban planner who proposed its creation in 1909. Burnham’s vision was published in his 1909 Plan of Chicago. The plan included parkland and five islands off the shore. Only one island was constructed. It is known today as Northerly Island.
The story of Burnham Shores Park begins with the 1909 Plan of Chicago. Burnham proposed linear parkland on imported fill extending into Lake Michigan. In 1911, the South Park Commission acquired property south of Grant Park. This area became the setting for the Field Museum. By 1919, the shoreline was stabilized. Landfill was imported. Much of the area remained unimproved at the time.
Northerly Island was created by 1925. Soldier Field was completed a year later. Ground was broken for Lake Shore Drive. The entire complex was named for Burnham in 1927. Burnham Park hosted the Chicago World’s Fair in 1933-34.
In the mid-1930s, the fairgrounds were removed. The Balbo Monument was saved. Laborers worked with Alfred Caldwell. They created Promontory Point. In the 1950s, Lake Shore Drive was relocated. This allowed for recreational activities. The U.S. Army leased land for a Nike missile defense system. It was removed in the 1960s. McCormick Place convention center was built in 1960. It burned and was replaced in 1971.
Lawrence Halprin realigned Lake Shore Drive in 1995. Peter Schaudt redesigned the landscape around Soldier Field in 2000. He added a topiary garden. He also added a play area on constructed landforms.
Burnham Shores Park now features recreational fields. It has two marinas. You can find sandy and rocky beaches. There is also a bird sanctuary. A segment of the 22-mile-long Lakefront Trail runs through the park.
Did you know that Burnham Park once hosted a missile defense system? During the Cold War, the U.S. Army maintained a Project Nike site here. These sites were in 40 U.S. cities. They were dismantled in 1971.
Burnham Park also has two harbors for boats. Burnham Harbor is next to the Museum Campus and Soldier Field. It has 1,120 docking facilities. The 31st Street Harbor opened in 2012. It has 1,000 floating slips.
In 1933, Italo Balbo landed on Lake Michigan. He led 24 flying boats. Benito Mussolini sent a Roman column to honor the event. It stands near Soldier Field.
Burnham Shores Park continues to evolve. The Chicago Park District is always working to improve it. They added 30 acres of parkland near Morgan Shoal.
So, as you explore Burnham Shores Park, remember its story. It is a story of vision. It is a story of planning. It is a story of transformation. Burnham Shores Park is a testament to Chicago’s commitment to its lakefront. It offers recreation. It offers natural beauty. It offers a place for everyone.