Where Chicago’s waterways meet their overland history, Chicago Portage National Historic Site in Lyons preserves the route that connected the Great Lakes and Mississippi River watersheds. Its trails and natural habitats bring that story into an outdoor setting. For lodging information, visit Skylark Motel.
- Location: South Harlem Avenue, south of 47th Street, Lyons, Illinois.
- Typical opening pattern: Year-round, from sunrise to sunset.
- Admission: No admission fee or ticket requirement.
- On-site basics: Parking, trail access and an accessible portable bathroom.
Why the Chicago Portage matters
Chicago Portage matters because it connected waterways that flow toward the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River.
Following the lead of generations of Native Americans, Louis Jolliet and Jacques Marquette crossed the portage in 1673. The route’s transportation importance grew again when the Illinois and Michigan Canal opened in 1848, linking the portage with Chicago’s development as a transportation center.
The Forest Preserves of Cook County purchased the 50-acre site in 1921. It was dedicated as a National Historic Site in 1952 and is a unit of the National Park System, though it is not federally owned. The Forest Preserves owns and manages it.
What can you see at Chicago Portage?
You can see varied natural habitats, historic interpretation and outdoor viewpoints at the Chicago Portage site.
The Forest Preserves of Cook County describes the site’s habitats as open-water marsh, floodplain forest, woodland and savanna. Its stewardship work includes removing invasive species, enhancing native plants and prescribed burning.
The National Park Service identifies a statue, a scenic view and photo spot, and a trailhead among the site’s amenities. Nearby Portage Woods and Ottawa Trail Woods contain approximately 300 acres of forested area.
Access, paths and facilities
Chicago Portage has trail access, parking and an accessible portable bathroom, with paths suited to several outdoor activities.
The Forest Preserves of Cook County includes hiking and walking, bicycling, on-leash dogs and cross-country skiing among activities at the site. A section of the Salt Creek Trail System runs through the site and includes an unpaved loop. Across the larger system, paved and unpaved trails have an estimated total length of 16.4 miles.
Portage Woods has natural-surface trails, scenic overlooks, cultural interpretation signage and connections to the Salt Creek Trail System. For a broader look at getting around the area, see how to get around Chicago from the Midway area.
How do you get to Chicago Portage from the Midway area?
The entrance is on South Harlem Avenue, south of 47th Street, in Lyons, Illinois 60402. From Skylark Motel, the site is about a 16-minute drive.
Plan your visit around the entrance location and the site’s sunrise-to-sunset opening pattern. The Forest Preserves of Cook County manages the site; check the official site before you go for current access details. Pair the outing with another local park visit: what to know before visiting Cornell Square Park.
FAQs
Who manages Chicago Portage National Historic Site?
The Forest Preserves of Cook County owns and manages the site. It is also part of the National Park System.
What activities are allowed at the site?
Activities include walking, hiking, bicycling, cross-country skiing and bringing dogs on leash.
Is Chicago Portage National Historic Site free to visit?
No admission fee or ticket requirement is indicated for the site.