Horner Park Natural Area
Featuring over a half-mile of trails along the Chicago River, The Horner Park Natural Area is 13 acres of restored prairie land and oak savanna that provides a calming oasis in the center of a bustling city with an abundance of native wildlife, butterflies, and migrating birds.
The Horner Park Natural Area extends for over one half mile along the western shore of the Chicago River from Irving Park Rd. north to Montrose Ave. Providing direct boating and fishing access to the river, a network of trails meander through 13 acres of restored prairie land and an oak savanna. The restoration is the culmination of a partnership between the Chicago Park District and the US Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) to stabilize the river bank and provide greater public access to the river for recreational purposes. The $6.4 Million project was completed in 2018 and included over ten thousand native plants and trees.
Ongoing maintenance is provided by the park district and volunteer efforts by the Horner Park Advisory Council (HPAC) and Friends of the Chicago River. After devastating storms and flooding damaged the riverfront trails this summer, HPAC requested and received capital funds from the park district to rebuild and improve the trail network. Work was completed in December 2023 with the rebuilt trails looking exceptional and ready again for patron use.
The trails are open 365 days a year from 6AM to 11PM but are not illuminated after dark. Check them out; they’re one of Chicago’s best kept secrets and you won’t be disappointed.
Jr. Stewards Activity Book
Becoming a Junior Steward is a wonderful way to learn more about Horner Park’s natural areas and how you can help protect them.
To become a Junior Steward, you must complete at least six activities in the Horner Park Junior Steward Activity Booklet. Copies of the Activity Booklet will be available at the Horner Park Farmers Market.
Alternately, you may print out a copy of the Activity Booklet below.
When you have completed the activities, return with your booklet to the Farmers Market table on any Saturday between 9am and 1pm, June through October, to be sworn in as a Junior Steward and receive your badge.
The Farmers Market is located near the intersection of Montrose and California.
Download a Full Page Booklet to Print
Download a Half Page Booklet to Print
Download a Half Page Booklet for Print for School Groups
What’s New with the Natural Area
