Location:
6379 South Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60649
Located Within:
Jackson (Andrew) Park
Features:
Dune
Hours Notes
Natural areas are open from dawn to dusk daily.
Description
The 63rd Street Beach Dunes contain approximately 12 acres of native dune and shoreline habitat located along Chicago’s southern Lake Michigan shoreline. The area is split across two sections on either side of the swimming beach. A paved path runs along the southeastern edge, turning toward the pier, as well as the southwestern edge, connecting to the pedestrian underpass to Jackson Park.
The most abundant native grass is marram grass, and a wide variety of wildflowers, grasses, small trees/shrubs thrive in this space as well, including prickly pear cactus and sea rocket. This natural area is used during migration seasons and provides habitat for over 200 species of birds, including ducks, owls, raptors, and several scarce species of migratory sparrows. Endangered or threatened species sighted include black-crowned night herons, least bitterns, piping plovers, and snowy owls.
In addition to maintenance conducted by the park district, 63rd St. Beach Dunes benefit from the dedication and hard work of volunteers who collect and scatter native seed, plant native species, pick up trash, monitor vegetation and birds, and remove invasive species. Learn more about volunteer opportunities by visiting our Community Stewardship Program page.
Help keep wildlife wild, safe, and healthy by following posted signage and Natural Areas Rules and Regulations. For questions regarding Chicago Park District Natural Areas, email nature@chicagoparkdistrict.com.
History
63rd Street Beach, located adjacent to historic Jackson Park along Chicago’s famous Lake Michigan waterfront, has transformed into a more ecologically-functional shoreline. Bordered and made iconic by the six-lane roadway of DuSable Lake Shore Drive, the entire length of the waterfront was designated as public open space through the Burnham & Bennett 1909 Plan for Chicago and continues to be treasured by Chicagoans and visitors. From 2001-2004, DuSable Lake Shore Drive adjacent to the 63rd Street Beach, underwent redesign and reconstruction. Landscape played an integral role in resolving technical issues, such as intercepting first-flush stormwater and the development of pedestrian under-pass access coordinated with the roadway. The landscape design also responded to the unique ecological and historic context of this area, simulating a back-dune landform ecology, and physically tying the beach to the Olmsted-designed Jackson Park to the west. A subsequent expansion of the ecosystem restoration area was installed in 2010, deepening the efficacy of both projects in establishing important dune habitat area along Chicago’s lakefront.