Hours Notes
Natural areas are open from dawn to dusk daily.
Description
Park 566, also known as "USX," is a 70.28 acre park space that was once the site of U.S. Steel's South Works facility. This area is currently undergoing a major restoration process in which activities include herbiciding and hand-cutting invasive plants, mechanically removing weed trees, conducting controlled burns, mowing, seeding, and installing native plants, shrubs, and trees that are suitable for prairie and savanna habitats. The resulting natural area will provide wildlife habitat and a place for people to explore and enjoy nature along Chicago's southern lakefront.
Connectivity is one of the most important considerations in any park development project. As situated, the project site is part of the Chicago Lakefront system of parks that form a greenway of public open space visited annually by millions of people. The eventual trail system at Park 566 will combine multi-use paths with less formal woodchip trails to form a network that not only highlights the site’s natural elements, but also connects it with Rainbow Beach Park to the north, Steelworker’s Park to the south, and Lake Shore Drive to the west.
Help keep wildlife wild, safe, and healthy by following posted signage and Natural Areas Rules and Regulations.
History
The Chicago Park District and the City worked together for years to acquire more lakefront property. The City acquired some former USX (United States Steel) lakefront property in two stages. The property is located on the lakefront between the 79th Street and 85th Street in the South Chicago Community Area. Over 70 acres were transferred from the City to the Park District in 2011 and 2014. The park is located just south of Rainbow Beach Park.
Parking/Directions