1/23/26 Weather-Related Alert: All outdoor ice rinks are closed. | The lakefront trail is closed from North Ave. to Ohio St., as are the underpasses at North Ave., Division St., Oak St., and Chicago Ave.. |The Jan. 23 Special Board of Commissioners meeting has been cancelled. | See information on Park District warming center sites here.
Ridge Park Wetlands Natural Area
Located in the Beverly community, Ridge Park Wetlands Natural Area is an approximately one-acre tract of native wetland. This serene patch of wetland provides an island of habitat for wildlife in the city. Explore this unique habitat from a boardwalk and mulched trails, allowing visitors to take in views of wetland plants and wildlife.
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.
The Chicago Park District acquired this low, wooded wetland site in 1992 in order to save it from destruction. Metra, the commuter rail service, had purchased the property in 1988, with the intent to pave it for parking. The Park District stepped in after a concerned neighborhood group, the Beverly Open Space Committee, requested that the valuable wetlands area be set aside as parkland. Officially named Ridge Park Wetlands in 1998, the wetlands shares its name with Ridge Park, located less than a block away.
For directions using public transportation visit www.transitchicago.com.