Swamp Sparrow, photo: Eric Gyllanhaal
American Kestrel, photo: Eric Gyllanhaal
Female wood duck with ducklings, photo: Eric Gyllanhaal
Columbus Park is a National Historic Landmark and is considered the masterpiece of Jens Jensen, now known as dean of Prairie-style landscape architecture.
Included within its large area are a winding lagoon, a small woodland, two waterfalls, stratified stonework and a marsh.
These varied features draw a good variety of migrants, including Virginia Rails, numerous warblers (including Prothonotary and Mourning) , herons, hawks (including Red-Shouldered), nesting wood ducks, and sparrows.
A particularly good place to see birds is along the small stream at the back of the island, along the flagstone path, past the waterfalls and native plantings.
Online Resources
Nature in Columbus Park - website with field guides
Nature in Columbus Park FaceBook group - a fairly active group with regular updates
Details for Visiting
Park hours - 6 am- 11 pm daily.
Address: 5701 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60644
Located on the far west side of Chicago, along the Eisenhower Expressway and the border of Oak Park.
A typical visit takes about 1- 2 hours of strolling.
Free parking is available within the park from Jackson Boulevard, just west of the refectory building and east of the golf course; about a block east of Austin. During Stay-in-place the parking lot has been closed occasionally, in which case you can park along Austin Boulevard and walk in past the golf course.
Public Transportation - Columbus Park is located about 1 block north of the Austin Blue Line stop.
Within the park there is a bird and butterfly sanctuary, small golf course, a refectory, a field house, a dog park, playing fields, fishing, and more.
Give Back
Stewardship events are held regularly; check the Nature in Columbus Park Facebook group for updates.
Header photo by Eric Gyllanhaal