A Postcard from the Moss: September 2024

Horner Park Natural Area

I love sending postcards when I travel, so once a month I share photos with a postcard-length blurb about a place I’ve recently visited.

Everyone should have a local park, a place where they can go take a deep breath in nature. Mine is Horner Park, specifically the restored natural area along the North Branch of the Chicago River, which is an easy walk from my front door.

Steps down to the river on the northernmost end of the park

Late summer is my favorite time to walk the wood-chipped path along the river. The prairie plants are at their tallest, the trees are lush and green, and the shoreline hums with insects, birds, and the occasional kayaker. From the middle of the park, it’s easy to forget that I’m in a city.

I’m always surprised by how few people I run into there, especially considering the busyness of the rest of the park. I can hear voices calling out serves on the tennis courts, dogs yipping as they race around their off-leash enclosure, and an ever-present rumble of cars passing by. But I can’t see any of that activity.

After living in a city for awhile, your brain learns to tune the background noise out, so standing on the riverbank feels like a moment of quiet (even if a decibel reader would disagree). Sure, I’d prefer miles of solitude in the woods when I need to de-stress, but staring out at the river does the trick in a pinch.

How to visit:

Located on the north side of Chicago, Horner Park is a neighborhood park that is accessible by public transportation. The Francisco Brown Line stop is less than half a mile away and the park is bordered by the 78 Montrose bus and the 80 Irving Park bus. In addition, there is a small parking lot on N California Avenue. Bathrooms and water are available in the fieldhouse.

A view that almost makes you forget you’re in a major city