Come visit Chicago’s birthplace! Walk the paths originally traversed by Native Americans, famed explorers, and early settlers. Marvel at the 20-foot-tall monument depicting Father Marquette, Louis Jolliet and their native American guide landing their canoe. See the vital crossroads where French fur traders would “portage” their goods across a narrow marshy area separating the waters of the Great Lakes from those of the Mississippi River.
Free tours are available at 10am on the first Saturday of the month from May-November. Tours last about 90 minutes and involve walking half a mile along the gravel path through the woods. Due to the rustic natural setting of the portage and Mud Lake area, long pants and sturdy walking shoes are recommended attire.
- Location:Â 4800 Harlem Ave. Berwyn, IL 60402
- Information: (773) 590-0710
- Hours:Â Sunrise to sunset