Sculpting nature
At most museums, you would undoubtedly get kicked out for riding a bike between the exhibits. You might even get banned for life. But at the Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park, visitors are encouraged to do just that. Nestled between the busy McCormick Boulevard and the north channel of the Chicago River, this two-mile "open-air museum" features scenic nature trails with more than 60 works of art scattered along the way.
Twenty-five years ago, this neglected piece of land was an eyesore. The village of Skokie wanted to make it into a recreation area, while a group of community members proposed creating a sculpture park. Rather than choose one or the other, these two entities combined their ideas, and in 1988 the deserted land was transformed into what it is today.
Visitors can park in one of three lots along McCormick Boulevard. Start on the north end and work your way south, but remember to double the distance you walk (or bike) one way if you plan to return to your car - a four-mile round trip if you want to see the whole thing. One notable sculpture in the first section is "La Souterraine" by Robert Smart. The artist made casts of people's faces, interviewed them and took their pictures at an art festival in the namesake village in France. The result is 16 cast iron faces set atop steel posts, which the artist says creates an "indelible memory of a shared event."
A little farther south is Joseph Eisenhauer's "Revival," a large abstract piece made of steel and painted a bright red. Nearby, keep your eye out for "Baile de Alacran" (Dance of the Scorpion) by Ted Garner, a whimsical piece that resembles a wire bench with large claws and a tail.
Also unlike traditional museums, this one encourages visitors to touch and interact with the sculptures. (However, this does not mean climbing on them, as tempting as that may be.) In particular, Andy Zimmerman's "Inside Plant" invites visitors to crawl underneath the plantlike structure and view the surrounding environment from within.
As you move on, don't get discouraged if you don't see any sculptures for a few minutes. Each section houses around 15 to 20 pieces, with lots of grass, trees and views of the river in between. Each sculpture is marked by a post with the artist's name and title of the work; those looking for more in-depth information can download the self-guided tour from the Web site (sculpturepark.org) to bring along. On Sunday, Oct. 26, catch a guided tour of the southernmost section at 1 p.m., led by a volunteer docent.
There are lots of opportunities to make a pit stop along the way. Take a shopping break at the Lincolnwood Town Center (3333 W. Touhy Ave., Lincolnwood), or stop at Dengeos (see related article) for a bite to eat. There are also picnic tables near the parking areas, or feel free to spread out a blanket next to your favorite sculpture for a nap or romantic picnic.
Before you leave, don't miss the colorful "Goat" by Chicago sculptor Jerry Peart, "Apple Rocket" by Rob Lorenson and Ted Gall's colorful running horses known as "Charger I and II."
Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park
McCormick Boulevard between Dempster Street (north) and Touhy Avenue (south), Skokie
Hours: Dawn to dusk year-round
Admission: Free
While you're there
Where to eat
Dengeos, 3301 W. Main St., Skokie, (847) 677-7911, dengeos.com: A step above standard fast food, this Chicagoland original serves up cheap and tasty gyros, Italian beef, Chicago-style hot dogs and other artery-clogging favorites.
L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge, 7110 N. Lincoln Ave., Lincolnwood, (847) 677-3350, lwoodsrestaurant.com: Another local favorite, this cozy log cabin of a restaurant has something for everyone. Try the flatbreads, salads, steaks, or come in on Fridays for fried lake perch.
Things to do
Old Orchard Shopping Center, 4999 Old Orchard Center, Skokie, (847) 674-7070, westfield.com/oldorchard: It's like Woodfield, but outside! Visit your favorite shops at this upscale mall, including the Apple Store, Forever 21, Lucky Brand Jeans and dozens more. Dining options include California Pizza Kitchen, McCormick & Schmick's and The Cheesecake Factory. There is also a movie theater.
Skokie Sports Park - Adventure Golf, 3459 Oakton St., Skokie, (847) 674-1500, skokieparkdistrict.org: Who doesn't like mini golf? Embark on the Traveler's Quest 18-hole course, which transports golfers to a different part of the world at every hole.