Chicago is never quiet, but it feels like March is when the city really comes alive. Whatever the weather, you can guarantee that thousands of people will flock downtown to witness dyeing the Chicago River green in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.
This month’s calendar features a natural area in the South Side Irish stronghold of Bridgeport. Palmisano Park is a 26-acre park with an interesting past. For 130, years it served as Stearns Quarry mining limestone. Then, it became a landfill.
Today, Palmisano Park is a natural oasis with views of the Chicago skyline. More than 1.5 miles of paths meander through the park traversing prairie, aquatic, and wetland habitats. The quarry is now a pond where families gather to fish and spot turtles.
Where do you like to welcome spring?
Jessica Mlinaric founded Urban Explorer in 2010 to inspire curious travelers by highlighting history, culture, and hidden gems in Chicago and beyond. She is the author of ‘Secret Chicago’ and ‘Chicago Scavenger,’ and she has contributed to several travel guidebooks. Jessica has visited 20+ countries and 30+ U.S. states. She has more than 16 years of experience as a marketing strategist and works as a freelance writer and photographer.
