Situated at McCormick Blvd, Skokie, IL 60076, USA, Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park is one of the most scenic drives on our list, and it’s also a great place to take an afternoon stroll. The Skokie bank off North Shore Channel drainage canal beside McCormick Boulevard had been an eyesore for decades until it was transformed into this sensational linear park that you will not want to miss. This sculpture park, a collaboration between the Village of Skokie and Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Chicago, has resulted in dozens of sculptures that engage visitors as they stand beside the channel.
The community of Skokie has been trying for several years to get rid of land along McCormick Boulevard and the north channel within their village that runs through it. This area, which was once utilized as farmland but had fallen into neglect by the mid-1980s, became an eyesore, among other things such as trash lining river banks or vacant lots filled with weeds since nobody could use these spaces properly without proper maintenance. This is due mainly because they were owned not just by Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Greater Chicago (MWRD); the Nature Conservancy also reserved all physical properties within 1000 feet proximity – including beaches where one would expect.
The people of Skokie had a vision for this land. They wanted it to be an environmental sanctuary and recreational park, with biking paths and picnic areas. But Metropolitan Water Reclamation District came up with their plan; they proposed turning the area into one big sculpture garden – more than 20 pieces by artists like Warhol or Picasso would someday stand proud on display there And while some might think these sculptures are just too large scale (and expensive) when you consider all art is meant not only aesthetically pleasing but also educational.
The collaboration between these three entities evolved into the beautiful scenery called Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park, Inc. The village cleaned and landscaped the area to create parking lots and avenues for pedestrians with benches along them to make it easier for visitors who come from near or far just wanting some peace-time relaxation.
The sculpture park is surrounded by beautiful landscaping, lawns, and slowly maturing trees. The North Shore Channel Trail provides easy access to the four sections of this beach park arranged across four areas for your enjoyment. The park has a variety of styles and materials, with works by leading international sculptors. One section is made up entirely of sculptures created locally at high schools – it’s an incredible display.
Emily Oaks Nature Center
Greater Chicago Roofing – Skokie