It is the site of the Adler Planetarium, the Huntington Bank Pavilion (a semi-temporary concert venue), the Northerly Island Natural Area, the 12th Street Beach and numerous art installations.

[3] The initial plans that led to the construction of Northerly Island were inspired by the 1893 Columbian Exposition, which saw the significant expansion of Jackson Park.

By 1916, Edward H. Bennett, co-author of the Plan of Chicago, wrote that a lakefront location would be most suitable for an airport serving the central business district.

By 1922, Chicago Mayor William Hale Thompson recommended locating the downtown airport at Northerly Island.

A short time later in 1930, the Adler Planetarium was built; and in 1933–34 the island was at the center of festivities at the "Century of Progress" World's Fair.

Taking part in the Century of Progress Exposition, 24 Italian Savoia-Marchetti S55X flying boats, under the command of General Italo Balbo, make the first transatlantic formation flight between Italy and Chicago.

Local publishing mogul Merrill C. Meigs supported earlier recommendations for converting Northerly Island into an airport, but construction did not begin for numerous reasons, such as lack of funds during the Great Depression and WWII.

[8] Daley defended his actions by claiming it would save the City of Chicago the effort of further court battles before the airport could close.

He claimed that safety concerns required the closure, due to the post-September 11 risk of terrorist-controlled aircraft attacking the downtown waterfront near Meigs Field.

During the winter months, the Chicago Park District hosts Polar Adventure Days, allowing parents to bring their children and experience nature in ways that would normally not be possible for those living in a city environment.

On these Polar Adventure Days, the Park District offers free snowshoe rental (when there are 3 or more inches of snow) and cross country skiing, as well as a host of indoor activities in the Northerly Island Visitors Center.