The lakefront south of the Museum Campus continues in Burnham Park, with the lakefront running path, beach areas, and the Soldier Field stadium complex. The 12th Street Beach is the closest swimming beach to the South Loop residential neighbourhood and is significantly less crowded than the north-side beaches.
The Northerly Island park, created from what was briefly a commercial airport, now operates as a nature area and concert venue, with prairie plantings and views back toward the downtown skyline from a low peninsula in the lake. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra's outdoor summer series (SummerDance) and other outdoor concerts use the Northerly Island venue through summer.