Montrose Point (Magic Hedge)

Montrose Point — known to locals as the Magic Hedge — is a wooded bird sanctuary at the tip of Montrose Point on the Uptown lakefront. It has long been documented as Chicago's most active outdoor gay cruising ground, with quiet activity along its dune paths and hedges, especially in warmer months. It sits on public Chicago Park District land: cruising itself is not illegal, but public-sex and park-curfew rules apply and the paths are unlit after dark. By day it is a genuine birding destination. Be discreet, mind posted park hours, and keep to public paths.