Friends of the Chicago Portage

Chicago owes its very existence to the location of the Chicago Portage. The first European explorers, Jolliet & Marquette, discovered the Portage in 1673. It provided an easy connection between the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico by linking Lake Michigan with the Mississippi River.

Since that time nearly every site of Chicago's origin's has been destroyed. The remains of Fort Dearborn are buried under three layers of Wacker Drive, the Portage Trail is completely paved over, old Mud Lake is now the site of the world's largest sewage treatment plant. The Chicago Portage National Historic Site is the only major remnant of the discovery and settlement of Chicago.

One of only two National Historic Sites in Illinois
T he Chicago Portage National Historic Site is the only place where you can stand on the same ground walked upon by all the explorers, early settlers and creators of Chicago. The late Tribune columnist John Husar, after touring the site called it: "Our sacred ground". It is certainly Chicago's "Plymouth Rock".

Tours are approximately a 1/2 mile in length on a gravel path through the woods and take about one and a half hours. Wear long pants and walking shoes or boots. All tours are free and open to the public. Tours run rain or shine. Reservations for individuals are not required. Groups call 773-590-0710 for reservations.

Mission
Friends of the Chicago Portage promotes the historic interpretation, ecological restoration and appropriate development of the Chicago Portage National Historic Site through volunteer advocacy, public events and other projects that raise public awareness of its history and significance.