There may be lots of places to build bonfires, legally or usually otherwise, but you have to remember that when you build a fire on dirt or grass you permanently scar the land. That takes out the parks and forest preserves. The lakefront is the best place anyway, but cruising cops on the main beaches and nearby buildings along more secluded spots like Pratt Beach rule them out. But located among the giant maze of Montrose Harbor, Montrose Beach, the Magic Hedge and make-out point are several spots where you can build small fires on the mass of hidden, hard cement rocks. Two of the most hypnotic sights known to man are the sound of waves or running water and the sight of a moving, dancing flame. Add to this the great Chicago skyline and the sway of Lake Michigan and you’ve got a night of romance like nothing else. But if you get caught, don’t tell them who told you about it.
Best of Chicago 2005 was written by Dave Chamberlain, Brian Hieggelke, Melissa Lane, Tom Lynch, Ray Pride, David Witter, Michael Workman
With additional contributions by Mike Barr, Ted C. Fishman, Jessica Herman, Adrienne Hill, Mary Susan Littlepage, Nina Metz, Kathy O¹Neill, Trish Smith