“Map Lake Michigan,” is a collaboration with Drink Tank, Goose Island Beer Company, and the Alliance for the Great Lakes to raise awareness for our city’s greatest resource: Lake Michigan. The campaign kicked off with an event made possible by Goose Island’s Migration Week. More than 50 Chicagoans from neighborhoods across the city joined us for Drink Tank, a “recreational think tank” at Moosejaw in Lincoln Park to learn about Lake Michigan and collaborate in creative ways to help to protect it.

Why maps? Because through a creative placemaking exercise we can help the Alliance for the Great Lakes better understand what Chicagoans value most about the lake. The anecdotes, landmarks, and places that emerged over the course of the evening were full of insights and helpful information that will help shape the way the Alliance shapes its outreach efforts.

How did we do it? Small teams created map of the lakefront from memory (using prompts such as “winter,” “kids,” “social,” “nature,”and “hiddens gems” as a guide). Each team presented back to the Alliance, guiding us through their most important spaces and places.

We also asked guests to write a personal “Dear Lake Michigan” letter as a way to gain additional insights. After the Drink Tank we translated these letters into the digital storymap below.

And now it’s your turn. Put your story on the map!  Just about every Chicagoan has a favorite story about the lake, and we want to hear yours. Send your letter by filling out this handy google form, or email your answers to alliance@greatlakes.org.

MAP LAKE MICHIGAN - Storymap

More about this Party with a Purpose™

Drink Tank and Goose Island have teamed up export Chicago’s spirit of collaboration and kickstart local conversations in communities across the country. So far we’ve redesigned lobster traps in Portland, ME, and gotten creative with green infrastructure in Oakland, CA. With each “Party with a Purpose” we pair local conversations with good beer to help solve problems. Next up, we’re headed to Madison, WI for an event that will bring the farm to the table and the bar to a gallery. Read more about our migrations’ season here.