Some of the most beautiful urban parks in the United States can be found in Chicago, and with over 600 parks within the city’s borders, there is guaranteed to be one that satisfies whatever recreational activities you choose to partake in. From massive urban green spaces to beautiful lakefront esplanades, Chicago’s parks have something for everyone. Here’s a guide to ten of our favorite parks found throughout the city.
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500-5700 N. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60614
Stretching more than six miles along Lake Michigan’s shoreline from Streeterville to the far north side Edgewater neighborhood, Lincoln Park is Chicago’s largest public park, encompassing nearly 1,200 acres of diverse greenspaces and recreation areas. This park is brimming with both things to do and see, including a free Zoo, a botanical conservatory, and some of the most beautiful vantage points of the Chicago’s skyline found in the city.
331 E. Randolph St. (Columbus Drive) Chicago, IL 60601
Chicago’s unofficial front yard, Grant Park, covers an area of over 300 acres bounded by the Loop and Lake Shore Drive. The park is home to several of Chicago’s most famous attractions such as Buckingham Fountain, The Museum Campus, and “The Bean”. Grant Park also plays hosts to major events like the Taste of Chicago and Lollapalooza.
One of the most popular areas of Grant Park is the park within a park known as Millennium Park. This award winning greenspace was added as an addition to Grant Park in 2004 and boasts some of the most visited attractions in Chicago. Millennium Park is also well known for its free events such as the summer long Millennium Park Music Series.
6401 S. Stony Island Ave. Chicago, IL 60637
Covering the Eastern portion of the south side’s Woodlawn community area is Jackson Park, another lakeside gem in a city full of them. Designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed New York’s Central Park, the park covers 551 acres and features several notable points of interest such as the beautiful Garden of the Phoenix and The Museum of Science and Industry, two of the last remaining vestiges from when Chicago hosted the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.
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1425 N. Damen Avenue Chicago, IL 60622
The small but alluring Wicker Park, from which the neighborhood was named, serves as a perfect reminder as to why community green spaces are so important. The park features several community sustaining fixtures such as public gardens, playgrounds, sports facilities, and more.
In the summer, Wicker Park also hosts several popular local events such as movies, concerts, and a farmer’s market.
2700 S. Halsted St. Chicago, IL 60608
The 27-acre Palmisano Park in Bridgeport was once a limestone quarry and landfill, but has now transformed into a vast outdoor space that features wetlands, preserved rock formations, and an elevated hill at the center that provides breathtaking views of Chicago’s gorgeous skyline.
Palmisano Park first opened in 2009, and stands as a testament to how competent urban reclamation and planning can transform neighborhoods.
1440 N. Humboldt Boulevard Chicago, IL 60622
One of Chicago’s largest community parks is Humboldt Park, a place that brings people from all over the city together to enjoy its natural beauty and unique attractions. The park’s centerpiece is the beautiful Humboldt Park Lagoon, surrounded by walking and biking trails.
People also take part in the park’s many other attractions such as Humboldt Beach and Little Cubs Field, a miniaturized version of Wrigley Field. Humboldt Park also hosts several cultural events that take place throughout the year, like the Latin Jazz Festival and the Puerto Rican Fest.
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100 N. Central Park Ave. Chicago, IL 60624
To the southwest of Humboldt is its sister park, Garfield Park, which also provides a similar range of attractions that Chicagoans revel in year round. One of the park’s most impressive installations is Garfield Park Conservatory, one of the largest plant conservatories in the United States.
The conservatory features an impressive collection of plants from around the world divided into their respective biomes like rare tropical species, and various types of desert cacti. Other features of the park include its multiple sports fields, playgrounds, art installations, and the Gold Dome Fieldhouse that hosts an assortment of community centered programs and events.
5531 S. King Dr. Chicago, IL 60615
Washington Park is another park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, and has played an important part in the development of the surrounding community over the years. Offering over 345 acres of recreational space in the eponymous Washington Park community area, the park features attractions such as an aquatic center, sculptures, and the DuSable Museum of African American History, which highlights the history and social contributions of African Americans.
1521 S. Linn White Dr. Chicago, IL 60605
Northerly Island is a unique urban nature sanctuary located on a man-made peninsula jutting into Lake Michigan. Designed by the famous Chicago urban planner Daniel Burnham, Northerly Island entices visitors with its stunning skyline, while also functioning as a thriving ecosystem for migratory birds and other wildlife.
On the northern section of the peninsula is The Northerly Island Pavilion, which hosts dozens of concerts and events that run from late spring to early fall each year, and provides one of the most scenic backdrops for live performances in the city.
2021 N. Burling St. Chicago, IL 60614
Last up on our list is Oz park, named after author and former Chicago reporter L. Frank Baum’s immensely famous novel “The Wizard of Oz,”. Located in Lincoln Park (the neighborhood),The park serves as a charming gathering space for the community, and provides the surrounding neighborhood with activities such as playgrounds, athletic facilities, community gardens, and more.
Some of the most famous attractions at Oz Park are its statues of beloved characters from “The Wizard of Oz,” spread across its 14 acres, including Dorothy, the Tin Man, and the Scarecrow.
Chicago’s park network exemplifies the city’s commitment to preserving green spaces and providing residents and visitors with beautiful and accessible outdoor areas. With a diverse variety that includes expansive iconic landmarks like Grant and Lincoln Park, and the serene urban nature sanctuaries found at Jackson Park and Northerly Island, there’s almost certainly a park in Chicago for every recreational taste and interest.
Bring Essentials: Don’t forget sunscreen, water, and snacks, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors.
Plan Your Visit: Some parks, like Millennium Park and Grant Park, can get crowded during events, so plan your visit accordingly.
Venture Beyond the Main Attractions: Many parks have hidden gems like quiet trails, gardens, and lesser-known historical markers that are definitely worth exploring.
Always Respect the Environment: Help keep the parks clean by disposing of trash properly and being mindful of the local flora and fauna that make many of these parks their homes.
With these tips in mind, we encourage you to go out and explore as many of Chicago’s parks as possible. Which one will you visit first?
