The 50 best public squares in Chicago

I actually spent time at the beach there for sunrise and sunset! Beautifully kept grounds, very serene and peaceful with great views of the city and ocean! (lake? Ehh?) Check the pie app for the sunset bonfires on Friday night with Roman!

The culture center event was great each entainer was very good. Food truck were fast and delicious Josephine Nachos were a hit. The smoothies were top notch. October London was last and a delite to wait for as the last singer. 🎉

Gorgeous grounds etc. Our family were interested in the building, history, & architecture. Unfortunately, we were politely but actively discouraged from checking out the public building & restaurant by a woman who worked there who overly encouraged us to check the outdoor grounds we'd already seen. At one point she walked us towards the closed doors of the ballroom, took her keys out (to show our family the space, we assumed) only to lock said doors once we all arrived at them. :( Somebody ought to let her know the place is no longer a private, exclusive club.

Went in to show friends the beautiful facilities. Wonderful security guard took us into some of the locked rooms. It was beautiful! Very kind of her to give us a peak. She told us about the summer concerts that are held at the site. We will look into those events as we love this building. It is a paid parking lot, but the prices are cheap. I want to come back and walk the lakefront from this location. It is a popular wedding and event venue. The building is beautiful and well maintained. The grounds are gorgeous. Beautiful flowers during the summer.

Beautiful venue for a wedding. Great spacing for ceremony, waiting hallways, and reception.

We came for an afternoon string quartet concert that was part of the Chicago Symphony program. I had never been to the Art Center before. With a beach and golf course, it is quite a complex. Perfect for weddings and events. The building is very large and is in great shape, though it seems under used. If you can visit for an event, please do!

Love the beach, love the sanctuary and, love the golf. Seriously what more could you ask for!

Crown Fountain is an immense and captivating experience that strikes a truly unique chord in public art. This brilliant installation manages to balance serious artistic scale with a delightful sense of playfulness, making it appealing to visitors of all ages. The towering video screens, which showcase the faces of everyday Chicagoans, paired with the sudden cascade of water, create a powerful blend of thought-provoking art and pure, unfiltered fun. It’s an experience that invites both reflection and participation, encouraging you to appreciate the creativity while also letting loose and enjoying the interactive nature of the fountain. Beyond its artistic merit, Crown Fountain is also a beautiful landmark set against the backdrop of the Chicago skyline. Whether you’re walking through Millennium Park, sitting nearby to enjoy the ambiance, or simply stopping for a quiet moment of reflection, the fountain enhances the space with both vibrancy and tranquility. It’s something very different, and that’s precisely what makes it unforgettable—a true mix of art, culture, and joyful energy that captures the spirit of Chicago.

Beautiful and well thought attraction just steps away from cloud gate aka the bean at Millennium park. The fountain is dual-purpose the actual fountain where you can see kids and adults enjoy the fountain on a hot summer afternoon by soaking themselves. This is an interesting sight to see and never would have expected to see this. It was fun to watch. The next thing is that these tall towers of fountains have displays that feature expressions of faces and beautifully displayed. It's amazing to see that and fun to watch. This is a must-see, and make sure to stay away from the people soaking in the fountain as they could get you soaked as well !!

A wonderful spot for families and pet owners! The area is spacious, lively, and free to enter. Even with some buildings under renovation, it’s still a fun and relaxing place to walk around, take photos, and enjoy time together. Definitely pet-friendly and family-friendly!

Crown Fountain is one of the most creative and interactive attractions in Millennium Park, and it’s a must-see when visiting downtown Chicago. The fountain features two tall glass towers facing each other, displaying digital videos of Chicago residents’ faces. Every few minutes, water flows gently down the sides — and then, to everyone’s delight, sprays from the “mouths” of the faces in the video! It’s such a unique blend of art and fun, especially for kids who love splashing around on hot summer days. The reflection of the towers in the shallow water creates a beautiful effect, perfect for photography and relaxing by the edge. The area is clean, safe, and surrounded by trees and benches, making it a great place to cool off or just sit and enjoy the atmosphere. At night, the changing lights and videos make it even more magical. It’s also right next to Cloud Gate, so you can easily visit both in one stop. Whether you come to take pictures, play in the water, or admire the digital art, Crown Fountain captures Chicago’s playful and artistic spirit perfectly.

A unique and mesmerizing installation in Millennium Park that perfectly blends art and play. The two glass towers displaying digital faces are fascinating to watch and the water feature brings a joyful and refreshing energy especially on warm days. It’s a place where locals and visitors gather relax and take photos while enjoying the lively atmosphere of the park. Simple creative and full of character it captures the fun and artistic spirit of Chicago beautifully.

Crown Fountain in Chicago’s Millennium Park is a mesmerizing mix of art, water, and community. Two 50-foot glass towers project faces of locals that “spit” water into a shallow pool — a favorite spot for kids to splash and tourists to snap photos. It’s free, playful, and one of downtown Chicago’s most creative interactive landmarks.

The Crown Fountain is both playful and thought-provoking. Kids splash around while the animated faces on the towers surprise and entertain. A perfect blend of public art and summer joy.

A peaceful gem by the river in Chinatown! Ping Tom Memorial Park offers beautifully maintained landscaping, lush greenery, and a serene atmosphere. The view of downtown Chicago from the riverfront is simply stunning—especially at sunset. A perfect spot to relax, take a walk, or enjoy a quiet moment with nature in the city.

Some of the coolest views in the city can be seen from this park! I took pics to prove it! Fishing in the river here is also pretty good. Also... WATER TAXI

Really super awesome. Even though I’ve been to Chinatown several times I’ve never knew about this park what a hidden gem. Love it. Great place for a picnic or a date.

Beautiful park to explore. Had I come in the afternoon it would have been a great place for a picnic lunch.

Very nice size park and walking nature area., right on the river. Would highly recommend.

Ping Tom Memorial Park is a peaceful spot in Chinatown. It has a nice mix of nature and city views, with a beautiful pond and walking paths. It's perfect for a quiet stroll or just relaxing by the water. The park also has a lovely Chinese garden and is great for families, with plenty of space for picnics or playing. It’s a hidden gem in the city, offering a calm escape right in the heart of Chicago.

Some of the best views of the city! The water taxi drops you off right here, so we always start a trip to Chinatown with a stroll through the park.

Great place anytime of day, any season, but it's the best place in Chicago to catch a summer sunset: you get the lake, the colors, & a gorgeous stretch of the skyline to boot.

Had a 4th of July picnic here and we all had a great time. Tons of room to spread out and eat. The place has plenty of trees for shade and the 57th Street Beach is a short walk if you want to jump in the water for a bit. Parking can be a pain if you plan on going on a weekend day, but during the week it’s not so bad 👍

Thanks to my bike mate who recommended this place for rests and chats every time when we bike from downtown along the lakeside trail. Really enjoyed the breeze, the tides, and the sunset every time when we are here. Sitting on the rocks was not fun if you stay for too long (butt hurts) lol!

I spent an amazing evening at Promontory Point smoking cigars with friends by one of their bonfires. The views of the water/city/ were excellent. Not an insect was in sight and the groups in the park were all lovely people. There was a decent amount of parking in the lot (not free of course) and for this who ride their bike, the paths seemed very easy to traverse. I would happily go back on a trip to the South side

Most beautiful area to hang out, have a party, BBQ, ride a bike, watch sunsets!!!! Water is crystal clear!

Go to place on walks with my dog phoenix. Clean scenic serene.

Amazing views! Such a beautiful place in the fall!!!

One of the best art museums I’ve ever been to. The building and location was great, how the galleries were entering through each other was really interesting. Pro-tip: use their guide! It felt more than amazing to see a lot of Monet’s painting of one collection next to each other. And seeing Van Gogh’s brush stroke felt really special. My favorite artists that had their famous artworks in this museum were: Edward Hopper - Van Gogh - Monet - George Surat- Paul Cézanne - Whistler - Hammershoi Also, their lighting was really good. Their art shop was amazing! I bought beautiful postcards for 1.5 $ and a lot of fun items from different artists. I highly recommend visiting this museum if you’re in Chicago, and setting at least 3 hours of free time to enjoy with no stress and rush.

My Visit to the Art Institute of Chicago My visit to the Art Institute of Chicago was one of the highlights of my trip. It’s not just a museum — it’s a journey through centuries of global art and culture. The building itself is grand and beautifully designed, right next to Millennium Park, making it easy to find and explore. Inside, the collection is breathtaking — from American classics like Grant Wood’s “American Gothic” and Nighthawks by Edward Hopper, to masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, Picasso, and Rembrandt. Each gallery felt like stepping into a different era and part of the world. The Modern Wing was a personal favorite, showcasing stunning contemporary works in a bright, open space. The Impressionist collection is one of the best I’ve ever seen, with vivid colors and incredible detail that make you feel part of the painting. The museum staff were friendly and helpful, and the layout was easy to navigate even though the collection is vast. I also enjoyed a relaxing break at the Museum Café, overlooking the park. 📍 Tips for Visitors: • Book tickets online to save time. • Plan at least 2–3 hours (or more!) — there’s so much to see. • Audio guides and maps are very helpful for first-time visitors. • Don’t miss the gift shop for unique art-themed souvenirs. Overall, the Art Institute of Chicago is a world-class museum that beautifully captures the power of creativity and history. A must-visit for anyone coming to Chicago! 🖼️✨

We came here on a Bank of America sponsored day and luckily we have BOA accounts and we're let in for free! There's so much iconic art here. And it truly is a massive space - I tried to speed run the whole museum in 2 hours and only got through ~85% of it. Really appreciated all the curated works and how they organized each room/section, and their exhibits were also very special.

Wonderful place full of wonderful pieces of art. Retail shop and cafe Staff were super polite and helpful. This makes the experience more delightful. A bit crowded for my taste but, I did go on a Saturday and am in a big city. I included a couple photos of some miniature home creations. The detail and patients is superb.

During my last trip to Chicago I got the CityPass and visited this enormous museum on a Monday during summer. If you like to appreciate art this is your museum, it has lots of sculptures, paintings, photography, textiles, weapons armor, among others... from different cultures during impressionism and post-impressionism. If you have a tight schedule I recommend you to plan which pieces of art you want to see before visiting the museum, check the map, use the app. If you intend to cover all the museum in detail it would be almost impossible to do it in one day.

A Must-Visit for History & Art Lovers! This art museum beautifully showcases the history and cultures of various countries and ancient civilizations. The exhibits are thoughtfully arranged, and the ambience truly immerses you in the past. Each section is rich with historical references, making it a great place for anyone interested in literature, heritage, and art. The museum is well-maintained and organized, which enhances the overall experience. One of the most inspiring highlights here is the section dedicated to Swami Vivekananda’s historic speech, which adds a spiritual and motivational touch to the experience. It’s truly moving to stand in a place that reflects his message of unity, peace, and cultural pride. Do note that weekends can get a bit crowded, so visiting on a weekday is ideal if you prefer a quieter atmosphere. Overall, a wonderful place to learn, explore, and appreciate world cultures.

I visited here at 10 AM with a member who is a resident of Chicago. Members can visit early from 10 AM to 11 AM. If you have a friend or a family member who lives in Chicago and is a member, that is a great experience to learn what they like at the museum! There was a temporary exhibit at the museum for the drawing and prints room. I saw an Edward Munch lithograph of The Scream painting. I would recommend buying a ticket in advance and keeping the printout of your ticket or if you have it on your phone. They do require to see your ticket again to re-enter the museum if you go to the gift shop. I bought postcards to send to my family and will be writing out the postcards this afternoon. They also have nice insulated bags at the museum shop that you can use on your trip. There is an abundance of natural light in the lobby and many of the galleries. The only thing I have against this museum is that they charge for admission. I live in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and our Minneapolis Institute of Art does not charge for admission for any patrons.

The Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain is one of the most breathtaking landmarks in Chicago and truly the centerpiece of Grant Park. The fountain’s size and design are incredible — you can feel its elegance and history the moment you see the water start to rise. During the day, it’s a perfect spot to relax, take photos, or just sit and enjoy the view of the skyline in the background. At night, the fountain becomes even more magical, with colorful lights and music that make the entire area come alive. It’s especially beautiful around sunset when the light reflects off the water. The surrounding area is spacious, with plenty of benches and open lawns, making it ideal for a quiet stroll or a romantic evening walk. The fountain is also close to other major attractions like the Art Institute, the lakefront trail, and Millennium Park, so it’s easy to include it in any city tour. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this place is a must-see — a timeless symbol of Chicago’s beauty and charm.

This fountain is truly breathtaking and much larger than photos can capture. Nestled beside Lake Michigan and framed by the stunning Chicago skyline, it creates a picture-perfect setting that feels both romantic and serene. It’s the kind of place that invites you to pause, take a deep breath, and simply enjoy the moment. Perfect for reflection, a date, or even a quiet afternoon alone, it offers a little magic under the open sky. Packing a picnic and spending a few hours here is a wonderful idea. As one of Chicago’s most iconic landmarks, it carries a fascinating backstory you can read about online, and being the second-largest fountain in the world makes it even more impressive. On hot summer days, it’s a refreshing spot to cool down, and when the lights come on at night, the view is absolutely spectacular.

This fountain ⛲ is a must see while in Chicago. The water shoots up very high at intervals. The backdrop of the city scape is gorgeous. I highly recommend taking the time to visit this beautiful landmark. We were there around 10:00am on a weekday and there was no one else there. Wonderful experience!

This is a nice open space that is not far from the lake. Sometimes when I am on break from work, I like walking around this fountain. The fountain is beautiful. When the sun sets right you have a chance of seeing a rainbow, and a chance of getting drenched by the fountain. Haha. If you walk across the lake, there is a trail that allows you to walk alongside and see Lake Michigan in its beauty. If you walk far enough, you get to see all the docks, people jogging, and people riding bikes. Enjoy your stay.

Buckingham Fountain is a must-see in Grant Park. The fountain itself is stunning, especially when the water shows are running. Surrounded by city skyline views and Lake Michigan, it’s a great photo spot and a nice place to pause while exploring the area. Best enjoyed in the evening when it’s beautifully lit.

A true Chicago landmark — you can read the backstory behind why it exists online. And it’s the second largest fountain in the world. A great place to cool off on a hot summer day and a beautiful sight when the lights are in at night. I can’t help but hum Love and Marriage each time I walk or drive past it. Go see this. Skip throwing coins. This isn’t Rome.

Best time to visit this is at 6:05 PM, 7:05 PM , 8:05 PM . So that you can see full height water fountain. During night colorful lights makes it more beautiful.

Really nice. Great views of the city, nice open spaces with a lot of green space. Plenty of play areas for kids. Also water games. Also a mini golf, would’ve liked to do that if I had time. Don’t go there in the evening though if you’re not covered up. I got eaten alive by mosquitoes

This park is such a gem and truly one of the things that makes Chicago stand out compared to other big cities. It’s clean, safe, and never feels overcrowded, which makes every visit enjoyable and stress-free. The playgrounds are especially well thought out, with sections that have just one or two entrances, making it much easier for parents to keep an eye on their kids. The sheer size of the playground is impressive, with different areas designed for kids to run, climb, and play in a safe and fun environment. What’s great is that while there are plenty of activities available, from miniature golf to rock climbing, all of the playgrounds themselves are completely free, which makes it accessible for everyone. It’s the perfect spot for families, whether you’re letting the little ones burn off energy or just enjoying the calm, well-kept surroundings. The park’s cleanliness and peaceful atmosphere make it a place worth coming back to again and again.

Such a great park for kids! The slides near the rope bridge were a huge hit, and my kids couldn’t get enough of climbing on the whale and the lighthouse slide. Definitely a must if you’re downtown with little ones.

Needing a Solo date in the park ? Place to be ! Tennis players here is your area to shine ! Best place for kids many play areas.

Maggie Daley Park is a fun and energetic place that feels perfect for families and anyone who loves being outdoors. The playground areas are huge and creative, giving kids plenty to explore and enjoy. I especially liked the walking paths and open spaces, which make it easy to relax or take a casual stroll. The park is always clean and well-maintained, even when it gets busy. Overall, it’s a lively and cheerful spot that adds a lot of charm to the Chicago lakefront.

Best playground ever. I would love more playground like this one in USA. My kids had a blast.

We had a flight delay and ended up here for 40 mins. I want to go back to Chicago just to spend a day at this park. Beautiful

Garfield Park Conservatory is an absolute gem in the heart of Chicago! From the moment you walk in, you’re surrounded by lush greenery, vibrant blooms, and beautifully curated garden spaces. Each room offers something unique—from tropical rainforests to desert landscapes—and the attention to detail is truly impressive. It’s peaceful, educational, and a feast for the senses. Whether you’re a plant lover or just looking for a relaxing escape from the city, this place delivers. The staff is friendly and informative, and the conservatory is well-maintained. Best of all, admission is donation-based, making it accessible for everyone. Highly recommend spending a couple of hours here—it’s a great experience for all ages!

Such a lovely gem in Chicago! Reservations cost $10 and they have free parking. I went on a whim and was so glad that I did. Make sure to visit the outdoor area to get a nice little walk in. It is hot and humid in there so dress appropriately! Definitely recommend.

Beautiful rare big plants! I love it. Just the front entry under repair. We went around to get inside. For old couple and disable were so hard, but it worth it. It will be nice if they accommodate for seniors with make it easier to go inside and wonder around

I almost cried when I first walked in, surrounded by such a vast assortment of carefully adored plants. I guess I’m a huge plant nerd. Experiencing the quiet power of such a wide variety of life taking root to define the structure is a sensory adventure of sight, smell, and touch. The decades of history each species has absorbed stretches, curls, and unfurls all the way to the ceiling, encapsulating you within their world as welcome friends to curiosity. It’s a sacred space to experience small pieces of our enormous world through the outstretched leaves of creatures so much older than our imaginations quest to comprehend. If you look really closely the best parts of all can be the tiny moments of silliness sprinkled throughout; a tiny toy tyrannosaur peeking through fronds, a portly desert potted plant gazing back at you with its googly eye, a neon orange plastic giraffe posed as if perusing the well watered display for an afternoon snack. There’s enormous opportunity for education, particularly with regard to native flora and promotion of environmental care. Monarch butterflies, for example, are incredible yet endangered beings and their host plant, milkweed, grows in over 30 different beautiful varieties as their food source. Different plants are best suited for importantly different parts of our world, and people and pollinators deserve to appreciate and take part in our lived symbiosis. This is a wonder filled place for environmental reverence.

This was a very nice conservatory. It has a lot of property and what is inside is quality and very nice. It is also easy to get to if you are taking the Metra train with a station right at the conservatory. Also, they have their own parking lot and it was not busy during the week, so easy to park. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays though. There is a nominal fee to enter, but if you show proof you live in Chicago, it is free. Also, we are members of another garden and we got in free with reciprocal membership.

Fantastic conservatory on the south side of Chicago. It’s indoors, so you can go in the winter too. They have a wide variety of plants and flowers on display from around the world. The staff is very friendly and thy also have a gift and coffee shop.

As a professional wedding officiant with Forever Incredible, I’ve had the absolute joy of working at the Garfield Park Conservatory many times—and every visit leaves me more in love with this incredible venue. It’s hands-down one of my favorite spots in all of Chicago for elopements, intimate celebrations, and full-sized weddings alike. The beauty of the Conservatory is truly unmatched. Each space—from the Fern Room to the Palm House—has its own unique charm and ambiance, creating a lush, romantic backdrop for any ceremony. No matter the season, it's a vibrant, living oasis in the heart of the city. The staff is consistently kind, welcoming, and professional. They always greet me with a smile and make sure I know exactly where I’m headed. Their hospitality and care help set the tone for a relaxed and joyful celebration. If you’re looking for a venue that feels like a natural wonderland while still being in Chicago, the Garfield Park Conservatory is it. I’m always honored to officiate ceremonies there and can’t recommend it highly enough.

I had a wonderful time visiting Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago! 🌿🐾 It’s one of the oldest zoos in the country and the best part is—it’s free to enter. I loved how it’s beautifully set inside Lincoln Park with a mix of history, nature, and wildlife. From majestic lions and playful primates to the serene Nature Boardwalk, every corner felt engaging. The zoo is very family-friendly, easy to explore, and offers great city views along with close encounters with animals. Overall, it was a perfect blend of relaxation, learning, and fun in the heart of the city.

Lincoln Park Conservatory is one of our favorite spots in Chicago! It’s such a peaceful and beautiful place to visit any time of the year. The lush greenery, tropical plants, and seasonal flower displays make every visit feel special. We love that it’s free for residents all year round — a real hidden gem in the city! Always clean, relaxing, and perfect for a quiet walk or family visit. 🌿🌸

We purchased free tickets to reserve a time slot. We spent a longer time exploring the zoo that we were a half hour late for our time slot and was able to still go in and explore. For a chilly day in Chicago it was quite warm and inviting to get some reprieve. They were setting up one of the rooms for winter flowers and plants so we could only see so much but definitely worth the visit!

If you love flowers and plants, it's definitely worth a visit. The staff was friendly, and check-in was quick and easy. I booked my ticket online a few days before my visit.

My experience here was great, good for the little ones as well,however, now you have to reserve a spot. It's always nice to get a dose of a Caribbean/Tropical environment when you're in colder climates.

I loved all the plants and flowers in the conservatory. Everything was extremely well kept and clean. You should make a reservation before but it’s free. The print vending machine is also there and it’s definitely worth checking out!

Absolutely beautiful. Stopped by on a sunny Sunday afternoon, same day as the Chicago marathon. Laid in the grass staring at the wide array of exotic flowers and plants. Just breathe taking.

Really interesting cemetery on the north side of Chicago, just down the street from Wrigley Field. Some fascinating tombs and mausoleums throughout the graveyard. It’s a cool place to check out if you’re in the area 👍

Love love love! Beautiful cemetery! It’s so peaceful, so well maintained. Many old graves. I would always prefer nice cemetery over the park. It’s so quiet and soothing.

What an incredible cemetery! You are surrounded by Chicago history from architects (including Daniel Burnham and Louis Sullivan) to athletes (like Ernie Banks and Minnie Miñoso) and the rich and famous of Chicago history (like Marshall Field and Potter Palmer). It's a beautiful place to walk. We didn't spot any coyotes today.

I can't believe I've been living in Lakeview for so long and it took me years to finally make it to the Graceland Cemetery. I did a tour with Adam Selzer (which I highly recommend!) and the history and the stories behind the people were so interesting. The headstones and monuments themselves are also just incredible to look at. Will definitely come back to walk through and take it all in.

So many intricate statues and tombstones to take in. The grounds are well maintained, and it is a wonderful place to take a stroll. Plenty of trees for shade, plants/flowers, and other wildlife.

*coyote danger in cemetery to pet dogs* Graceland is beautiful and a lovely place to walk. It is a nature lover’s haven in uptown Chicago. I especially love the pond and that wildlife/wildflower area. However, there are multiple coyotes in the cemetery and while they are beautiful to look at from afar, be on the lookout for them if you are walking in the park with a small pet. I am always aware of my surroundings there and am always looking for the coyotes when walking with my dog. I see them at a distance every time I walk there with my dog and I have seen them all over the cemetery. Usually they have left us alone. This week (May 2025) while I walked my leashed, 45-pound dog, TWO coyotes ran up to us from a hiding spot below an hill while we were on Greenwood Ave walking toward the secondary entrance to the cemetery. The coyotes were angry and had their teeth bared and kept nipping close to my dog’s legs. I screamed for help and nobody was in eye sight of me and nobody could hear me over all their lawn movers cutting the grass. The coyotes came within 2-3 feet of me and my dog and were lurching at us for multiple minutes. It was very scary and there was nobody to help us. I screamed at them and kept walking backwards pulling my dog with me until they finally backed off and watched from afar. There were many dogs being walked in the cemetery that day and a lot of mowers, so maybe they felt threatened by all the noise and commotion and territorial, or perhaps because it is spring (mating season) maybe they had babies they wanted to protect. But we were on the paved path when they sprinted at us and did not provoke them in any way. Please be careful and look out for your pets when you are there. The coyotes were most interested in my dog, despite him being the same size as them if not larger, and less so me. We were very lucky, as I must emphasize there was no help for us in eye-shot or ear-shot when this happened.

Beautiful cemetery and very visitor friendly. Has a lovely visitors center with bathrooms, maps, and stickers. I really enjoyed visiting

I was walking along the lake when I stumbled upon a path leading to Northerly Island. The stroll was incredibly peaceful, offering lovely views of Soldier Field and the gentle ripples of the water. My favorite part was the stunning artwork some of the path. Check out the attached pictures! If you find yourself in the Chicago area and crave a refreshing walk or run surrounded by nature instead of buildings, this is the perfect spot!

When they do events here, don't miss it, best venue in Chicago hands down, the art, the vibe, and the lake breeze. It leaves nothing to be desired for a day out or a live music experience.

This venue was easily accessible from Route 41(Lake Shore Drive) and it was a short walk from the parking lot to the stage. The sound was great and the staff was friendly and welcoming. Lots of places to eat, grab drinks, and use the restrooms. Overall it was a very pleasant experience and I enjoyed it very much. 10/10 will visit again soon.

Great venue for events, nice beach nearby, and walking trails for enjoying the outdoors

Great venue to see a show. Not a bad seat in the place. The sound was good at the show I saw. The bathroom situation was decent, not much of a wait. It's location makes it a bit of a walk to get to, but doable.

I attended the Cookout concert today and was very unimpressed with the venue layout and the process for getting in. I showed up about 5 minutes before the concert started and the line was wrapped around at least .5 mile long. They were channeling everyone through two lines and a handful of security checkpoints. I get to the security guy and he tells me my 14” crossbody doesn’t fit in the box and I’ll have to check the bag for $10 🙄 I finally get it after missing half of the first act standing in line for 30 minutes and I have to walk a quarter mile just to get to my seat. I was thirsty so I bought a water which costs $7! Overpriced and inconvenient location- the trek alone took 30 minutes and signage to how to get there from the Metra station was non existent. At least offer complimentary rides to elderly guests if you’re charging $25 for drinks.

A wonderful place to walk or bike. The tranquility makes you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere though you can see the beautiful skyline of Chicago in the distant. The city is restoring the place to its original prairie habitat. It used to be an airfield which was used by executives of downtown companies and one night the mayor had it bulldozed. In the summer all the prairie wild flowers are blooming. Birds and butterflies are attracted to the place. The trail connects with the bike trail which goes up and down the lake front.

I did an in-home family session near Oz Park in June and it was the perfect location to go explore outside as a little break. Love the garden area so much!!

A super cute and small park. I loved walking around, trying to find the statues. The Emerald City Gardens were very inviting and a nice place to relax

Second visit here since being a mom. First was summer of 2023 with kid being 6 month old and we had relaxed on our mat. Now with them at 2.5 of age, we had so much more fun. We played in the playground, ran and did hide and seek and practiced balancing our bike. We will go there often now that kid is grown up enough to enjoy the variety.

This was a nice little park to stroll through. Especially if you want to feel nostalgic with some Wizard of Oz. There’s several locations throughout the park with statues of different characters from the show. Not to far from Lincoln Park Zoo.

Oz Park is a little slice of the Land of Oz right smack dab in the middle of Chicago. Also: there are tennis courts, a playground, and a baseball diamond.

Oz Park is such a charming and fun place to visit, especially for families. The Wizard of Oz theme makes it unique, with statues of Dorothy, the Tin Man, and other characters adding a magical touch. The playground is well-maintained and perfect for kids, while adults can relax in the beautiful garden areas. It’s a lovely spot to enjoy a sunny afternoon or take a peaceful walk.

Oz Park is such a charming and whimsical spot in the city! The Wizard of Oz theme gives it a fun and magical vibe, with statues of Dorothy, the Tin Man, and the Scarecrow scattered around. It’s clean, peaceful, and great for both kids and adults to enjoy a stroll or relax on the grass. The playground is fantastic, and there’s always a friendly community feel in the air.

This is a beautiful spot, but please DO NOT book your special event here until AFTER they are re-open to the public / done with the construction!!! I’ve been hearing stories from other photographers talking about how it was not communicated to them that there would still be construction supplies laid out, or that there would be way less mess than there really was. Unfortunately today, our intimate wedding group fell victim to this, as the whole pavilion area was pretty much unusable, which was not communicated to them. To top it off, the employee who was there to let us in (slightly heavy set, middle aged white guy), interrupted the entire wedding ceremony and SCREAMED at me for standing somewhere I shouldn’t have while taking photos. Which yes, my bad, this was a misunderstanding and I took a path I assumed was clear, but was not. Regardless, the way he reacted was as if I was ripping out plants and destroying the property or something, not an exaggeration. There are so many more respectful, graceful ways he could have gone about that, rather than damn near ruining the most important moment of this poor couple’s lives. He threatened to fine us/kick us out, despite no prior offenses from us. The bride was crying, everybody was flustered, and THEN accused us of trespassing on the way out (???) Absolutely ridiculous. There’s some huge faults in their communication they need to work out, along with (hopefully) suspending and re-training this dude who threw a tantrum because I was standing on a rock I shouldn’t have been. I wish I got his name, this was on 7/11/25. Insane.

Really cool place in Lincoln Park. Located behind the conservatory close to the Nature Museum. I got free parking close to the zoo. A wonderful way to escape the city and go for a walk, or just sit and relax. There is a small waterfall. The pond had so many lilies. Lots of wedding photographers around the central area. The pond is also home to turtles, fishes and some birds.

We had to change our wedding ceremony venue a week before our event back in June.....It took them 2-3 weeks to respond to our emails/calls about us walking the venue one last time to get an idea before our ceremony. The place is still under construction, the paths are all grown over, weeds everywhere, and not maintained. They claimed "We will clear it up before our event".. BS since they had a wedding ceremony that same day.. DO NOT BOOK AN EVENT THIS YEAR.

Closed for 2 years for WHAT? They rebuilt a tiny wooden structure that should have taken a month to complete (easily finished off season). Meanwhile the rest of the area looks like crap, the worst condition it's been in since i started spending lots of time here ten years ago. Everything is overgrown, the entire pond is covered in scum and algae, they closed one of the paths, no idea why, and it looks like nobody has given any maintenance to it in 3 months or more. Yes, they've managed to shut down a space for two years and actually make it much WORSE, in true chicago fashion. What a waste of what was formerly my favorite spot in the city.

An urban oasis that gives peace and tranquility through the senses. A stone throw away from Lincoln Park Zoo and the Lakefront Trail. Take a walk along the path and see what nature has to offer nestled deep in the city.

Okay visited this place for my proposal. And this place will go down in my core memories. It was so so beautiful. The fall colors, the tiny waterfall, the lake, everything!!!

The stone works here is incredible and was done in a way that looks natural and blends beautifully with the pond. The pond has ducks and you may see bull frogs if not you will hear the mating calls if in season. Very relaxing place and has places to sit and enjoy the scenery. Parking is an issue, just note the closest place to park is at the zoo and it is expensive.

Super dog friendly. Great spot for locals to sneak away and hang out as tourists do find their way here but usually default to the beach and lakefront path vs this park. Can be buggy and some years, lots of bees. Would be great if they mowed a bit and turned the fountains on (they’ve never been on in the four years I’ve lived here) but overall, clean, quiet, safe, and great views!

A beautiful park adjacent to the beach and Navy Pier. The park has amazing views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Lots of open space and trees line the major walkway. Great place to feel the lake breeze while watching boats at the Playpen.

Nice, quiet park with great views of Chicago's skyline, Ohio Street beach, and Centennial Wheel. Love the morning walk at this park as a resting point for walking to Navy Pier or further north along Lake Michigan. Saw lots of people walking dogs 🐕 and enjoying the great weather.

This is a great spot on the city to get an incredible view and leads up to running and bike lanes. Great for family walks and pets would love it. If you are a person looking for a picturesque spot to shoot like myself, this is def a spot to visit.

Wonderful park to sit and relax, or go for a walk or run while enjoying lovely views of the skyline. I did paid street parking on E Ohio St, it was 9.5$ for 2 hours. Then i did a short walk through the Ohio St. underpass to get to the park. The park is beautiful, its so pretty with wonderful beach and skyline views. There are a few benches where you can sit and appreciate the beauty of the lake and Chicago skyline. The sunset views are really pretty. There are also spots to setup your hammock.

This a very pleasant, walkable park. It is located in between Ohio St. Beach and the Navy Pier. It is walking distance to the Magnificent Mile.

We took a walk through the serene park the landscape was beautiful from the road beach to the skyline spectacular views with stunning green space . The park is just few steps away from Navy Pier. 😍

Nice scenery and food was ok. We sat next to the windows and looking out on the beach was breathtaking. Crab legs were good but the shrimp was a little salty. Wait staff was efficient.

This Japanese garden is a peaceful and beautifully maintained spot in Chicago, perfect for a quiet stroll and enjoying nature. However, it got crowded during my visit, which made it less relaxing and I ended up having to rush back instead of lingering longer. Three stars for the tranquil setting, but the crowds took away from the experience...

I was absolutely blown away by the Garden of the Phoenix. It feels like stepping into a hidden world right in the middle of Chicago. So peaceful, so beautiful — like a little pocket of magic. I could’ve stayed there all day. A must-visit if you need a moment of calm or just want to be surrounded by nature’s beauty. There were tons of birds (I saw cranes and even a Black-crowned Night Heron!), plus koi swimming around in the water. It really felt like a little escape from the city.

A must see. Convenient parking lot close by. The garden is beautiful, peaceful. Nice views of the Museum of Science and Industry and the Obama Library. Lovely native plants in the surrounding park/trails.

It's a nice small area close to the lake, and a pond plus waterfall in the middle of it the garden. There is a covered deck to get out of the heat as well.

This place was beautiful and just a short 5 minute walk from the Griffin Science museum. Don't listen to your gps!!! On the trial you will find the garden of the Phoenix.....this is where you wanna be! The gps takes you to the parking lot. We walked all the way through Jackson park expecting there to be more and there was not. Once we trekked back and explored the park it was beautiful!! It is well maintained and so quiet. If you are hailing a taxi from there make sure you go back by the museum. The gps is a little wonky and our cab driver had a hard time finding us because it placed us on the other side of the park.

The garden was pretty. There was a bridge, laterns, and some beautiful bonsai trees. Going during cherry blossom bloom made it even more beautiful. There were a lot of ppl there, so it was hard to get good pictures. It was a very far walk. It would be easiest to park by the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.

What a truly wonderful hidden jam in Chicago. Lovely beach, a place to eat, called the dock and a bird sanctuary. We walked through the woods and so many birds, bunnies, and squirrels. The real showstopper is out on the pier where you can see the piping clover pair, and their three cute little fuzzy chicks There was also a leurkestic swallow, which I’ve never seen before yesterday. It’s beautiful sand beach and if you keep going, there’s a beautiful paved trail and fantastic views of the city.

A hidden gem of natural prairie along the lakeshore. From vibrant bee balm and other native plants to buzzing bees and fluttering monarchs, this spot is alive with wildlife. It also serves as a seasonal home for piping plovers and a variety of native and migratory bird species. While birding experts will feel right at home, even beginners can explore with the help of the Merlin app. Scenic views all around, with convenient paid street parking available.

My number one spot for bird observation and long walks along the shore. It is an oasis for migratory birds. Lots of nature in such a small area. It is well-taken care of. People there are nice and really cool. Everyone respects others space. Great place to get away from the city noises.

good birds. lovely area to meet fellow bird enthusiasts. fantastic views of the lake and downtown. great paths for those with strollers or wheelchairs along with some side branches for those looking for more quiet.

There's a reason this is the top place to see some birds in the state! With a mix of forest and protected dunes this place is an oasis for local and migrating birds. Parking can be a little difficult during the busy season, but still worth a visit!

What a beautiful escape from the urban landscape! Get lost in nature, then emerge with an incredible view of the skyline. Perfect place for bird watching.

I really didn't catch a glimpse of many birds but this is still a really cool place. The view to the city is nice.

great place to walk and feel in tune with nature. theres a lot of flora and fauna to see.

Absolutely delightful any time of year. Beautifully kept nature trails and a perfect spot to enjoy the outdoors.

Nice for a short stroll on unpaved trails thru a few different types of environments. Under landing and take off patterns for airport not a plus.Good parking.Popular with locals. Wear sun screen.

An oasis on the northwest side of the city where you can breath and enjoy nature, peace and tranquility.

Beautiful place to go for a walk, see nature, or visit the nature center and learn about nature. Get for people of all ages and children of all ages. The staff are kind and friendly! The deer and geese are very active and so enjoyable to watch. My family loves the nature center.

Very nice place, lots of deer. Just watch out for ticks. I'd recommend using tick spray (Off deep woods).

Lovely spot, lots of critters! And a bunch of picnic tables by the parking lot.

Really nice place for hill time. Some algae in the pond, fish may not be visible. (Not for fishing, but for observation) We had a great time and would recommend everyone to come climb this hill! Bubbles recommended and kite if you have one

A wonderful, hidden gem in Chicago. Palmisano Park is family-friendly, good in all seasons (what a sledding hill!), and utilized mostly by community members. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets!!!

A beautiful park with some of the best views of the city. Perfect for a picnic at sunset, catch n' release fishing, or pleasant stroll. With hassle-free parking and close proximity to shops, it is a great place to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

beautiful nature break from the hustle and bustle of city life! located in the heart of bridgeport, this wonderful scenic destination offers views of the city skyline and a number of restaurants. Tallest hill in all of chicago guaranteed ‼️‼️‼️ gay friendly.

So cute, it's like a hilly native meadow. Well maintained, native plants and a great view of the city.

Beautiful place full of nature in the middle of an urban setting. I love the pond and the overall landscape. This place has many unique parts about it compared to a normal nature preserve. Things like the little rock climbing wall and the water bell(I don't know the actual name) makes this place a really nice place to relax.

I didn't get to check out and experience the entire park but their event Full Moon Jam was such a experience to connect with nature, community and experience the full moon, new moon and a lunar eclipse all in one night. The fire dancers were so amazing, I love how it was open to all levels and a family friendly sober event. Def doing this again!

India Boundary Park is a lovely spot for families and nature lovers. The tall trees and colorful flowers create a beautiful setting for a picnic parties. The fountain pond is a highlight, filled with fish, turtles, and ducks that add a lively touch. Kids will enjoy the round water area with three cute teddy bear statues and a fun splash zone. There’s also a great playhouse with swings and a large wooden structure for climbing and exploring. Overall, India Boundary Park is a fantastic place to relax or have fun with family. It's definitely worth a visit!

Beautiful park with so much charm and character! The huge old trees provide plenty of shade, making it a comfortable place to relax or play even on warmer days. The equipment is well-maintained, creative, and engaging, offering kids a lot to explore while adults can enjoy the peaceful surroundings. There’s also a surprising amount of nature to observe, from plants to small animals, which adds to the experience. The vintage field house gives the park a classic, timeless feel, and the staff and manager are helpful and welcoming. The highlight of the park is definitely the wooden playground, which feels like a maze filled with over a dozen unique structures—perfect for kids to climb, explore, and use their imagination. With clean trails for walking, a pond with a small fountain, picnic tables, and even portable garbage cans spread out for convenience, it’s both practical and enjoyable. Whether you’re here for a picnic, volleyball, a stroll, or just to let the kids play, this park has plenty to offer.

This is a really great park in a lot of ways. Set off from busy roads, a lot of space with walking trails, mature trees, a pond & fountain, etc. There's also tennis courts (haven't looked closely so can't speak to their condition), a play space with little buildings, and then, of course, the old school wooden playground (with a splash right right next to it). My son loves this playground, so unique and large. Last one like it that I'm aware of in the area (except for the newly redone one at Oz Park). However, the playground and around it are showing their age. Weeds and grass covers large areas of the prevously mulched space (much different looking compared to reviews from 7 years ago). Almost all the old tire and chain walkways are broken. And there is, at least today when we visited, so much trash scattered around, even though there are large trash cans available throughout the park. But.... there's really no other park quite like Indian Boundary. It's not our "neighborhood, walk to park", but we make the drive over when we can because it's cool here. My son loves it and it brings back good memories playing on old wooden playgrounds myself as a kid.

Great for kids... Cool off water pool fountain.

Playground, summer sprinklers, mulberry trees to climb, and a small nature center. And the size is incredible

Charming and full of character, this beautiful park offers plenty of shade from its large, old trees perfect for relaxing or playing even on warm days. The playground is clean, creative, and fun for kids, while adults can enjoy the peaceful, nature-filled surroundings. The vintage field house adds a timeless touch, and the friendly staff make the experience even better.

Great park. Love the turtles and fish.

FREE rock climb wall in Calumet?? No way!! Chuck and Armani were there volunteering and are great instructors. They double checked my gear to make sure I was safe. Go all the way to the top, you'll love the view up there! Lake water is light green! So take a dip to cool off or fish at the hidden pier! Not gonna tell you where, you gotta go explore for it yourself.

A terrific example of reclamation. Take an old dirty piece of property and turn it into a park. Take some of the concrete walls that are impractical to destroy and adaptively reuse them. And yes, the place was practically empty. A nice place to walk, some great views of the lake, and no one around to bother you. We had a wonderful afternoon here, and the lake breeze even helped us cool off.

The experience was highly motivating and enjoyable. The volunteer staff members are exceptional and dedicated to ensuring participant safety. The climbing routes present a significant challenge. Furthermore, rappelling is available to descend the wall. This location is recommended for individuals seeking a venue for both free and assisted climbing activities.

They made good use of an abandoned industrial plot. There is a climbing wall made from the leftover concrete walls from the U.S. steel plant. There are areas to picnic. You can fish from the slip from the old mill. Getting access to the lake at other points involves some rock climbing. They could make it better by adding some concrete pads at the lake front so you don't have to climb the rocks.

This park was so serene. Initially I just wanted pics near the water. But there was a house music festival going on I think. I LOVED IT!

5/5 stars! This spot is absolutely stunning! The calm waters, scenic views, and peaceful atmosphere make it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The greenery and guardrail add a nice touch to the scenery. Highly recommend for a relaxing stroll or photo opportunity!

First time and it was interesting. You can plan a day here of biking, hiking. Swimming, fishing, rock climbing and exploring.

We had our back to school giveaway here last year. This park has so much to offer the community: large event space, tennis court, basketball court, multiple playground areas (updated), pool, fitness center, East and West gyms, and a lagoon. The staff and Park Supervisor are nice and welcoming. The restrooms are clean and there are so many spots to have a nice picnic.

Had a few hours to kill before flying out of Midway Airport. Quiet. Few people around. Some areas with litter, clean facilities, well groomed.

Could be better need more garbage cans, nice people in field house nice gym BUT the park needs some repair also the geese poop needs to be cleaned daily

Very large Chicago park with water features. Believe it or not you may see plenty of wildlife here. I've seen geese, cranes/herons, algae and other critters. There are fish I'm sure too.

Very beautiful grounds and scenic location. Midwest Workers Association held our 25th Anniversary celebration across the bridge and it was a great central location. We are thankful that a blues band also joined in the celebration and a band that included Mexican Cultural music.

Nice warm day today in the park was not crowded a lot of baby ducks out there some very small

A wonderful neigborhood 'll be back aoon

Whilst this place is a great part of Chicago to come to if you want to get away from the hustle of the city, its a pretty cool place to visit if you are into Aviation History and the chance to come visit the site of Meigs Field Airport, which was the default airport for the Microsoft Flight Simulator games from the 1990s & 2000s! It was pretty cool to come and visit these old Airport Buildings from its Airfield days, and getting a chance to see the real part of something I spent hours playing on as a child growing up!

Attended Uncle Charlie's R&B Cookout concert with El DeBarge, K-Ci, Babyface and Charlie Wilson. Traffic was a horror but once we got go our seats, we really enjoyed ourselves. You can get lost walking around this area, there are so many attractions in one location like museums, Soldier Field, Boats, Lakes, Aquariums, Ferris Wheels and the traffic and parking was very difficult to navigate.. it was so frustrating we actually thought of turning around and just going back to our hotel....they need more signage to tell you where to park so you don't spend an hour sitting in a line you don't belong in. It truly was the worst traffic I've ever seen.

Beautiful area just enough out of the city that you can breathe. Landed here on a nice sunny day. Birds were chirping, flowers were in bloom, and a refreshing breeze ran through it. Will be back.

Such a cute little beach. The areas was well maintained and there were lifeguards in watch when we went. We were there Father’s Day weekend and it was not crowded at all! My kids had fun collecting little rocks and splashing around the beach area. Would recommend you visit, a nice little hidden gem, not crowded like Ohio beach .

Absolutely stunning views of the Chicago skyline from here. The lakefront is so peaceful and relaxing, with lots of space to sit and enjoy the city view. It’s a perfect spot for a walk, picnic, or just to clear your mind. Highly recommend visiting if you’re in Chicago!

This is a natural area. It's not highly developed. For someone who likes this, it's gorgeous with terrific city views.

Very scenic AND no one around, it's like Your own private park.

Really amazing park. A beautiful place to walk. It has natural wildflower areas with walking paths, open fields, giant weeping willows, etc. I remember when we moved to Chicago over 5 years ago, and we didn't live near Winnema then but happened up on it and was so amazed by what parks the city had to offer. The only "negative" is that now with young children, the playground area is, compared to other spots like Welles, River, Hamlin, Walsh, etc., pretty dated, small, and basic. But really, that's nitpicking, and not enough to detract from a truly 5 star park

Been coming here riding my bike thru the park for 12 + years. Generally safe , always clean and active w kids and neighborhood folk. Its a co-op arrangement w a local high school. Well done Chicago!

Extraordinary park in the city with entwined trails and little nature jelly. They likewise have a jungle gym, baseball fields, tennis courts and seats. Decent quieting air where loads of various individuals come to home base, walk, and outing.

Very spacey and relaxing! Perfect for dog walking or just to have some break from a busy city life. The Bikram Yoga studio I'm part of is offering classes at the park every Sunday morning and that's the way I learn about this area. Highly recommended

Lovely neighborhood 🏡 Lovely park 🌺🌲🐰🐦🦋 Usually nice and quiet. My only wish would be for people to keep their dogs on the leash 🐕And also, the bathrooms are missing as is the case with most parks 🫤

This small but beautiful park is located near my house. It suits me completely - its views, benches, a place to walk the dog. There is a green atmosphere everywhere.

One of the most beautiful parks in Chicago. Huge willow trees with great shade for picnics. A nature trail with many little creatures and flowers. Baseball fields and biking trails, all within one park.

I did the 12:15 Lap swim. Pool was crowded. Water temperature varies. Was around 81 degrees. 3 large lanes everyone cooperated in swimming 2 circles in one large lane. Locker rooms are okay. Water pressure is poor but there is soap in the showers. Very heavily used facility.

This is one of those parks where you can easily lose track of time. It’s one of the best green spaces in the city, offering a little bit of everything—great playgrounds, a walking trail, a gazebo, and indoor facilities with plenty of variety when open. In the summer, the water feature is a huge plus, though the wide-open spaces mean shade is limited, so sunscreen is a must. What really sets this park apart is how much it fosters community. The gazebo often hosts free concerts, the baseball and softball fields are well-used, and the big grassy areas are perfect for kids or dogs to run around. There’s also a gated playground with interactive water features, a lovely garden area filled with native plants, and even food stands serving crepes and hot dogs. Add in the tennis courts, fieldhouse with an indoor pool, summer camps, rentable rooms, and consistently polite staff, and it’s easy to see why this is a favorite park in the city.

This is such a fun park! They have a good playground and also a nature area for climbing on tree stumps and things. There is also a lot of green space for playing soccer, flying a kite, etc. Love it here!

The cute little cafe called Peace Garden is so delicious and affordable. I don't care if the generator they have to use for now is noisy, I will sit and eat and eat and eat!!! Yum. Try the wrap with a cup of coffee. Kids will be happy with the PB and banana sandwich. Snacks like chips and pirates booty are there too! Plus ice cream!!!

This is a really nice park! You can have a baseball game, a tennis match, a soccer game, a picnic under the tree, a seat on a bench, a walk through the trails, a look from the gazebo, fun at the kiddy playground... or just a walk in the park!

This park is a neighborhood gem, lots of space, indoor swimming pool and basketball courts, kids playground, baseball fields, pickeball courts, and a nature walk area.

Wonderful place with lots of amenities. Tennis and pickleball courts are especially wonderful

Beautiful area to visit. Would recommend it.

Union Park is a great place to unwind and enjoy some fresh air right in the city. The park has plenty of open space for picnics, sports, or just relaxing under the trees. It’s clean, safe, and often hosts fun community events that bring people together. I really like the welcoming vibe and how peaceful it feels despite being in a busy area.

Union Park is a welcome salvation from the urban sprawl around the United center. Though a little out of the way, it's a nice walk and a great way to spend an hour. Weird stuff happens here sometimes, like parties where people drive on and park on the field. But it's whatever I guess.

Pitchfork 2021 was hosted at this park. The concert was fantastic, and the park fulfilled its purposes. There is ample open space, and a plentiful amount of trees that keep the skyline looking lush and green. The downside was the dirt. It was dusty, black, and stuck to you as you walked through the park. You will definitely need to shower after coming here. The grass is all dead, and the straw that remains does get everywhere as well. Overall the park is beautiful to look at, just don't run around too much.

Very big park in a great location that is great for community gatherings. It can use some upgrades to the baseball fields, playgrounds, and swimming pool. It is easy to get to because it's on a major street artery, and it is right under the Ashland stop for the Green/Pink Line. It could use one more basketball court, and some more upkeep when it comes to concerts and festivals. Parking is very scarce over here so please be patient or take public transportation.

Pretty nice park wedged between two busy streets. More for sports than a quiet stroll. Has tennis and basketball courts, gym and pool, and baseball diamonds. Some garbage scattered about but not too bad. Has a great jungle gym for kids

Union Park is a vibrant 13-acre municipal park on Chicago’s Near West Side. It offers tennis, basketball, pickleball, baseball, football/soccer fields, a playground with water features, and a swimming pool with seasonal hours

Almost seems as large as an ocean. The Great Lakes are a truly awesome sight to see.

I came here on a Monday morning. The beach was almost entirely empty. There is parking within a close walk, which is not free, but only about $4 an hour. The beach was clean, and I felt completely safe here. They also have a pier you can walk out on. I loved my time here, it was very relaxing.

This is the absolute best beach on the Southside food being served hot off the grill live dj bongos being played the vibes are just extraordinary!!!! Everyone who is anyone knows this is the best place to go when it's nice outside to have a awesome night dance and see a variety of beautiful black people from so many different cultures!!!! Nothing but good vibes & love

Clean beautiful beach. Water cear and pristine. Refreshing during our heat wave.

I really loved this place, it was wonderful to visit. The building was beautiful and the "hidden" fountain was so cool. I recommend always riding a bike to the beaches as the lots are always full, and this place was no exception. The police had blocked the entrance and it was full of people. But they all were having a great time. We had a long bike ride and just want to cool off in the fountain, so we bypassed everyone and b-lined it to this hidden gem.

I go there for fathers day BBQ.. a yearly thing we do, if you dont go early you will not get parking or a good spot to BBQ...my sister direct a 5k- divine 9-5k there as well and the trails along the beach are perfect for runners.

Hayes park is an amazing basketball court that has history. I would say it is the equivalent to Rucker Park

great place for my grandson who plays soccer to engage in his sport . Parents are coherent to watch the kids and feeling safe is operant here!!!

Beautiful facility with outside field as well as inside artificial turf and indoor courts for basketball and volleyball. You are also able to rent courts in off hours from normal activities.

The facilities are fantastic and brand new! You need to register for each session in advance on the Chicago Park District website if you want to rent space or sign up for classes.

Spring awakenig was a blast, tents were close but once your in the zone you can't hear the others. Park was kept clean and in order. Never been here otherwise.

Illinois youth Soccer Program practices here. This is a free program for ages 5 to 17 My kids been in the program for 6 years now. This program helps to develop players Great Soccer Program and is FREE!!!

Great space which host's the yearly Spring Awakening Festival.

The coaches are absolutely amazing with the toddlers! I can't stress that enough. Lovely facility! We'll be back for fall activities

This place was amazing! I gave it four stars because it smells bad though. Not sure if the smell was because it is built on top of a landfill super fund site or if the funk was coming off of a marshy area but it obviously was not enough to undermine my general enjoyment of the place. The smell was not constant but came on the wind here and there Attended an 8yo birthday party with skateboards bikes and scooters. We were able to rent helmets for free. Renting bikes cost money. It's a very large area with trails and ramps etc to keep an adventurous crowd of boys happy for several hours

If you are a birder, then I recommend coming here. We saw several different species including a red shouldered hawk! Such a beautiful and serene place.....minus the garbage smell. Due to the industrial plants and possible landfills in the area, it stinks! Plenty of biking paths though!

Very nice natural area in Chicago. Good for bird watching. There is an old landfill that is covered in grassland, some small lake areas, and bmx tracks. Be careful of ticks, I found 2 after visiting. The people drag racing in front will let you through. If there are cars lined up you just have to wait for them to go.

Great for wheelchair rolling, exploring and simply enjoying the outdoors. My guys enjoyed watching the skateboarders and off-road cyclists as the path took us around the different tracks. The paved paths are wide and smooth. We will be bringing our hand cycles next time and picnicking at the eating area. It looks like camping maybe in our future too. Not sure if it's dog friendly or how wheelchair accessible the bathrooms are. I will update after our next visit.

Excellent place to skate, bike, or whatever your activity may be. Family oriented and clean.

Awsome walking trails and bike tracks. They have trails for beginners and experts to do stunts on. You can put up your tent and bbq in some areas and they have nice clean bathrooms and vending machines inside the field house. This is a nice place to come and relax with the family for a nice day out.

A great park with lots of trails. It’s FREE. There a beautiful new builder where parents can work while kids go ride. Did I mention that it’s FREE. What a nice hidden gem of Chicago, where you can bike, fish or just hang outside. Nice job Chicago Park District!

The Waterfront Cafe has live jazz here sometimes. I love sitting on the benches and watching the lake.

Lakefront kids park 😁 has water fountain. has no bathroom that ive l located other than the bar café which is not open to the public

Good park for kids. Good view of the lake and downtown skyline. Plenty of shade and flowers.

With an accessible beach via a pathways down the rocks, the park is nice with a park for kids, benches to sit and admire the lake and the horizon, and the cafe that often has live music in the warmer months. This is nice park for all people.

Very fun and clean park. There’s lots of families here and the view is gorgeous with the lake in the background. The landing area is soft so even when the kiddos haul it won’t hurt them. Nice mix of really great families.

Beautiful place with great views and close up to the ‘Painted Ladies’.

Beautiful park and restaurant on Chicago lakefront.

Love the new split ages in the redesigned park... A little something for everyone! There is sand, but no water feature... Important summer details 😊

Nichols Park is a lovely place to visit. Nestled between Target on the North and the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club on the sorry, this park includes an engaging playground, a tennis court, a garden, and plenty of lawn to picnic or play fetch with your dog! The park also features musical performances every Sunday in the summer, and free Shakespeare performances in the summer. Check it out!

You have to get here in early May/June for the lilacs...every Sunday from July to September there is a concert in the park. Also, plenty of room to run, play, picnic. Also, dogs love it.

We happened to cycle past this park while a live theatrical show was taking place! Amazing show, nice park for children and a huge grassy area... Visit their website to see what may be happening in the park!

I grew up playing in this park. Nice location with the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club next to it which is an activity center for kids that I also used as a child.

My childhood and my lil brother always go to this park since we was kids this park is special and always been safe for us to ride the bike there

Nichols Field House in Hyde Park is unbelievable to seniors. They treat us so kind and cannot do enough for us. Cynthia Lewis and Anna Stroud make it so enjoyable for us. We appreciate them very much thank you so much for the service you give us. Thank you Cynthia and Anna!! I would also like to add Darnell Delaney he his coach “D”. Those two are so wonderful with the way they run things and help us out. I cannot say enough about Cynthia Anna and Darnell and I wanna thank you Chicago Nicholas Park District for making that available for seniors the very best part of the whole thing is we are treated so well by the staff. All I can say is thank you thank you thank you !!

Absolutely disgraceful experience at the City of Chicago Business License & Zoning Office. I drove all the way downtown, paid for parking, and took time out of my day — only to be met with rude, lazy, and completely unhelpful staff. Their job is to assist with zoning and business license questions, but they treat you like you're bothering them just for asking. No clear answers, no effort, no professionalism. It’s clear many of them have zero skills outside of collecting a city paycheck. They act like your time doesn’t matter. Meanwhile, people like me are trying to follow the rules and grow a business in this city. Honestly, I hope AI replaces this entire process within 2 years — and that these workers finally understand what real work is like, maybe bagging groceries at Aldi where customer service actually matters. Until then, avoid this office if you can. Use online tools or get help elsewhere — because in person, they’ll make you feel like nothing.

My experience was not great. The officers I’ve interacted with were nice and friendly. They assisted me with my questions on where to go. I get to “Anna Valencia City Clerk” office and that’s where everything changed. They had just opened, and the officer at the entrance was friendly and directed me where to go once again.. then officers, very friendly and approachable. I got in line, but it was difficult to see which window was open since there were no indicators and all I heard was next or open. I honestly couldn’t tell who called me, so I walked up to one of the windows and asked politely if she had called “next.” She responded with, “Yes, I did,” in a noticeably rude tone. As I explained what I needed, she continued speaking to me with unnecessary attitude. I came there to be helped, not to be given attitude. The woman assisting me was white with Black glasses, black hair and had a tattoo. She was rude and unhelpful throughout the interaction. I could go into more detail, but the entire exchange was simply her being rude while I was trying to get assistance. If she’s unhappy with her job, maybe she should consider a different line of work, because people shouldn’t be met with that kind of energy when they’re just trying to get help

I try to go get my city sticker there.The line was so long.They only had 2 cashiers working while the rest of the workers were in the back talking and laughing amongst each other.This line was not moving at all.The supervisor there was walking around. Asking people questions what they were there for but tell me why she never even bothered to ask the other employees that were doing absolutely Nothing to come out and help and do their Jobs. So I guess this is how our taxpayer's dollars work. They truly ought to be ashamed of themselves.

My experience didn't go well. I paid for parking for absolutely nothing. I went to the city Hall trying to reach the UBR supervisor Lawrence per there financial office advice to try to get my account fixed. Of course he was unreachable & has been since November of 2024. That's how long I have been trying to resolve this. issue. I am certainly not happy with how the city is handling its business. It's really sad that its this hard to get anything resolved these days. I have went in person, called, emailed only to get no response. I won't stop tho, I guess I will have no choice but to reach out to ABC 7 news next if I can't get a response. ****Update: As of November 2025 this matter has been resolved.

The building was clean. The officers in the building were helpful and pleasant. The City of Chicago has some of the best alderpersons in the around. Most of them work hard for this city.

Tried to get a parking sticker for my car. Multiple signs as well as the website state they close at 5pm. Arrived at 4:30 and was told that they were closed and that I should come back at 9 am. Website is entirely inaccurate and staff was rude when we asked for clarification.

Nice place with pleasant feelings and atmosphere, regulation of normative social activity, normative legal shifts. Access to the building is from two streets, beautiful environment and formation of natural regulation. Different social departments to provide different preferences and services. Acceptable matching interior

Perfect place for a picnic or just relaxing on the grass and enjoying the beautiful city view.

This square built by the owner of Wrigley's gum included a larger version of current one but was reduced in size to allow for addition of wheelchair accessible ramp.

It's a part of the millennial part so it's just a small area with some writing on the wall and a fountain off from crown fountain by the bean so it's just right there. Nothing real special about it. You know nothing you can. Oh I'm going to go here and hang out with a significant other. Any of that has none of that feel to it. It's just something that seems like the government wanted to spend some money and play something there

Walked through this section of the park today. I was very enjoyable.

Beautiful and relaxing place to visit and take pictures 📸 😃.

I recently visited Wrigley Square while exploring The Chi and had an overall positive experience at this small park tucked away in Lakeview. Located just a few blocks from historic Wrigley Field, the home of the Cubs, Wrigley Square provides a nice green space for residents and visitors to the City by the Lake. As one of the many neighborhood parks that dot this City in a Garden, Wrigley Square offers a nice respite from the bustling activity along Clark Street. Its central fountain and flower gardens are a welcome sight on those trademark Windy City afternoons. I also appreciated seeing friendly locals passing through with their dogs or enjoying meals from the many nearby restaurants along their patios. While Wrigley Square lacks some of the larger attractions of other parks like Lincoln Park or Grant Park, it more than makes up for it with its charming community vibes. I'd definitely return in the summer months to catch a sunset overlooking the park's namesake stadium in the distance. Whether you're a local or just exploring Chiberia, Wrigley Square is worth a stop to experience classic Chicago neighborhood charm.

Nice square w historic significance in the corner of Mullennium Park.