Location: Hyde Park
Top Things to do in Hyde Park
Things to do in Chicago, Illinois (IL): The Best Nature & Parks
The windy city is a cornucopia of modern art, fine dining, cutting edge comedy, and die-hard sports fans. Snap a photo of your reflection in the silver Cloud Gate sculpture at Millennium Park before heading to Grant Park to get hit with the refreshing spray of Buckingham Fountain. There are dozens of museums and theater companies in Chicago, so a cultural experience is never hard to find. You’re sure to laugh your head off at the Second City Theater, the professional launch pad of many famous comedians.
Restaurants in Chicago
1. Jackson Bark - Dog Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 36 reviews
Jackson Bark is a community dog park. The only dog park on the southside of Chicago and the largest 100% enclosed dog park in the city. Over 50 agility features and amenities, plus free parking, water and toys. Voted "Best of Chicago: Dog Park", Chicago Reader 2016.
Reviewed By joelp297
This was such a diamond in the Ruff! Thanks to the volunteers that keep this fun packed dog park safe, entertaining for the dogs and their humans - even had a DJ with some great music for all to enjoy. Was looking for a dog park that had structure, not the run-of-the-mill open area park. Well we found it. This dog park had fun obstacles for the dogs, safety items and lots of bags to help keep it clean. A Must Go!
2. Promontory Point
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
Promontory Point on Chicago's South Side has been known in recent years as the site of Barack and Michelle Obama's first kiss. But it's much more than that. Its view of Lake Michigan and Chicago's skyline may not be as scenic as the view from North Avenue Beach but it is an attractive piece of landscape. Located at 55th Street in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood, Promontory Point or The Point is a man-made peninsula jutting into Lake Michigan that was opened to the public in 1937. It was constructed from landfill and by the late 1930s was protected by a seawall or revetment that consists of limestone blocks arranged in a series of four steps leading to a promenade. The 12-acre peninsula, which contains a fieldhouse and was a popular destination for swimmers, sunbathers and windsurfers in the pre-pandemic period, can be accessed by the Lakefront Trail and a tunnel which passes under South Lake Shore Drive at the east end of 55th street, in the shadow of the Museum of Science and Industry. With its view of Navy Pier and Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan, and the presence of stone sitting rings or fire pits that date to 1938, Promontory Point is a popular wedding and corporate event location and an area for family picnics. And first kisses.
3. Midway Plaisance
4. Jackson Park's Japanese Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By leonardk621 - Washington DC, United States
After touring the Museum of Science and Industry nearby, this picturesque walk was a delightful finish to the afternoon. First, a bit of history: All of Jackson Park was created to be the site of Chicago's famous Columbian Exhibition of 1893. The building that houses the Museum of Science & Industry was originally the only fireproof building of the Fair, since it was then the Palace of Fine Arts (housing the most famous paintings and sculptures from around the world...). Wooded Island was the site of the Japanese Exhibit...of which the Gardens & a lone, simple pavilion still exist to this day! Note: in recent years, Yoko Ono has contributed a beautiful sculpture near the entry to the garden...titled the Phoenix (also the name of the Gardens...). Note: while there are 2 bridges onto this island, the north bridge (by the Museum of Science & Industry...) is under repair, so you'll have to drive to the bridge at the south end of the island...the adjacent parking lot is off of Hayes Drive. Enjoy!
