Things to do in Chicago, Illinois (IL): The Best Nature & Parks

April 7, 2022 Brain Ambrose

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

6000 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60637 http://www.jacksonbark.com
Excellent
94%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 36 reviews

Jackson Bark - Dog Park

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

5491 S Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60615-5983 http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks/Burnham-Park
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 8 reviews

Promontory Point

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

East 59th St to East 60th, and South Stony Island to South Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60637 +1 312-747-7661
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Midway Plaisance

4. Jackson Park's Japanese Garden

Wooded Island Stony Island Neighbourhood, Chicago, IL +1 312-742-7529 http://www.hydepark.org/parks/osaka2.htm
Excellent
57%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 30 reviews

Jackson Park's Japanese Garden

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!

5. Foster Avenue Beach

5200 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60686-0001
Excellent
29%
Good
55%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 31 reviews

Foster Avenue Beach

6. Jackson Park Beach

Chicago, IL 60649
Excellent
0%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
50%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 4 reviews

Jackson Park Beach

7. Paul H. Douglas Nature Sanctuary

5800 South Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637 +1 312-922-3307

5800 South Lake Shore Dr Jackson Park, Chicago, IL 60637 +1 312-922-3307

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