Explore Hyde Park

Originally the midway point of the World Columbian Exposition, today the Midway Plaisance Park is a one-mile long park that has remained a green area, supported by the University of Chicago. Boasting cross-street bridges with a breathtaking view of the buildings along the Midway, the area has been refurbished with an ice skating rink for winter and expansive gardens during the summer. The word ‘Plaisance‘ is French and defines a pleasure ground of nature.

Midway Plaisance Park, Chicago, IL, USA, 1 312 745 2470

Besides workshops and gallery tour events, The Oriental Institute offers a highly acclaimed collection of art and history with an archaeological focus on the ancient Near East and the progressing nations of Egypt, Anatolia, Mesopotamia, and Iran. Clay tablets, scrolls, and current documents are excavated and preserved by archeologists from the University of Chicago, creating a rich and unique resource for students. Over 300,000 objects are on display, and an extensive variety of books can be purchased at the museum shop, The Suq.

When looking for professional theater, the Court Theatre on the University of Chicago campus provides innovative productions and classic plays that have included Waiting for Godot, Agamemnon, Wait Until Dark, and The Glass Menagerie. Attended by over 35,000 people each year, the award-winning Court Theatre puts on five plays per season.

The Museum of Science and Industry is one of the largest science museums in the world. Well known throughout the United States, the museum hosts the Apollo 8 spacecraft, the Pioneer Zephyr, which was the first diesel-fueled passenger train, a 3,500-square-foot model train, a trip to a replica coal mine and a German submarine captured during World War II.

Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL, USA, 1 773 684 1414

Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Robie House in Hyde Park is an example of his contemporary prairie-style work also located on the University of Chicago campus. Tours are available that even include private spaces not readily available to the public. The Frederick C. Robie House is a national historic landmark and was designed in 1908 for the assistant manager of the Excelsior Supply Company. Robie and his wife Lora had selected the property in order to remain close to the University since she was a graduate of the school.

Frederick C Robie House, 5757 S Woodlawn Ave, Chicago, IL, USA, 1 312 994 4000

Located in Chicago’s Burnham Park, Promontory Point offers spectacular views of the city’s skyline and a great place to relax. The point was constructed as a man-made peninsula that juts into Lake Michigan and can be accessed by the Lakefront Trail, a tunnel that passes under Lake Shore Drive at the east end of 55th Street. Promontory Point also offers a variety of special events such as outdoor movies and guest performers. Designed by Alfred Caldwell, the point offers the beauty of harbor beaches and exquisite natural meadows.

Promontory Point, 5491 S Shore Dr, Chicago, IL, USA, 1 312 742 5369

An expanse of 542.89 acres, Jackson Park was designed after the close of the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893 and featured a golf course. The Golden Lady sculpture and the French’s Statue of the Republic remain as remnants of the fair. The Osaka Garden, a 17th century-style stroll garden, was established in 1934 and features a peaceful abundance of lush plants and exotic trees, exemplifying peace for the weary traveler. If you enjoy bird-watching, Jackson Park is home to over 200 species. In recent years, Jackson Park has added a gymnasium, fitness center, plus basketball and tennis courts.