We love exploring Chicago and getting our steps in at a local park. Here is a list of the best parks in Chicago. Time to get outside and enjoy our urban environment. Some of these parks are a short leisurely walk, some are longer.
Northerly Island
Neighborhood: Museum Campus
Address: 1521 S Linn White Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Website: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/northerly-island
Rose: The amazing bird calls from the variety of bird species.
Thorn: No dogs allowed, but it is to protect the wildlife so it is a good rule.
Check out our blog post on Northerly Island
Ping Tom Memorial Park
Neighborhood: China Town
Address: 1700 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Website: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/Ping-Tom-Memorial-Park/
Rose: Beautiful flowers and murals alongside the river.
Thorn: Parking is hard to find by the park. There are pay to park lots and street parking a few blocks away.
Check out our blog post on Ping Tom Memorial Park
Jackson Park: Wooded Island
Neighborhood: Hyde Park/Woodlawn
Address: 6147 South Evans Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637
Website: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/jackson-park-wooded-island
Rose: Variety of ecosystems along the trail to enjoy. Hidden gem in the city.
Thorn: Parts of the trail are under construction.
Burnham Park
Neighborhood: South Commons/Groveland Park
Address: 1199 E Oakwood Blvd., Chicago, IL 60653
Rose: The best part of the lake shore path with a parking lot. Large open areas with less people than other parts of the shore path.
Thorn: Technically no pets in the corridor section of the lake path, north of the parking lot. However, there are lots of other areas to walk with dogs.
Check out our blog post on Chicago’s Lakefront Parks
Park No. 540
Neighborhood: Armour Square
Address: 24th and Federal, Chicago, IL 60611
Website: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/park-no-540
Rose: Community garden beds and a beautiful view of the Chicago skyline.
Thorn: Wish the path was longer, but we just walk around it a number of times.
Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens
Neighborhood: South Loop
Address: 1801 S Indiana Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Website: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/chicago-womens-park-and-gardens
Rose: Beautiful flowers and trees to observe with walking around the park.
Thorn: No pets allowed.
Check out our blog post on Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens
The 606
Neighborhood: Bucktown/Humboldt Park
Address: N Damen Ave & Bloomingdale Trail, Chicago, IL 60647
Website: https://www.the606.org/
Rose: We love observing the houses, home décor, and landscaping along the trail.
Thorn: Busy at peak hours, not ideal for anxious dogs.
Map of these Chicago Parks
Click here to see the google map of all parks used in this blog post.
I love that sculpture on Northerly Park! This is a great post to bookmark for any trip to Chicago to get out in nature! Thanks!
I went to DC and definitely would have benefited from this list . . . especially the day pack. One thing I really wish is that I’d had a pack with water and snacks when we were on the mall since there’s so little food available there.