Chicago is home to some of the most historic and beautiful parks in the country. Hyde Park itself is particularly rich in easily accessible nature areas that offer a nice respite from the Reg.
The Point
The Point is perhaps the park most frequented by students. Located where 55th St meets the Lake, it is easy to get to and can be seen from The Shoreland. With great swimming, an amazing view of Chicago's skyline, ample grass for sports, and fire pits for BBQs, it has become a meeting ground for many. The activity center offers bathrooms and historic photographs documenting the Point's construction.
Jackson Park
For birds, butterflies, beavers, beaches, and all your nature needs, Chicago offers pretty much everything. Jackson Park, directly behind the Museum of Science and Industry, is home to a lagoon (which is home to at least two frequently-removed beavers and well over 100 species of birds), a migratory bird hiking path and nature sanctuary, and a Japanese garden, a relic of the 1893 World's Fair.
63rd St. Beach
Across Lake Shore is the 63rd St Beach, home to a small dune habitat, and a pier that runs half a mile out into Lake Michigan. It's serene and peaceful out at the end.
Burnham Nature Sanctuary
Further North, at the 47th St. bridge, is Burnham Nature Sanctuary, open year round. With an extensive wood chip path, this one time parking lot is a testament to the city's commitment to preserving nature. Late spring, early summer is one of the best times to see the black-eyed susans and purple coneflowers in full bloom.
On and Around Campus
As a registered Botanical Garden, our campus is filled with verdure surprises aplenty including the oldest tree on Chicago Park District land - the 250+ year-old Oak on the Midway. Adjacent to the west is Washington Park, which offers a small lagoon, a beautiful bridal path, and a half-mile long arboretum on the northwest side. To the north of campus is Nichol's Park, which is home to a small wildflower meadow. Two RSOs, the Green Campus Initiative, and the Religion and Environment Initiative, created and maintain a native plants garden on 58th and Woodlawn behind Rockefeller Chapel.
To get involved with conservation work or for information on bird and butterfly watching and nature areas in Chicago, visit ChicagoParkDistrict.com.
[ Web Resources ]