If you get to Chicago before Campus Days, or have some time here afterwards, below are some suggested spots and activities!
Within Hyde Park
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Osaka Garden inside Jackson Park
Although this weekend your focus will likely be on the University, Hyde Park as a whole has a lot to offer. To enjoy some time outside, I strongly recommend Promontory Point, the east end of 55th Street. Promontory Point provides a beautiful view of downtown and of the lake. Further south is another beautiful park, Jackson Park. Jackson Park was created as part of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and still contains a lovely Japanese garden from the Fair.
Hyde Park also has several bookstores worth browsing. We have the Seminary Co-op (which is also next to one of my favorite coffee shops, Plein Air Cafe), and its sister store, 57th Street Books. Down on 55th is an excellent selection of used books at Powell’s.
Hyde Park is also home to some excellent museums and galleries. For art, check out the SMART Museum of Art and the Oriental Institute on campus, or venture to the Hyde Park Art Center on 51st Street. The Museum of Science & Industry is just east of campus, near the 57th Street beach, and the DuSable Museum of African American History is just to the west.
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Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House
Lastly, one of my favorite Hyde Park places is the Robie House, a famous Frank Lloyd Wright house from 1910. It is right on campus (by the Seminary Co-op) and offers daily tour for 14-17 dollars.
Going Downtown
Getting downtown is pretty easy and quick (we’ll soon have a transportation post up and running). The #6 bus runs regularly between Hyde Park and downtown, or “The Loop.” During weekday rush hour, the #2 bus is also convenient and takes you downtown.
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Downtown Chicago houses the city’s most famous piece of public art- “Cloud Gate,” mostly commonly known as “The Bean.” It is located in a lovely park with other sculptures and is a nice place to walk around and enjoy free art. Chicago also houses some of the country’s most prestigious museums, including The Art Institute of Chicago (right off the #6 bus) and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
There are a lot of food and drink options downtown, as you can imagine. Favorite places for deep dish are Giordano’s and Lou Malnati’s. Also recommended by Maph staff and students: Old Town Pour House, Plymouth Bar & Grill, Artists Cafe, and Caffe Baci.
Miscellaneous
Chicago is home to more than 200 neighborhoods. Find hipster paradise (and plenty of good bars) in Wicker Park. You can visit the Zoo & Conservatory in Lincoln Park (which is free), browse a non-profit used bookstore in River North, or eat some dim sum in Chinatown.
I also recommend looking at Time Out Chicago, which you can find here. They’ll help you find various activities in the city and also have great recommendations for food and drink!
