Calumet Park

Lakefront Location

Calumet Park is a 198-acre urban park located on Chicago's Southeast Side, providing access to Lake Michigan from the East Side neighborhood. The park contains approximately 0.9 miles of lake frontage stretching from 95th Street to 102nd Street, extending to the city limits at the Illinois-Indiana border.

Calumet Beach's sandy shoreline looking south

Historical Development

Originally envisioned in 1903 as part of the South Park Commission's revolutionary neighborhood park system, Calumet Park developed slowly over several decades. Initial land acquisition began in 1904 with 40 acres, but the park was gradually expanded through additional property purchases and landfill to reach its current size.

The park was designed to provide recreational space and social services to the growing immigrant population settling in nearby South Chicago to work in the steel mills and railyards.

A monumental, classically-designed fieldhouse was constructed in 1924, adding to the park's amenities. After the park's administration was consolidated into the Chicago Park District in 1934, further improvements were made to the park's infrastructure and landscape.

Tracks stretch into the distance along the border of Calumet Park

Name Origin

The park's name pays homage to the Calumet region, which encompasses numerous South Side community areas and comprises the basin of the Calumet River. The name "Calumet" derives from the Norman-French word for pipe, "chamulet," a term used by early French explorers in reference to the peace pipes of local Native Americans.

Recreational Amenities

Calumet Park features a beach along Lake Michigan, offering visitors a chance to cool off during the summer months. The beach season typically runs from the Friday before Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, with lifeguards on duty from 11 am to 7 pm daily during this period.

The park serves as an important recreational resource for the surrounding community, providing opportunities for various activities and sports throughout the year. Its location on the lakefront also makes it a scenic spot for enjoying views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding landscape.