Midway Plaisance

A Touch of Chicago History

Stretching like a green ribbon through Chicago's South Side, Midway Plaisance is a park and a living piece of history. This one-mile-long, 220-yard-wide linear park connects Washington Park to the west with Jackson Park to the east, creating a verdant corridor through the urban landscape.

You might not realize it while tossing a frisbee here today, but this space shot to fame during the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, when it served as the fair's entertainment hub. It was here that the world's first Ferris Wheel dazzled visitors, eventually giving us the term "midway" that we now associate with fair and carnival amusement areas. At the park's western end, you'll find Lorado Taft's Fountains of Time sculpture, a silent witness to the area's storied past.

Landscape & Layout

Running along 59th and 60th streets, Midway Plaisance creates a natural boundary between Hyde Park to the north and the Woodlawn community to the south.

If you look closely at the park's layout, you might notice something interesting - a gentle depression running through its center. This "fosse" was actually meant to be a Venetian canal, part of Frederick Law Olmsted's original vision that never quite materialized. Instead, what we got were sweeping vistas and beautiful tree-lined paths that still capture some of Olmsted's dream for the space.

What to Do There

Today, Midway Plaisance has become the backyard for both local residents and the adjacent University of Chicago. The park transforms with the seasons, offering different experiences year-round.

When winter blankets Chicago, the park's center becomes an ice rink - situated in the exact spot where that historic Ferris wheel once stood, just west of S. Woodlawn Ave. Skating here offers a connection to the site's history, and it's quite affordable too. Admission is free if you bring your own skates, or you can rent a pair for just $7. It's typically less crowded than downtown rinks, making it suitable for families or beginners finding their ice legs.

Come warmer weather, the expansive fields fill with soccer players, ultimate frisbee enthusiasts, and sunbathers. If nature calls during your visit, don't worry - restrooms can be found in the field house and skate building.

Community Hub

Midway Plaisance functions as a gathering place. During the year, it hosts events that bring people together, from the smooth sounds of the Hyde Park Jazz Festival to the vibrant celebrations of the Bantu Festival and various summer concerts.

The park's open design makes it ideal for large gatherings - there's plenty of room to spread out a blanket or set up lawn chairs for outdoor performances. Keep in mind that you'll need to bring your own seating or picnic setup, as the park doesn't provide fixed tables.

New Additions

The park continues to evolve with recent additions enhancing its appeal. On the north side, you'll discover the newly developed Winter Garden and Readers' Garden, adding touches of botanical beauty to the landscape.

At the eastern end, the Obama Institute has found its home, further cementing the park's role as a cultural and educational landmark.

Through the Seasons

Each Chicago season brings different ways to enjoy Midway Plaisance. Winter offers sledding on gentle slopes alongside the ice skating, while summer invites sports, picnics, and evening walks under the stars.

The varied terrain makes this a favorite spot for runners and walkers looking for outdoor exercise routes. Dog owners appreciate the space too - just remember to clean up after your four-legged friends.

Historic Legacy

Beyond its recreational value, Midway Plaisance is a significant piece of American heritage, earning its place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

As one of Chicago's oldest parks, it connects communities - physically joining two larger parks while also connecting Chicago's past with its present. Whether you're interested in history, recreation, or just looking for a peaceful green space, Midway Plaisance offers an interesting glimpse of Chicago to explore.