Washington Square Park

A Piece of Chicago's Soul

Washington Square Park has a nickname that tells a story: "Bughouse Square". This 2.85-acre green space on the Near North Side, established in 1842 and sitting right across from the Newberry Library, was once Chicago's answer to London's Hyde Park - a place where anyone with an opinion could find a soapbox and an audience.

From the 1890s through the 1960s, the air here buzzed with debates on everything from politics to philosophy, drawing intellectuals and curious onlookers alike. That spirit lives on in the annual Bughouse Square Debates, held each year alongside the Newberry Library's book sale. Running from 1986 to 2021, the event recreated the charged atmosphere of the park's soapbox-orator era, giving you a taste of the lively public discourse that once defined the square.

What You'll Find Today

Wander through and you'll discover a pocket of serenity with sprawling lawns, grand old trees, and flower beds that pop with color. Diagonal paths crisscross from corners and mid-blocks, making it easy to traverse this little urban sanctuary. On the western side of the park, a Free Speech Memorial Tablet marks the square's place in the history of American public discourse, identifying it as "Chicago's Premier Free Speech Forum" and honoring its reputation as one of the most celebrated open-air soapbox venues in the country.

The park's heart is its reconstructed Victorian fountain - a great focal point surrounded by benches where you can sit and watch the world go by. The fountain has a more complicated history than its current appearance suggests: the original ornate Victorian fountain, added during improvements in the late 19th century, was eventually torn down and replaced, then that second fountain was itself removed in the 1970s. It wasn't until a late-1990s restoration effort that the park got its current reconstructed fountain, along with period-appropriate lighting, fencing, and new plantings that bring the space closer to its Victorian-era look.

The landscaping changes with the seasons. Spring and summer bring vibrant blooms around the fountain, while fall transforms the park into a canvas of warm colors. Even winter has its charm, with thoughtful lighting that keeps the park inviting on those early dark evenings.

A nighttime view of the illuminated park paths under the tree canopy

Photo: David Wilson (CC BY 2.0)

A Dog Lover's Gathering Spot

Though technically a leashed area, Washington Square Park has naturally evolved into something of a canine social club. If you drop by around 5 PM, you'll likely catch the unofficial "yappy hour" when local dogs and their humans come to mingle.

There's plenty of grassy space for four-legged friends to play, but do keep in mind that the park isn't fully enclosed - each corner opens to nearby streets. You can find trash cans conveniently placed at entrances for easy cleanup.

Blooming trees and the historic Newberry Library can be seen behind the park's central fountain

Photo: Stephen Hogan (CC BY 2.0)

Making Memories Here

What makes this place special is how it adapts to what you need. You can enjoy a quiet moment with a book on one of the wooden benches, spread out a picnic blanket on the grass, or simply observe the colorful cast of characters that pass through. Despite being in the heart of the Gold Coast, just blocks from the Magnificent Mile and the Chicago Riverwalk, the park rarely feels crowded.

The contrast between historic elements and the modern city creates a uniquely photogenic setting. It's fascinating how a space this small can feel so expansive - offering genuine moments of calm in the middle of Chicago's energy.

After exploring nearby shopping districts (where you'll find luxury names like Dior and Hermès), the park provides an ideal no-cost respite. Today, Washington Square Park is used by everyone from morning joggers to families with children, offering both a community space and a glimpse of Chicago heritage.