Midway Plaisance
A historic 72-acre parkland in Chicago, known for its ice rink, sports fields, and as a venue for vibrant festivals.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Crisp air, fewer crowds
Midway Plaisance
Best Time
Crisp air, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 72-acre parkland in Chicago, known for its ice rink, sports fields, and as a venue for vibrant festivals.
"Great place for the whole family to get off the screens and enjoy one another's company while ice skating."
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking can be tough; consider garages, metered spots, or ride-sharing.
⛸️ Ice Skating Fun
Great for families, even 'Skating with Santa' events! Bring your skates or rent them.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ice Skating Rink
Midway Plaisance Ice Rink
Glide across the ice in winter, a classic Chicago experience for all ages. Perfect for family fun!

Fountains of Time
West end of Midway Plaisance
Lorado Taft's iconic sculpture, a contemplative piece reflecting on time and history. A must-see for art lovers.

Sprawling Parkland
Entire Midway Plaisance
Enjoy 72 acres of green space perfect for picnics, sports, or simply relaxing outdoors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Event & Activity Planning
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking can be tough; consider garages, metered spots, or ride-sharing.
⛸️ Ice Skating Fun
Great for families, even 'Skating with Santa' events! Bring your skates or rent them.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Spacious and clean, ideal for picnics and outdoor events. Bring a chair for festivals!
🎶 Event Hotspot
Hosts music festivals like Bantu Fest and Hyde Park Jazz Fest. Check schedules!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking can be tough; consider garages, metered spots, or ride-sharing.
⛸️ Ice Skating Fun
Great for families, even 'Skating with Santa' events! Bring your skates or rent them.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Spacious and clean, ideal for picnics and outdoor events. Bring a chair for festivals!
🎶 Event Hotspot
Hosts music festivals like Bantu Fest and Hyde Park Jazz Fest. Check schedules!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Midway Plaisance for its historical significance, spacious green areas, and winter ice skating. It's a versatile park that hosts lively festivals and offers a great escape for families and individuals seeking outdoor recreation and cultural experiences. Some find parking challenging during peak times or events.
"Parkland with notable historic significance from the 1893 World’s Fair. Ice skating in the winter, sports fields, and places to relax. Lorado Taft’s Fountains of Time sculpture is on the west end, and the Obama Institute is to the east. Recommended."
cliffb1930
"Great place for the whole family to get off the screens and enjoy one another's company while ice skating. Skating with Santa 2024"
A Night
"Visited this location for the Hyde Park Summer Fest. Really enjoyed my self nice set up and a variety of different vendors and food trucks to choose from. There’s was a long walk to the gate entrance and you should most definitely bring a lawn chair. Overall experience was good."
Mimi Kelly
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Midway International Airport (MDW), you can take a taxi or rideshare service directly to Midway Plaisance, which is about a 20-30 minute drive depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can use public transportation by taking the Orange Line train towards the Loop and transferring to a bus route that serves the Hyde Park area.
The CTA 'L' trains (Green Line or Red Line) can get you close to Hyde Park. From there, local bus routes like the 15 or 63 will take you directly to or near Midway Plaisance.
Parking can be challenging. While there are some metered spots and lots, they fill up quickly, especially during events. Consider using parking garages in the vicinity or opting for ride-sharing services or scooters.
Yes, electric scooters are a popular way to navigate the area if you can't find close parking. They offer a convenient way to cover the 72 acres of parkland.
Midway Plaisance is a great destination for cyclists, with paths and ample space. It's also a scenic route connecting Jackson Park and Washington Park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Midway Plaisance itself is a public park and is free to enter. However, specific events held within the park, such as festivals or concerts, may require tickets.
Entry to the Midway Plaisance Ice Rink is generally free, but there might be a fee for ice skating sessions or skate rentals. Special events like 'Skating with Santa' may have separate ticketing.
You can find information on upcoming events, including music festivals like Bantu Fest and Hyde Park Jazz Fest, on the Chicago Parks District website or through event organizers' social media pages.
Some event organizers, like Bantu Fest, offer discounted tickets in advance, often through a link in their social media bio. Following event pages can help you snag early bird deals.
As a public park, Midway Plaisance is generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific facilities like the ice rink will have their own operating hours, which vary by season.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy ice skating in winter, play on sports fields (soccer, volleyball), have picnics, relax, and explore the Fountains of Time sculpture. It's also a venue for various festivals and events.
Absolutely! It's a spacious and clean park perfect for family outings, picnics, and ice skating. Kids can enjoy the open spaces and recreational facilities.
The Fountains of Time is an iconic sculpture by Lorado Taft located on the west end of Midway Plaisance, offering a contemplative artistic experience.
Public restrooms are typically available within the park, especially near facilities like the ice rink or during organized events. It's always a good idea to check the Chicago Parks District website for specific amenity information.
Yes, the spacious and clean grounds make it an ideal location for picnics and events. For larger gatherings, you may need to check with the Chicago Parks District about permits.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
During events like festivals, you'll find a variety of food trucks and vendors offering diverse culinary options. For everyday visits, consider bringing your own picnic or dining at nearby restaurants in Hyde Park.
Events often feature a wide range of food trucks, offering everything from classic festival fare to international cuisine. You might find options like chicken, BBQ, and more.
Yes, the surrounding Hyde Park neighborhood has numerous restaurants, cafes, and eateries offering various dining experiences, from casual to more upscale.
Bringing your own food and drinks for picnics is generally welcomed and encouraged, especially for enjoying the park's green spaces.
Alcohol policies can vary. It's best to check the specific rules for Midway Plaisance or any event you're attending, as public park regulations often apply.
📸 📸 Photography
The Fountains of Time sculpture offers a dramatic backdrop. The expansive green lawns, especially during golden hour, and the ice rink in winter provide picturesque scenes.
Absolutely! Winter offers charming ice skating shots, while spring and summer showcase lush greenery and vibrant event atmospheres. Autumn brings beautiful foliage.
Drone usage in Chicago parks is generally restricted. It's advisable to check with the Chicago Parks District or FAA regulations before flying a drone in the area.
General photography for personal use is usually permitted. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always be respectful of other visitors.
People often capture photos of the Fountains of Time, ice skating, family picnics, and vibrant festival scenes. The park's historical significance also appeals to photographers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While parking can be a challenge, the accessibility via public transport or ride-sharing makes it manageable. The park's clean and open environment ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for children to explore and have fun away from screens.
🎶 Music & Culture Enthusiasts
Check the event calendars for dates and times, and consider purchasing tickets in advance for potential discounts. Even outside of major festivals, the park's historical significance and proximity to cultural institutions like the Obama Institute add to its appeal.
🚶♀️ Active & Outdoorsy Visitors
Remember that parking can be difficult, so consider arriving early or using alternative transportation. Bringing a picnic is a great way to refuel after your activities, and the open spaces are perfect for a relaxing break amidst nature.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
Today, the Midway Plaisance is a 72-acre stretch of parkland that connects Jackson Park and Washington Park. It retains its historical significance while serving as a vital green space for the Hyde Park community. Visitors can still feel the echoes of its past while enjoying its present-day amenities. The presence of the Obama Institute further cements its role in contemporary Chicago history.
Winter Wonderland: Ice Skating
Whether you're a seasoned skater or a beginner, the rink provides a welcoming environment. You can rent skates on-site, making it easy to join in the fun even if you don't own your own pair. Special events, like 'Skating with Santa,' add an extra layer of magic to the experience, making it a memorable outing for children. The rink is a testament to the park's year-round appeal, offering a vibrant contrast to its summer activities.
Events and Festivals: A Community Hub
Notable events include the Bantu Fest, celebrating African culture, and the Hyde Park Jazz Fest, showcasing incredible musical talent. Visitors can expect a diverse array of food trucks, vendors, and performances, creating a vibrant atmosphere. It's highly recommended to check event schedules in advance, as these can significantly impact your visit and offer unique opportunities to experience the local culture.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit