Midway Plaisance - text
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Midway Plaisance

4.6
·821 reviews·Chicago, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Winter mornings

Crisp air, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Midway Plaisance - text

Midway Plaisance

Best Time

Winter mornings

Crisp air, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.6
(821 reviews)

"Great place for the whole family to get off the screens and enjoy one another's company while ice skating."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ice Skating Rink

Ice Skating Rink

Midway Plaisance Ice Rink

Glide across the ice in winter, a classic Chicago experience for all ages. Perfect for family fun!

Instagram
Fountains of Time

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

Sprawling Parkland

Entire Midway Plaisance

Enjoy 72 acres of green space perfect for picnics, sports, or simply relaxing outdoors.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

While Midway Plaisance is a year-round destination, consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds, especially if you're planning for events or specific activities like ice skating. Check local event listings for festivals and gatherings that might impact accessibility or crowd levels.

Event & Activity Planning

Midway Plaisance hosts various events, from music festivals like Bantu Fest to ice skating in winter. Check the Chicago Parks District website or local event calendars for schedules and potential ticket information to make the most of your visit. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Winter mornings
Why
Crisp air, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings
Why
Festivals and cool breezes
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Avoid weekend event crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

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@santipenedo5_
34K likes • 495.1K views

🚗 Parking Challenges

Parking can be tough; consider garages, metered spots, or ride-sharing. TikTok

⛸️ Ice Skating Fun

Great for families, even 'Skating with Santa' events! Bring your skates or rent them. Instagram

The homestead Crater @visitutah #visitutah #forevermighty #homesteadcrater
@thebellamyadventures
24.1K likes • 276.2K views
The UChicago Figure Skating Club, a student-run RSO, offers the Learn To Skate program and group sessions at Midway Plaisance Ice Rink. In winter, students volunteer to teach skating to local children, fostering fun and improvement. Open to all UChicago students, regardless of experience, the club provides lessons and group practice, accommodating individual schedules. While currently using the Mi...
uchicagoadmissions
330 likes • 12.3K views

🧺 Picnic Perfect

Spacious and clean, ideal for picnics and outdoor events. Bring a chair for festivals! Reddit

🎶 Event Hotspot

Hosts music festivals like Bantu Fest and Hyde Park Jazz Fest. Check schedules! Instagram+1

if you’ve ever been to hyde park, you couldn’t have missed the midway plaisance! almost 72 acres connecting jackson and washigton park! it was built in 1871 and was part of a larger plan by the south park commission. you can read more about the history on the @chicagoparks website, but “The designers envisioned an intricate system of lushly planted lagoons covering about one-third of the Lower D...
77flavorschi
689 likes • 15.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Challenges

Parking can be tough; consider garages, metered spots, or ride-sharing. TikTok

⛸️ Ice Skating Fun

Great for families, even 'Skating with Santa' events! Bring your skates or rent them. Instagram

🧺 Picnic Perfect

Spacious and clean, ideal for picnics and outdoor events. Bring a chair for festivals! Reddit

🎶 Event Hotspot

Hosts music festivals like Bantu Fest and Hyde Park Jazz Fest. Check schedules! Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.6
(821 reviews)

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

Historic significance
Spacious parkland
Winter ice skating

What People Dislike

Parking difficulties

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ 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. InstagramReddit+1

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. Reddit

The Fountains of Time is an iconic sculpture by Lorado Taft located on the west end of Midway Plaisance, offering a contemplative artistic experience. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. TikTokReddit

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. TikTokReddit

Yes, the surrounding Hyde Park neighborhood has numerous restaurants, cafes, and eateries offering various dining experiences, from casual to more upscale. TikTok

Bringing your own food and drinks for picnics is generally welcomed and encouraged, especially for enjoying the park's green spaces. Reddit

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. Instagram

📸 📸 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. Reddit

Absolutely! Winter offers charming ice skating shots, while spring and summer showcase lush greenery and vibrant event atmospheres. Autumn brings beautiful foliage. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

General photography for personal use is usually permitted. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always be respectful of other visitors. Instagram

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. InstagramReddit+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Midway Plaisance is a fantastic destination for families. The expansive green space is perfect for kids to run around and play. In winter, the ice skating rink is a major draw, offering a fun and active outing for all ages. InstagramReddit Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy on the spacious lawns, and keep an eye out for family-friendly events like 'Skating with Santa.' Reddit

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. TikTok

🎶 Music & Culture Enthusiasts

For those who love live music and cultural experiences, Midway Plaisance is a must-visit. The park regularly hosts vibrant festivals like the Bantu Fest and the Hyde Park Jazz Fest, drawing talented artists and diverse crowds. Instagram+2 These events offer a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the local arts scene, enjoy a wide range of food vendors, and soak up the energetic atmosphere. Reddit

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. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Active & Outdoorsy Visitors

Midway Plaisance offers ample opportunities for outdoor activity. Its 72 acres provide plenty of space for jogging, playing sports like soccer and volleyball, or simply enjoying a long walk. Instagram In winter, the ice skating rink is a prime spot for active fun. Instagram The park's layout, connecting two major parks, also makes it a scenic route for cycling. Instagram

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History

Midway Plaisance is more than just a park; it's a significant historical landmark. Originally conceived as part of a larger plan by the South Park Commission in 1871, it was designed as an intricate system of lushly planted lagoons and boulevards. Instagram Its most famous historical moment was serving as the site of the Midway Plaisance, the amusement area of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. This area was a stark contrast to the grand White City, featuring more popular entertainment and cultural exhibits. Instagram

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. Reddit

Winter Wonderland: Ice Skating

During the colder months, Midway Plaisance transforms into a winter wonderland with its popular outdoor ice-skating rink. It's a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike to embrace the season. The rink offers a classic Chicago winter experience, perfect for families and friends looking for some active fun. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram The rink is a testament to the park's year-round appeal, offering a vibrant contrast to its summer activities. Reddit

Events and Festivals: A Community Hub

Midway Plaisance is a dynamic venue that frequently hosts a variety of exciting events and festivals throughout the year. These gatherings transform the park into a lively hub for community engagement and entertainment. From music festivals to cultural celebrations, there's often something happening to capture your interest. Instagram+1

Notable events include the Bantu Fest, celebrating African culture, and the Hyde Park Jazz Fest, showcasing incredible musical talent. Instagram+2 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. InstagramReddit+1

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