Ping Tom Memorial Park
A tranquil Chinatown park on the Chicago River, offering stunning skyline views and unique Chinese-inspired architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, great light
Ping Tom Memorial Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, great light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil Chinatown park on the Chicago River, offering stunning skyline views and unique Chinese-inspired architecture.
"Some of the coolest views in the city can be seen from this park!"
📸 Capture the Skyline
Visit at sunset for breathtaking city views; it's a photographer's dream!
🛶 Kayak Rentals Available
Rent a kayak to explore the river and see the park from a different perspective.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Chicago Skyline Views
Riverfront
Stunning, often-overlooked views of the downtown Chicago skyline, especially magical at sunset.
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Chinese-Inspired Architecture
Main Pagoda Area
Admire the beautiful Chinese-style landscaping and architecture, offering a unique cultural aesthetic.
Riverfront Promenade
Along the South Branch of the Chicago River
A peaceful walkway perfect for a stroll, offering a tranquil escape with scenic river views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Skyline Views
Chinatown Exploration Hub
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Skyline
Visit at sunset for breathtaking city views; it's a photographer's dream!
🛶 Kayak Rentals Available
Rent a kayak to explore the river and see the park from a different perspective.
💧 Water Taxi Access
Take the water taxi from Michigan Ave for a scenic route to the park.
🚶♀️ Peaceful Strolls
Enjoy a relaxing walk along the riverfront; benches are available for resting.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Skyline
Visit at sunset for breathtaking city views; it's a photographer's dream!
🛶 Kayak Rentals Available
Rent a kayak to explore the river and see the park from a different perspective.
💧 Water Taxi Access
Take the water taxi from Michigan Ave for a scenic route to the park.
🚶♀️ Peaceful Strolls
Enjoy a relaxing walk along the riverfront; benches are available for resting.
❄️ Winter Appearance
The park may look secluded in winter, but it's beautiful once you enter.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Ping Tom Memorial Park as a peaceful, underrated gem offering stunning Chicago skyline views, especially at sunset. Its beautiful Chinese-inspired landscaping and riverfront promenade provide a tranquil escape within the city. While some note it can appear secluded in winter, most find it a delightful spot for walks, picnics, and photography.
"Some of the coolest views in the city can be seen from this park! I took pics to prove it!
Fishing in the river here is also pretty good.
Also... WATER TAXI"
Nate Saint
"Beautiful park to explore. Had I come in the afternoon it would have been a great place for a picnic lunch."
Erica Anderson
"Very nice size park and walking nature area., right on the river. Would highly recommend."
Rachel Arias - Tripp III
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Ping Tom Memorial Park by car, with parking available along 19th/Wells streets, or via the Chicago Water Taxi from Michigan Avenue, which docks at the park's pagoda.
Yes, the Chicago Water Taxi is a popular and scenic way to access the park from other parts of the city.
Free parking is often available along 19th Street and Wells Street. Paid parking options may also be nearby. Arrive early to secure a spot.
The park is conveniently located just about 10 minutes from the Loop, making it an easily accessible destination.
Yes, the park is situated within Chinatown and is a pleasant walk from other attractions like Chinatown Square.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Ping Tom Memorial Park is a public park and does not have an entrance fee. It's a free attraction in Chicago.
As a public park, Ping Tom Memorial Park is generally open from dawn until dusk. Specific hours may vary seasonally, but it's accessible for most of the day.
No advance booking is required for general park entry. You can visit anytime during park hours.
The park occasionally hosts events, such as community gatherings or performances. It's worth checking local listings for any upcoming activities.
Yes, the park is accessible in winter, though it might appear secluded. The beauty of the park is revealed once you enter.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy scenic walks along the river, admire Chinese-inspired architecture, relax on benches, take photos of the skyline, and rent kayaks.
Yes, the park features a playground, making it a family-friendly destination for those with younger children.
Absolutely! The park offers stunning skyline views, especially at sunset, and unique architectural elements perfect for photography.
Some visitors have reported good fishing opportunities in the river at the park.
Yes, with its beautiful landscaping and benches, it's an ideal spot for a picnic lunch, especially on a nice day.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly within the park itself. However, it's located in the heart of Chinatown, offering numerous dining options nearby.
Being in Chinatown, you'll find a wide array of authentic Chinese cuisine, including dumplings, milk tea, and various other dishes.
Yes, bringing your own food for a picnic is a great way to enjoy the park's scenery.
Chinatown is famous for its bubble tea shops, so you'll have plenty of choices for delicious milk tea near Ping Tom Memorial Park.
Visitors often recommend grabbing dumplings from places like QXY Dumplings or enjoying milk tea from Tiger Sugar Chicago, both popular spots in Chinatown.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset offers the most dramatic lighting for capturing the Chicago skyline. Early mornings provide a softer, more serene light.
The riverfront promenade for skyline shots, the main pagoda area for its unique architecture, and the landscaped gardens are all highly photogenic.
Drone usage in city parks is often restricted. It's advisable to check with the Chicago Park District for current regulations regarding drone operation.
Don't miss capturing the contrast between the traditional Chinese architecture and the modern Chicago skyline across the river.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive skyline and park landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details across the river.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combining a visit with a water taxi ride can add an extra element of fun and adventure for children.
It's a safe and engaging environment for families looking for free, outdoor activities in Chicago. 📸 Photographers & Instagrammers
+1 The best times to visit for photography are during sunset for dramatic lighting or early mornings for a serene atmosphere. +1 Don't miss capturing the blend of traditional Chinese architecture with the modern city backdrop. Look for vantage points along the riverfront promenade and near the pagoda for the most iconic shots. The park's relatively uncrowded nature makes it easier to get those perfect, unobstructed photos for your feed.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
You can enjoy beautiful scenery, a peaceful walk, and impressive city views without spending a dime on admission. To keep costs down, pack your own snacks and drinks or enjoy a picnic.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Chinatown via Water Taxi
Travelers often suggest taking the water taxi from Michigan Avenue to Chinatown. This journey not only serves as transportation but also as an enjoyable part of the overall experience, offering great views of the river and the city's architecture.
Photography Hotspots and Best Times
+1 The park's riverfront promenade provides a perfect frame for capturing the city's iconic architecture, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. +1 The unique Chinese-inspired landscaping and pagoda also add a distinct cultural element to your shots, creating a beautiful juxtaposition with the urban backdrop. For the best photographic results, aim for weekday afternoons or early mornings to avoid larger crowds and enjoy softer, more diffused light.
Sunset is particularly magical, bathing the skyline in warm hues and creating a breathtaking panorama. +1 Remember to bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive views and consider a telephoto lens for details across the river. A Peaceful Urban Oasis
The park's unique Chinese architectural elements, including the prominent pagoda, add to its distinctive charm and create a sense of calm and cultural immersion.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit