The 500-acre Jackson Park, named after President Andrew Jackson, is one of the lushest parks in Chicago's Park District. The park was designed in 1893 by Fredrick Law Olmstead, designer of New York's Central Park, for the World's Columbian Exposition, better know the Chicago World's Fair.

Visitors can traverse through the Wooden Island and feel the East in the serenity of the Osaka Garden, a Japanese garden and one of the few remaining vestiges from when Jackson and its sister park Washington Park hosted the 1893. The only other remnant of the expo is the Palace of Fine Arts, which now houses the Museum of Science and Industry. Every other structure erected for the event was long ago demolished or moved.

In addition, other notable areas include Olmstead's original lagoons; the glided replica of Daniel Chester French's Republica, which once stood much larger at the World's Fair; and the Jackson Park Golf Course. During the summer season, the Jackson Park 63^rd Street beach house is a popular destination for beachgoers.

Other nearby Chicago attractions include the Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, the Oriental Institute Museum, Robie House, the University of Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry.

To cure your hunger, have some creative pizza at Edwardos Natural Pizza (773- 241-7960) just a mile away. Or dine in elegance and enjoy some classic French cuisine at La Petite Folie. Woodlawn Tap also located nearby offers pub grub, beer and a frat house ambiance.

There are many hotels situated in the neighborhood, but Best Western Grant Park or Hyatt Regency McCormick Place are some of the better choices.

Hours:
Mon-Fri 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sat-Sun 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.  

Admission:
Free

Address:
6401 S Stony Island Ave.
Chicago, IL 60637

Tel: (312) 747-6187

Website: http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com