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6 Things To Do In Chicago's Hyde Park

It's home to a vibrant culture, Chicago's status as a world-class city, and the 44th President of the United States.

Patrick Elliott

Jul 19, 2018

DePaul University

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Patrick Elliott

Chicago's known worldwide for its iconic skyline, impeccable sports teams, and trendy neighborhoods. But what often gets nixed from this list is the Hyde Park neighborhood on the city's South Side. Located about 9 miles from downtown, Hyde Park is nestled next to Lake Michigan, accessible by bus from the CTA Garfield Red and Green Lines or the Metra Electric Line. Here are some of the hidden gems this iconic neighborhood has to offer that are definitely worth checking out.

1. Jackson Park

Jackson Park was home to the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago, which virtually put the city on the map to the entire world as a world-class city. Though most of the buildings from the time are gone, except for the Museum of Science and Industry, the park features many replicas from the exposition, including the golden Statue of the Republic, which welcomes people crossing Hayes and Richards Drives. Moreover, the park also has a Japanese tea garden to unwind from the hustle and bustle of city life, and if Pokemon Go is still your cup of tea, this park is filled with many Pokemon.

Between S. Stony Island Avenue and Lake Shore Drive, between 56th and 67th Streets
Chicago, IL 60637

2. The Oriental Institute

There's no doubt that the presitgious University of Chicago is the centerpiece of Hyde Park. Moreover, the school is also home to a number of free museums, including the Oriental Institute. This museum features countless artifacts from many ancient civilizations, ranging from the Mesopotamians to the Egyptians to some you might not have heard of. Even if you're not an avid fan of archaeology or ancient history, some of these exhibits, including the 16-foot tall "lamassu" sculpture, will have you in awe of the wonders of the past.

1155 E. 58th Street
Chicago, IL 60637

3. Hyde Park Art Center

You may know the Art Institute or the Museum of Contemporary Art, but you may not know the Hyde Park Art Center. This museum, which is free admission, focuses primarily on contemporary art. One of their main goals is to extend the arts to underprivileged parts of the city and foster a dialogue that helps create change for such places. In addition to all of the Instagram-worthy pieces on display, the museum also offers many lectures throughout the year regarding the same issues that they address through their art.

5020 S. Cornell Avenue
Chicago, IL 60615

4. Barack Obama's House

Before he was President, Barack Obama and his family called this quaint house in Hyde Park home. Though still heavily guarded by Secret Service, the home makes a nice little photo-op, or if you're not going to the White House anytime soon.

5046 S. Greenwood Avenue
Chicago, IL 60615

5. Promontory Point

Nine times out of ten you've probably seen a wedding photo taken here. Located right off the Lakefront Trail, Promontory Point is yet another part of Hyde Park where you can escape the congestion of downtown. Enjoy a view of both the neighborhood and the skyline right on the lakefront at this historic peninsula of the city.

5491 S. Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60615

6. 57th Street Books

Walk along 57th Street and you can't miss this hole-in-the-wall bookstore, marked by what looks like a gutted telephone booth. 57th Street Books features a broad selection of books for virtually every taste, as reflected by the University of Chicago community that helps suggest new titles for the store to hold. Moreover, if you have little ones in your family or looking after some, the bookstore is known for its giant kids collection that every youngster will enjoy.

1301 E. 57th Street
Chicago, IL 60637

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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6 Things To Do In Chicago's Hyde Park

It's home to a vibrant culture, Chicago's status as a world-class city, and the 44th President of the United States.

1. Jackson Park

2. The Oriental Institute

3. Hyde Park Art Center

4. Barack Obama's House

5. Promontory Point

6. 57th Street Books

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

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It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

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Email the professor

Attend the first class

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Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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