Jackson Park (Chicago)
Jackson Park is a 551.5-acre (223.2 ha) urban park located on the South Side of Chicago. The park was designed in 1871 by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, then greatly remodeled in 1893 to serve as the site of the World's Columbian Exposition, making it one of the largest and most historically significant parks in the city.
| Jackson Park | |
|---|---|
The Museum of Science and Industry overlooking the Columbia Basin in Jackson Park | |
| Type | Urban park |
| Location | South Side, Chicago, United States |
| Coordinates | 41°46′58.8″N 87°34′38″W |
| Area | 551.5 acres (223.2 ha; 2.232 km2) |
| Created | 1871–1895 |
| Operated by | Chicago Park District |
| Open | 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. |
| Public transit access | Metra: ME at 55th-56th-57th Street, 59th Street/University of Chicago, 63rd Street South Shore Line: 57th Street, 63rd Street |
Jackson Park Historic Landscape District and Midway Plaisance | |
U.S. National Register of Historic Places | |
| Architect | Frederick Law Olmsted, Lorado Taft |
| NRHP reference No. | 72001565 |
| Added to NRHP | December 15, 1972 |
Some of the park's features still reflect the fair's legacy, including a Japanese garden, the Statue of The Republic, and the Museum of Science and Industry. As part of the Woodlawn community area, it extends along Lake Michigan and borders Hyde Park and South Shore in the city.
The parkland was developed as part of an unrealized 1,000-acre (400 ha) addition to the Chicago park and boulevard system, whose other parts include Washington Park and Midway Plaisance.
It was first called Lake Park, then renamed in 1880 to commemorate Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States. The original aquatic islands and lagoons have since been developed to include boat harbors, playing fields, prairie restoration, a golf course, and 63rd Street Beach. The park is the site of the Barack Obama Presidential Center.